From the Bottom of the Bucket

“So you say this is Christmas

Well, what have you done?”  - John Lennon

Home for the Holidays

It’s Christmas morning at the Cole household.  “I’ll be home for Christmas” has a whole new meaning this year as my wife Sandy and I begin our ninth month in the special mode of isolation. This is added to the long list of adjustments everyone has had to make in 2020.   All this change has forced us to dig deeper into ourselves and find ways to honor how we affirm what we really believe in and the actions we adopt as the “new” normal.

One of the aspects that changed almost immediately was my exercise.  With the closure of the gym, I had to retool my weekly routine.  Which meant my cardio work went from elliptical to walking. It seems ironic to me that at this late stage of my life that I, my balance having improved since the days of my infancy, should return to the activity that I started out on,

My walks take me thru a park nearby, which the city has closed to automobile traffic so pedestrians can walk in solitude.   Each time I walk, I pass people with a greeting that normally goes “good morning”, but on Christmas Eve I replaced it with “Merry Christmas”.  While some stare ahead, oblivious to the world around them, most people acknowledge the greeting with one of their own.  It was during this walk that I had my first “peace on earth” Moment.

I felt the joy and kindness in each Merry Christmas, as people who wanted nothing more than a simple connection to humanity that has been missing so much from this year. The sincerity of this connection felt good.  It wasn’t a simple gesture, but a phrase that embodied the message of the holidays, peace on earth good will to men.

During these challenging times, don’t forget that there is good to be found in our daily Activities, remember to embrace the positive possibilities of the moment.  It takes a special effort, but the rewards are worth it. 

Until next month, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Bob