"Seeing" 2019 in the rear view and 2020 on the horizon

Reflections

2019 is drawing to a close and we will be having our last Support Group of the year tonight at 7 pm.  Yes of course, there will be many more in 2020, 12 to be exact, and the schedule is posted a little further down in this missive.  That said, the last of anything presents an opportunity to look back, to look ahead, and to look around – where have we been, where are we now, and where are we going?

Next year is 2020 and I can’t help but “see” that as a metaphor for vision and for sight.  Forgive me if other authors and pundits have made the same observation - I swear I haven’t read their writings.  I gather you are aware that you can look without seeing and listen without hearing and if you do either - you don’t get much out of the experience.

I am not much for New Year’s resolutions but I love having goals.  My issue with resolutions is that all too often -  when we struggle to keep them, when we lose our resolve - we feel disappointment, guilt, shame, and a host of other negative emotions that may keep us from rallying and doing at least some of what we had resolved to do.  I understand that it may just be semantics - but goals feel a lot less threatening to set and to achieve - or not - with far less emotion.

As we move on to 2020, let us set as a goal - to look and to see, to listen and to hear - not only those around us but ourselves.  Let us remember that “selfish” is not a four letter word and that if we don’t care for ourselves - no one else will.  Let us be kind to ourselves, acknowledge our needs, and work to see that they are met.  Let us be aware of our blind spots and strive to see around them.  Let us not be deaf to our own cries for love, attention, understanding, and acceptance.  If we reach only half of these goals, even if only half of the time, we will all be happier and healthier for it.

Good luck - though luck only plays a small part.  More important - is as the Nike ad says - to “Just do it!’

As promised - here is the 2020 Support Group Schedule.  All Groups on Wednesdays.  All Groups at 7 pm.  All Groups open to the SWLS family and extended family.  I hope to see you there.