Greetings,

As we bring 2020 to an end and prep for 2021, what are you thinking? Maybe something like,

“I hope 2021 is better than 2020.” I know I’ve been thinking it.

But, before we ‘dive right in’ I want to thank each of you for making 2020 better and a bit sweeter. I am grateful for each of you and your commitment to not let all the craziness get the better of you; grateful for your innovation and creativity, and for your sense of humor in what has been a mess of a year.

My brother’s Christmas card just about summed 2020 up:

Nothing we could do but Unleash the Joy… (pay attention to the fine print) Since 2020 Went to the Dogs!

Best Christmas card ever.

In a year filled with banana oil, applesauce and newspeak, we had a choice to make. Unleash the Joy or succumb to despair.

It’s a choice. Always. Sometimes it doesn’t feel like it. But it IS a choice.

And ‘The Fine Print’?

There is ALWAYS an important message in the fine print, the part we are most likely not to read.

I found this in my journal in a section on brain science:

‘Our brains are designed to seek novelty. When we experience novelty, we are more likely to remember something or adapt to new learning. Our brains also love routine. The human brain thrives on repetition rather than constant disorder.’

2020 had it all – novelty, monotony, and repetition.

What is the sweet spot? How do we find it? How will we make 2021 what we need and want it to be? You can do a vision board, make New Year’s Resolutions, vow to yourself to make a change.

STOP right there. It’s easier than you think.

START by paying attention, right here and right now.

Pay attention to the small things, the nuances. The need to move, to take a deeper breath, to take a nap. The need for a walk, even if it’s 5 minutes out and 5 minutes back. The need for connection.

Pay attention, listen to your inner wisdom, and then take an action. Reach out. Make a call to someone you’ve not talked with for a while. Afraid you’ll get stuck on the phone? Head that off at the pass. Tell them up front you only have a few minutes but wanted to reach out.

Something in the back of your mind? Can’t put your finger on it? Take a minute and write whatever comes to mind down on paper, an index card, a post-it. One thought per card. Make a pile, a trash can full if you need to. Empty your mind.

Pay attention. Right here. Right now.

What do we do in 2021? Pay Attention. To the fine print. Your Fine Print.

And a big thankyou to all our Pets! Hat’s off to our dogs and puppies, cats and kittens. For many of us, they got us through.

Thank you, and Happy New Year!

Meet at the Table. Leave Together.