It’s the last day of November which brings us to the last day of #bloglikecrazy, which is a challenge hosted every year by See Jane Write founder Javacia Harris Bowser. SJW is a blogging and writing group I’ve had the pleasure to be a part of almost since its founding nearly ten years ago. In past years I’ve actually posted 30 posts in 30 days, once featuring recipes and once featuring Southern sayings.
This year my plan was to post about 30 lessons I’ve learned in 2020. Did I make it? Nah…not this year. And sure I’m a little disappointed in myself. But in a year like 2020, I choose to celebrate the posts I did get written and not bemoan the ones I didn’t.
Also, when I wasn’t writing, I painted this picture.
And I made this pie.
And I rode my bike.
And I did a lot of other stuff that wasn’t writing-related but seemed important at the time and made me reasonably happy. So this year is what it is, but don’t worry! I’m not going to let you down by not sharing all the lessons I’ve learned this year.
These were the ones on my list I didn’t get to or couldn’t form a complete essay around. Let’s get started.
- Lists make life easier in so many ways, not the least of which is that you don’t have to write an essay to make a list.
- I’ve learned that my “crisis friends” — the ones who make a special effort to reach out to me, who have shown up for appropriately-distanced visits and stayed in touch, and who have checked in on me to see if I’m alright — were often not the people I expected them to be. Please note that I’m grateful for all my friends and acquaintances who make my life infinitely rich, and I’m not throwing stones at anyone for anything. It’s just an interesting observation.
And finally
- If 2020 has taught me anything, it’s patience. I’m not patient. Never have been. It’s a virtue I have to work really really hard to cultivate. But, this year, we just have to be patient, follow the science and the recommendations, and wait this thing out. We are stronger than we think we are and more resilient. We can do it. I know we can.
And here’s one outtake that didn’t make the final cut — a series of “you know you’re nasty if” lessons. The only one I could think of is “you know you’re nasty if washing your hands for 20 seconds is a burden.” It’s a bad idea all around and smacks of Jeff Foxworthy, which is why it never came to fruition. And that’s why the 31st lesson I’ve learned in 2020 is knowing when to quit.
Which is now.
See you soon with some regular old ramblings!
(p.s. Email me at audrey@audreyatkinswriter.com if you’d like to order a signed copy of my book, They Call Me Orange Juice, for Christmas! The USPS being what it is, get your orders in early for holiday delivery!)
Enjoyed this list, and I’m looking forward to many more.
Thank you!