It's been almost a month since my last blog post. I'm not sure why it's taken me so long to post something. I sat down to write a couple of times and nothing really "came to me." Usually, I can think of a topic, and when I sit at my computer the words flow through me. It's divine and so easy to do. Maybe it's because I was home for a month and stationary? I'm not sure. I looked forward to doing the Holiday "things" that were ahead of me and being home in Idaho for a month the last time I posted a blog. Well, I did the Holiday "things"; Christmas tree, other decorations, holiday parties, time with friends, baking, seeing family and friends in the Midwest! It is such an awesome time to come together as a community. They are available to us at other times of the year, but it's the holiday season when we make the most effort to be with our "people".
One of my fondest memories from growing up in Iowa was loading up the car (a VW Rabbit!) with all the presents, and clothes, my sister and I squished in the back seat and headed to my Grandma's house. It was my maternal Grandmother who raised 9 kids didn't live on a farm and was not Catholic. She lost her husband to cancer when my Mom was 16 and there were still at least 5 kids at home. She had a modest house in a small southern Iowa town, Ottumwa. But at Christmas, everyone would come to her house on Christmas Eve to celebrate. We had a gift exchange (drawing because too many people to buy for) and all kinds of food. I have 14 cousins on my Mom's side of the family, so with the aunts, uncles, cousins, and any other people who stopped over, it was typically a very full house. And we talked, caught up on the latest news, and just hung out in each others' presence.
As I reflected this year on my excitement for the holidays, it's the community and connections that I truly enjoy. I've always liked being around people. But, after Covid, it has taken me a bit to get back into being in groups. This year, I was excited because I flew to Chicago (I'm still in Chicago now), to celebrate the holidays, see my sister, Mom, nieces, and my kids as well as celebrate my Mom's milestone birthday. It wasn't the large number of people that used to convene at my Grandma's, but it was still amazing to be with family and also see friends (in Iowa and Chicago) that I hadn't seen for several months. And we just hung out, ate, caught up, and enjoyed each other's company. I enjoy my solo time, but my soul truly longs for connections with people. And this year was a good year for that. I find solace in helping my family, kids, and friends by being a listening ear and providing my thoughts about situations they may need help with. I am the older sibling of my sister. However, it has been this year that I feel like I'm able to share some of my insight and "light" with her. And it is truly a blessing to be able to do that from a place of neutrality (I'm not trying to push my agenda on any topics) but there to truly be support for her.
Even when I was in Iowa, where honestly that has not felt the best the last few years since my divorce, I was energized by being in busy coffee shops, stores, restaurants, and the public library and seeing people "out and about" and even visiting a friend's Mom in a care center. When I was leaving the care center, one woman was holding what I thought was a live cat. On second glance, it was a stuffed cat. But she was petting the cat like it was her beloved pet, which I'm sure it is. And that took me back to my Dad being sick in 2012-2014 when he eventually passed away from all of the illnesses that attacked his body. I visited him in care centers and I saw people who didn't have anyone visit. Not because they didn't want to necessarily, but maybe they couldn't for other reasons. And that's when it truly struck me how important it is to be in a community with those who are important to you. Now that we are past Covid and the lockdowns, it's seeing those communities start to thrive again. I want to be a part of that!
In my Gap Year off (now almost 9 months), that's been the biggest thing for me....relationships, connections, and community! I know it looks like a lot of travel if you follow me on social media, which I do travel a fair amount, but the things I truly look forward to are the connections! I may travel solo, but usually, I can connect with friends, family, or even acquaintances wherever I go. I know we are reminded of that often...make those connections. Say, "I love you" or go see the person you haven't for a long time. But truly, I encourage you to put aside that "busyness" that will consume many of us now that were are in 2024 and make the connections. Be a part of a community of people. Savor those things and do not take them for granted (I know a little cliche, but so true). Even if it means setting up a zoom call to do that. Since I haven't been working, I haven't had as many Zoom calls and it's made me forget how valuable that is to keep a connection going! I am going to do more Zoom calls this year to keep my community linked!
Have an amazing 2024! And keep those relationships and connections at the top of your list!
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