The year 2020 was a "no good very bad year." But I'm a half-full kind of girl, so I choose to look at the year differently. I ponder thoughts like what can we learn from the year? How can I change to make any other year better?

There are things I've learned, like it doesn't take much for neighbors and friends to be frustrated with one another, people I never thought would raise their voice. It has taught me how to love and support those who totally disagree with me. I have learned to study topics more closely, choose my words more carefully, and give grace more quickly.

I've always known that connection with people is essential, but maybe we have learned together how valuable our community is. We realize now, perhaps more than ever, the importance of mental and emotional health. I know that I must make time for family more often with the coming year, and even if I'm busy, a phone call to a friend is important. I love the idea of doing more creative activities together, which we have learned to do this year. Technology has served my family well. This year alone, we have had Zoom conference calls every month, something we have never done before. We talk for at least an hour, and I love the ability to connect. It's not the same, but far better than a phone call.

We've also learned we can do without. We don't need to buy everything we think about nor, for that matter, every household supply. And although The Grocery store has done an excellent job, there have been times she couldn't get the supplies she ordered, but we did without just fine.

I love to travel, but I have learned those trips can wait. Yesterday I did a viral tour of a museum in France. I've also earned there are beautiful places here. I've learned to walk or drive by the same places I've done for years and see them differently. I've learned to sit and see them again, recognizing I live in a beautiful area.

To be thankful daily. What a concept. I've always known that it's important but a difficult attitude to maintain during more difficult times that dragged on for months. However, there were things to be thankful for. Little things like children's laughter, smiling eyes from friends, waves saying good morning. I tried new recipes and learned to enjoy experimenting.

This year has challenged me to take a different path. I had fallen into the same pattern for years, and because that pattern no longer worked, I had to think differently. This year has taught me to take a different path, and it's been good. I do not regret learning to do so. Something I may not have done if it weren't for COVID. I remembered my father loved the poem by Robert Frost called The Road Less Travelled.

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

I went to take a picture of some trees in total fog with their limbs covered with frost. I love images that have a sense of magic to them, and fog and frost give me that sense of wonder. I got out of the car with my camera and walked across the road to capture that magic. Just then, the sun peaked through. It was glorious to see all the crystals. But it also reminds me that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. Or there is always a half-full crystal goblet ready to celebrate. Have a wonderful new year.