After what seems like endless weeks and months of loud TV static, times are a changin’! I know I haven’t posted for a very long time, as I have struggled with providing uplifting messages and positivity throughout this f’d up past year (I drop a lot of f bombs – I pay my kids when I swear, and this past year I prepaid).

As friends and family know, I am immunocompromised, which meant keeping my oldest home from school while most of her classmates attended in person class for most of the year (we are very fortunate to have found an amazing school which invested heavily in protocols to allow in person learning to continue all year). I also had to unenroll my 3 year old from her preschool. So it was me, a 7 year old and a 3 year old at home since last March 16 (the date is burned in my brain!).

We managed, we slipped up a lot, but we also thrived. I consider ourselves fortunate to have been able to stay at home together and ride things out.

So why am I now extremely hopeful?

(1) Change of leadership – I can take a deep breath, look my girls in the eyes and tell them with honesty that we have a leader who is serious about covid, equality, inclusion, climate change, preserving public lands / indigenous rights, healthcare, compassion and many more things.

(2) Vaccine – brilliant scientists developed one of the most effective vaccines in history and in record time. Think about it – this time last year we were at square zero, with a president that didn’t believe the virus was real, still going about our daily lives and spreading the virus like wild fire. And now? 2 vaccines with over 90% efficacy being jabbed into the arms of millions worldwide. Because of my personal situation, I am getting my 2nd vaccine shot this Saturday. This means, for me, that 2 weeks after I can send my oldest back to in person learning. Not much else will change – we’ll still wear masks, stay mostly at home, etc. This virus isn’t over yet. Oh, and don’t be selfish – get the f’ing vaccine. If you don’t, my kids could get your virus; your friend could get it; oh, and you could end up in the hospital on a ventilator (this isn’t a joke). This isn’t just about you. Wake up.

(3) Friendships and revived connections – many of my closest friendships have grown even stronger during this pandemic. I had the time to really invest in those people and relationships that matter, and it was reciprocated. It gave me the push I needed to reach out to people I haven’t connected with in years and grow those relationships. A silver lining indeed.

(4) General well being – I struggled during this pandemic as many have. Mental health issues are real, and I took the time to reach out to professionals for help. I reached out to friends for help. I cried on virtual shoulders, I laughed heartily over phone calls / zooms. The point is – I survived and actually leaned on people I trust and love to help me through. A true life lesson.

So, heads up everyone. Things are looking up – the weather might totally suck where you are right now, but take several amazing, deep breaths and focus on the positive. And roll up that sleeve and get the jab!