As we begin this new year, who does not hope for a better year than that which preceded it? Who does not wish for a life without COVID? No doubt, there are many who now wish for a simpler life. These are the people who were grateful to step off the speeding train that they had hoped would take them to a life of success. The red traffic light of COVID brought them to an abrupt halt, like the giant arms that prevent crossings at a railroad track. Forced to stop, these people discovered a moment of peace. Perhaps they have discovered that they would like to take a permanent vacation from the constant striving, rushing about, and grasping for something that has always eluded them. Perhaps they have discovered that what they had been seeking was inside of them all along.
The “American Dream” is just that – a dream. The attainment of dreams does not always provide the happiness that is anticipated. Often, that dream carries a heavy price tag. It requires sacrifice. Sometimes others are hurt in the act of bringing our dream to life. Dreams can be like a double edged sword. We must ask ourselves if, in the attainment of our goals, will we be harming others along the way? If the goal of our dream is to benefit all, including ourselves, it is probably worthwhile; but if we believe that the goal is for us alone, with the purpose of bringing only ourselves happiness, chances are good that we will reach a dead end.
COVID has given many people the opportunity to re-evaluate what is important and what they truly want from life. Learning to be grateful for the upheavals in our lives is our greatest challenge. When we can say thank you for the adversities we have had to face, they begin to disperse. When gratitude becomes the essence of our daily mode of showing up in life, our world is transformed. Our dreams become not something that we must reach for, but something that easily and effortlessly unfolds from within us. This is the peace that will carry us into the next moment, the next week, and the new year.
