SLICE OF LIFE: New hobbies, accomplishments continue to inspire in New Year
Thinking back on 2020, I realize it was a difficult year. A “new normal” had to be made and many issues in our country came up. But, I was inspired in January when the story of Myah Lehman unicycling 1,000 miles in 2020 was submitted to the paper.
“What an accomplishment!” I thought, which was quickly followed in my mind by “I can’t even ride a unicycle!” Well, I’ve tried, but that’s a different story – insert laughing emoji. However, there are some accomplishments or things I did this past year because of 2020.
First off, I began to write for the paper. Well, it didn’t start out that way — I just submitted a poem about how it was to wear a mask in a store for the first time. That poem led to other stories and other interviews and articles. I’m not sure I would’ve started writing for the Gazette had it not been for the pandemic.
Another thing that happened was that my kids got to learn to cook more and work in the kitchen more. They complain less when they are asked to work around the house. And, we got to spend lots of time together as a whole family since my husband was home so much.
I became even more thankful for where we live. I couldn’t imagine being stuck in an apartment in a city, and I was so glad we could be outside in fresh air. Seeing how the pandemic was affecting other parts of the world made me glad I live in this country.
Hearing of George Floyd and protests urged me to join a book study with my church. We are studying the book, “Be the Bridge,” by Latasha Morrison with a mostly African American congregation in Cleveland, Lee Heights. I’m not sure what will come of this, but I feel it’s a step in the right direction.
I prayed more for our government, our country, and the world.
Many friends and I got to go on walks. Because of those walks, I was able to stay more sane during a shaky year, I learned I like walking, but it also helped me train to run again. I’m currently training for a 12.5K race.
I appreciate hugs and eating with others more. I could almost list the people outside my household that I did either with. They are fond memories.
Podcasts became something I listen to. Two of my favorites are called “The Next Right Thing” and “The Lazy Genius.” I’ve also learned how to navigate the online library and have enjoyed books like “After the Last Border” by Jessica Goudeau and “Northanger Abbey” by Jane Austen.
Zoom became not just an onomatopoeia for going fast, but a place I could see loved ones.
On my dad’s side, I have close to 30 cousins around the country. Normally we don’t see each other at all. This year, we got to have two family reunions on Zoom. I also learned how to host a meeting and how to share a screen. Hey, for those of us who are technologically challenged, this is an accomplishment!
What about you? Are there new things you added or purposefully took out of your life in 2020? Maybe there’s something you accomplished or enjoyed that normally you wouldn’t have?
Or, maybe, just maybe, you finally did it, and you learned to unicycle?
What are some things you did in 2020 that you accomplished that you normally wouldn’t have? Email me at JacquiLHershberger@gmail.com or post a response on the Gazette & News Facebook page. Let’s see the good that came out of 2020!
