In a world filled with constant news articles about violence and shootings, political issues, COVID vaccine mandates, and crime out of control in areas, it is hard to find positive news to read.

I try very hard not to post or write negative thoughts or ideas on my blog or social media platforms.  It is too easy for people to post unkind or confrontational comments on their socials, mainly because there is no fear of backlash.  I would bet that majority of the people who make these posts would never do so if confronted face to face. I find it very sad that so many have lost their ability to communicate effectively and to be kind.

Here are some positive notes:

1. When my family and I go out to eat, I thank the wait staff for everything they do.  In a time of a labor shortage, we need to thank those workers who show up and do a great job.  Tip them well.
2. I try to support many of our local small businesses.  They are struggling with not only the labor shortage, but also with increased costs of materials and supplies.
3. My daughter and I recently went out for dinner prior to attending a play at the theatre.  We could see the restaurant was short wait staff and our waitress was doing her best handling majority of the tables. I gave our waitress a $100 bill to cover our meal and she returned with my change.  While counting the money to leave her a tip, she accidentally left my original $100 bill on the clip with my change. I immediately called her back to our table and handed her the $100 bill and said she accidentally left it on the clip. She thanked me and you could see in her eyes how shocked but grateful she was that I gave her the money. 
4. New holiday tradition – my immediate family decided last year that we have all reached the point where we do not “need” anything for Christmas.  Time with each other or helping with a home project is more important to us.
   1. So last year, my husband and I helped build my father a new, sturdy deer stand and to get him out of the height of the trees. 
   1. My husband and I flew to TX for Thanksgiving (his favorite holiday) to visit with our son, who is serving in the US Air Force.
   1. My husband, our daughter, and myself decided to only spend $20 on one person.  So, we drew names then set out for Darlington Holiday Warehouse.  This is an incredible store opened only during holiday season with over 2 million items for $1.99.  We each got our own cart and set off in different directions in the store to buy our $20 worth of deals for our one person.  It was so much fun trying to avoid each other in the store so we couldn’t see what goodies we were getting.  After our shopping spree, we all went out for a wonderful dinner.  On Christmas morning, we had so much fun opening those wonderful surprises. This has now become our new family tradition.

Here are my thoughts about COVID and the pandemic.  I keep my family and friends in my constant prayers asking God to protect them and give healing energy to those that are sick.  There is no judgement from me whether you have taken the vaccine or choose not to.  It is none of my business.  I do wish more people would realize this fact.  Each person has to choose what is right for them.  I will say that I get very tired of being asked whether I have been vaccinated and reasons why/why not.  It truly is no one’s business but mine.  I think the population, as well as the government, has forgotten privacy, especially when it comes to one’s health.

My advice to others:  Remember that you don’t know what struggles each person is facing.  Be patient and kind! Give others the benefit that they are doing the very best they can while facing those issues.  Remove judgement because it is at the root of most negative interactions with others.

The Four Agreements, by Don Miguel Ruiz, is a great reminder to us.  I keep this picture in my phone as a reminder:

1. Be impeccable with your word.
2. Don’t take anything personally.
3. Don’t make assumptions.
4. Always do your best.