Life has been tumultuous for many of us during the last few years. I suppose that during such times it is easy to forget the good things that are happening rather than focusing on what appears to be wrong. Optimism often suffers when people are continually worried and most especially when those worries seem to be based on reality. It would do each of us much good to make a habit of noting something wonderful and positive in life on a regular basis and particularly when times feel the most demanding. 

I had more medical problems last year than I had encountered in all seventy six years of my life. That is the bad news but the good news is that I have brilliant doctors who have guided me to better health through it all. My blood pressure is now under control. The concerns about calcium deposits in one of my breasts were set to rest by a biopsy. My back trouble is under control and improving through a series of exercises. I may not have the energy or ability to tackle the world as easily as I once did, but I am still here and still able to get things done at a slower more deliberate pace thanks to the brilliance of caring doctors and nurses.

I had high hopes about the possibilities of our political system when Kamala Harris ran for President. She was exciting and brilliant and experienced. I naively believed that the American people would spurn Donald Trump for all of his shady and unpatriotic practices, but I was so wrong. I have been in a kind of darkness ever since his reelection and were it not for strangers who have shown me how to take defeat and turn it into a positive and hopeful movement toward the future I suspect that I would be deeply hurt and depressed. Instead I now know that there is a cadre of patriotic Americans who truly understand concepts of integrity, intelligence, compassion, and strength who are already demonstrating ways that we might one day return to a United States of America that is welcoming and fair for all. 

I have not been able to travel like I once did. I felt tied down to the responsibility of watching over my father-in-law. I actually became resentful that he was taking so much of my time and energy. I became a burned out caretaker who often dreamed of just running away. I gathered books on caretaking. I reached out to others who have experienced the same kind of situation. What I learned is that I simply just have to ask for help rather than stewing in the resentment that I now lack my freedom. I plan to travel again this year and will be able to do so because I am not going to be afraid to ask members of my family to help with some of the responsibilities that my husband and I have shouldered alone. I am also now able to speak more honestly to my father-in-law about concerns that I have heretofore stoically hidden inside my heart. I see happier times ahead for all of us now that I have a plan.

My brothers have developed many health problems in the past year. I became quite morose in worrying about them. Instead we have now promised to meet and spend time together on a regular basis. Rather being continually anxious about what may happen to them I plan to enjoy them and think about the worst case scenarios only when and if they happen. I don’t want to steal my own joy by overthinking what my future with them may be. Instead I plan to live in the here and now with them. 

As I grow older my life changes more dramatically than it once did. I attend more funerals of friends and family members. it is difficult to watch my circle of people grow smaller through such losses. At the same time there are new people entering my sphere and I plan to give more time to them. I know they will not replace those that I so loved but they will be new members of my evolving life. I know that they will fill the voids that I have been feeling.

My paternal grandfather lived a long and happy life. I think that his secret to longevity lay in his willingness to adapt all along the way. No matter what happened to him he managed to find joy even as the changes became more and more consequential. He was open to new ways of living and he always proclaimed that the good old days were all in the marvelous presence. He celebrated the goodness and ingenuity of humans while also marveling at the heroes of the past. He was a modern man who also cherished his history, even the most difficult moments. 

So here I am with the resolve to get past any difficulties that may arise by taking the time to notice what is good in my life. In doing so I suspect that I will find that my blessings far outweigh my challenges. I plan to make this a very good year.