Andy Close
While driving around the other night, I saw in the distance what appeared to be Christmas lights. I thought it was a little early, but as I got closer I discovered they were Halloween lights.
My initial reaction upon thinking they were for Christmas was an eye roll. It’s too early! But then I thought about some of the memes I’ve seen circulating the internet lately, I’m sure you’ve seen them too, about how rough 2020 has been and to just do whatever makes you happy.
Social media is often filled with a pile of crap, to put it nicely, but I think these messages have been spot on.
Not that you need my permission, but do whatever the hell makes you happy!
There’s no denying that 2020 has been rough. Many people have lost their jobs. People who have anxiety, depression and other mental health issues have suffered tremendously. As a people, we’ve been forced to deal with something that was unfathomable at the start of the year.
You know, the start of a new year, when everyone is supposed to count down and wish for all the ways they are going to be better in the coming 365 days. No one saw this coming.
In many ways, this year has brought out the worst in us. But I also believe it has shined a light as well.
So I encourage all of you, and I will do my best as well, to be that light. Be that light for others, but also for yourself.
If you want to put up your Christmas tree today, go for it.
If you want to celebrate Thanksgiving by doing something non-traditional, go for it.
Who cares if it’s normal if it brings joy to your life and the lives of others.
Okay, I know it sounds like I’m getting a bit preachy, my apologies. But I think you catch my drift.
Now, more than ever, and with a presidential election coming up (oh damn, I wasn’t going to go there) that is sure to bring out the worst in some, be the light.
Do you, be you.
As this year reaches its final stages, I encourage all of you to do whatever it takes to bring out the best of yourselves, and of each other.
And if it’s not ‘normal,’ who cares?
This year has been anything but normal, so why should we?
I’ve been feeling a bit down myself lately, and then last night I saw some actual Christmas lights glisten in the night sky. I smiled.
