Deuces, 2020

 What a year, huh? Fabulous vacations, lots of get togethers with friends, peace on earth and goodwill towards men..

Source: Giphy 

So, yeah, it hasn't been what everyone wanted. I have learned a lot, though, and I wanted to share my end-of-the-year-that-feels-like-it-may-never-actually-end thoughts. 

1. The 24-hour news cycle is a mixed bag. It's amazing that we can know what is happening in another country in real time, but it's also overwhelming AF. It doesn't make decompression easy, and the amount of disinformation that is spread both deliberately and unintentionally is enough to pop my head right off my neck. I took a break from Facebook for those reasons, plus that site always ends up being a frustrating time suck/fantasy land for me. People are either very Vaguebooky and looking for sympathy or extolling the virtues of their perfect lives that we all know aren't perfect. (If you think I'm talking about you, don't @ me. What I think shouldn't bother you, and if it does, take that up with your own self.) I recently went back, but I'm thinking about becoming more of a FB expat at this point. 

2. I'm too old to compromise when it comes to friendship. I think friends are all in or all out: no deception, no shady stuff, no middle school games. Life brings enough drama as is, and I don't need anyone else's nonsense, especially when it's self-created. Shout out to all of my faithful friends who kept in touch this year with phone calls, emails, texts, GIFs, and general messages of love. You know who you are. 💖💖

3. I'm not an outdoors kind of gal. I can totally appreciate nature, but it doesn't bring me the peace it seems to bring others. I used to feel bad about that, but I don't anymore. I'm an indoors gal, and that's okay. 

4. Yes, the news about the coronavirus vaccine is AMAZING, but we're not all going to be immune tomorrow. Just wear the mask and don't get caught up in "BUT MUH FREEDUMS!!!" (This is less of what I have learned and more of a PSA. I would like to go on vacation as soon as humanly possible, so let's make the virus go away, please.) 

5. Lying is gross. I mean, I have always known that, but it has really become obvious in the last year, politically and personally. I sort of thought that was a lesson learned in Kindergarten, but apparently I was mistaken. (And I didn't even GO to Kindergarten.) If you need a refresher, here it is: tell the truth. 

6. Shelter-in-place has made me appreciate my family even more than I already do. It has also made me appreciate time alone.

7. Everyone should work on their souls at least as much as they work on their looks. Lots of people should think about this before getting more Botox or trying a new fad diet.

8. I thought I would have my house in tip-top shape post-shelter-in-place. I do not. If you do, my hat goes off to you. Well done! 

9. Instead of doing so much talking, take a minute to listen. Really listen and don't say a thing. I guarantee that you'll learn a lot. 

10. If someone needs help, you should help them if you can. It's simple, really, and it's the right thing to do. 

As we roll into 2021, I hope that I can remember and embrace these lessons. I'm figuring out how to be there for people but continue to live for myself. It's not always easy, but it's worth it, especially being able to show my children every day what it is to be a decent human being. Happy New Year, y'all.