For the past (almost) two years, I have felt as though I am bouncing around Doctor Strange’s Mirror Dimension. I just can’t get my bearings. I’m sure many feel this way. This is technically my second pandemic (swine flu hit after college) and I guess that’s the effect they have: uprooting your grip on reality. 

Changes during the pandemic hit different and are especially hard because the comfort food, coffee, movies, etc. you’ve found hold a special place in your heart. During this time you’re already inundated with change, protocol, and legislation out of your control (outside of the norm). Two days ago I learned that one of my favorite drive-thru coffee shops was closing, effective immediately. I had just been there two days prior and learned all of the baristas’ names. I am gutted. The shop also makes the best matcha latte I have ever had. I literally crave the flavor, which got me through some rough mornings over the summer. :'(

I saw a post this morning that noted that the Bernie Sanders inauguration meme that went viral was from this year. That and the coup on the Capitol feel a lightyear away. That was back when I worked in corporate America and they wanted us to continue working that afternoon like democracy wasn’t literally being trampled, in real time.

I have no idea what to expect over the course of the next few months, or with the pandemic, but I typically treat each new year as:

1. The difference of a calendar day
2. A time to be grateful
3. An opportunity to try new things
4. A blessing to spend more time with loved ones
5. Moving faster than I expect
6. If anything can happen

How was your 2021?