Welcome 2021

Everyone says they're ready for 2020 and its challenges to be history.
We are all wishing each other a better 2021, as if turning the calendar page will change life.  Yet life does not respond to our time.
 
Let’s not forget the beautiful silver linings of 2020 and be grateful. With all the suffering (so much suffering!), death (so much death!), unemployment and financial stress and missed traditions, there blossomed moments of joy, growth, and creativity if we were open to them. Births, weddings, new careers, new homes, new friendships, new jobs, new opportunities, new hobbies graced us. 
 
What I am feeling has been said best by a poet, of course. The 13th century poet Rumi:
 
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

Let’s raise a glass to 2021.  To 
Growth. 
Deeper connections. 
Inspired and meaningful pursuits.  
To being alive. 
Feeling it all. 
Savoring the time we have here, now, with each other.  Really seeing and appreciating each other whether on zoom, email, phone, text or in person.  To laughing. To crying. With Gratitude. 
 
Happy New Year.

Enjoying the wedding of Ali's wonderful teacher Cecily Mullings to her soul mate Jai Herod.

Ali, who was afraid of swimming, decides to take the plunge upon seeing our new pool.