I’ve been trying to finish this post since Thanksgiving. For real. I’m normally a very quick and decisive writer. Ideas usually flow easily…but this year, this subject and the words were harder. I find myself wavering between immense gratitude for my life and intense anger for the lives we’ve scaled back and of course, the lives lost. I swear this isn’t a downer post, but it is a real talk post.

I believe the realm of “fine living” can be as surface or as deep as you want - I’m in the deep end right now. The past 2 years I’ve surrounded myself and my family with all the safety measures and comforts I could think of – our home is filled with areas to nap, read, watch a film, work, play and escape each other. I made a platinum level emergency kit with enough masks, hand-sani, shields and rubber gloves to outfit the whole neighborhood. I bought colorful, soft blankets for our lounge areas, new sheets, kept flowers in the house (thank you Hummingbird! Bouquets). We’re stocked with healthy treats, unhealthy treats, puzzles, books, alcohol, weed >>> kidding but hey, it IS legal. I think many of us instinctively knew that we needed to up the comfort level to ease our anxiety. Our homes became everything, so we fortified it, right? Plus, it gave us something constructive to do since crying and chocolate can only take you so far.

That said, I’ve always thought of myself as a very resilient person. I’m able to shift priorities quickly, usually after asking some pointed questions, but I shift. The past 2 years have been filled with shifts, most notably for me, I shifted to a new job and industry. When I ended my chapter with my previous employer, my pal Kim (my favorite Kim) sent me a huge bouquet of flowers to congratulate me and celebrate my future. As my pal, she knew flowers were my jam. It was a lovely surprise and I was incredibly touched/humbled by the gesture. It dawned on me that in addition to all the material things I’ve surrounded myself with for safety and comfort, my pals are the real safety and comfort in my life. How many texts and calls took the place of face-to-face lunches, happy hours, walks, dinners, coffees, movie nights, trips, shopping, dancing? This post is to recognize that “fine living” includes all the people in our lives who have been there giving love and support and the love we give them. Kim’s gorgeous flowers were the physical reminder of the special love that friends bring to our lives. I miss all my friends and owe them so much gratitude.

Here’s a toast and wish that 2022 brings us a year filled with the most gorgeous moments.

The Most Gorgeous…Gratitude.