Tomorrow isn’t promised, so live today

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 21/12/2021 (1058 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

What a year it’s been. Twelve months of uncertainty and worrisome headline news. Most, if not all, of us have been impacted either directly or indirectly by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. And nobody really knows when it will end. But we are still here. Waking up every morning and forging ahead with our days, doing the best we can.

It’s easy enough to make a long list of some of the harsh and heart-breaking consequences of the pandemic. But it’s the end of the year so I thought instead I’d focus on the positive side of things. I heard Canadian actor/singer Tom Jackson in an interview last week. He said, “the one thing that this world needs more than anything else is joy.” His words really resonated for me. I think we forget sometimes that we are meant to experience joy, that joy exists all around us and is available to us in so many forms, and at all times.

I know I’m not alone when I say that this last year has been a time of reflection like no other. I’ve reviewed my priorities, cleaned house, if you will, taken inventory of what matters most to me and tried my best to focus on that and forget about the rest. The pandemic has left many vulnerable, has reminded us that nothing is to be taken for granted. Quality of life has come centre stage and I think that’s a good thing.

I took my first flight in two years to visit friends in Vancouver last month. The west coast air never felt so good, the rain never felt so refreshing, and every minute with friends was cherished more than ever. Five days there felt like five hours. It all happened so fast but I’m sure glad it happened.

 The Christmas tree went up in our living room early this year. Since mid-November its sparkles and lights have been illuminating our home, the giant hand-crafted gnomes surrounding it bring a hint of playfulness. I’m binge-watching corny Christmas movies because they make me happy. And dreaming of baking cookies.

As the new year approaches, resolutions are often made. Mine is going to be just one. Stop procrastinating. That’s it. No more delaying or putting off anything that’s important. Easier said than done, of course, but with a continuing pandemic, it seems like a wise thing to do.

There’s a new restaurant in our neighbourhood that people are raving about. So rather than wonder what it’s like, I’ve made a reservation at Nola on Tache Avenue to experience it during the holidays. I hope to continue to live life to the fullest, remembering that tomorrow is never promised. I hope you will too. Thanks for reading and here’s a big wish for a new year full of cherished and joyful moments.

Janine LeGal is a community correspondent for St. Boniface.