Like most of the world, I am happy to say hello to 2021! I saw the posts celebrating the play on words “2020 won” but I am thankful for the lessons and adventures of 2020. Many, many years ago I decided to remind myself to be present in the moment and not to wish it away because time feels like it is never “on our side.” Over the years I heard people say “I can’t wait until this weekend” or “26 days until summer break.” One day I realized I felt as if I was wishing my life away when I made statements like those.
In 2020 I got on a plane by myself and landed in Amsterdam and had purposely planned a layover that offered me the chance to leave the airport and explore Amsterdam, ALONE! This woman from a small town in Alabama who had rarely left the southern part of the United States explored the major city of Amsterdam ALONE! Well, there were a few other people in the city but I didn’t know a single one of them. I still don’t because I didn’t talk to hardly anyone. Ha Ha!
I also skied in Austria…learned to sail by taking lessons on Italy’s largest lake from an instructor from England. Our son graduated from college. Our oldest child got married to the love of her life. My daughter tested positive for COVID and has survived with me living half way around the world even though this Momma’s heart felt like there was no way I could survive this far away.
2020, you won when it comes to teaching me valuable lessons and reminding me to appreciate those lessons, big or small, near or far…….
Julie, I loved hearing about all your adventures. Your pictures were sometimes a bright spot in a dreary day. Can’t wait to see what this year holds for you, and I get to get a glimpse of it.
Fabulous post and great lessons shared! Thank you!
So very proud of you friend!! I can’t wait to read more. 😁
Can’t wait to read about all of adventures to come!!
Love this Julie Keep posting these wonderful stories. I’m so proud of the woman you have become
Oh my this is wonderful!! I’m so proud of you and thank you for reminding us how 2020 taught and blessed us! I love you!
Love that you are doing this. It inspires me to do more with my journaling. Thank you for showing the other side of the world to us. It was scary seeing what happened to you (Italy) first with Covid, but I rejoiced with you when you could finally get out of your home and see the sites again. Look forward to seeing 2021 with you.