And in 2020...

So, here I am. Sitting in my cozy living room where I have spent more hours this year than I ever imagined. The thought passes that I am grateful that I enjoy and find contentment in my little space. I like to explore and see and experience things. A picture or story might be an inspiration for me in order to fuel an idea for my own exploration, but it brings me only fleeting excitement, if any. I feel alive and energetic when I see for myself, touch for myself, taste for myself, know for myself the direct experiences of life. Then, once done, I am poised and ready for the next new experience. But, 2020, you paused my spirit while in full tilt. You pushed a pause button on my busy routine and forced me to see that my spirit also has potential for another facet in which to take joy. Joy in simple. Joy in routine. Joy in not only accepting, but embracing the pause that was pushed without my consent.

"Stay at home". That phrase held other connotations in the past. The idea of rest. The idea of luxury to "do nothing". And now, staying at home has been implemented as our new normal. Many times I have given thought as to whether we have strayed too far from this routine of the past when families would routinely be at home and together or less hectic schedules afforded the opportunity for long walks and long talks.

My routine now has become taking a long walk each night in an aimless wandering around my neighborhood. I have met a few people and a greater number of faces become familiar, even as they have become half clothed in a mask over the last few months since masking has become gradually more common, and now standard outerwear. More than the distant and limited nodding to these faces, I have taken the time to look around myself. I have "found" hidden driveways, beautiful driveway entrances and doorways, appreciated flowers blooming and fruits growing.