This year has been a roller coaster ride: filled with terror, shock, and adventure. Many of us started this year with hope and glimmer of the good things to come. By March, we were white-knuckling the handlebars of life; similar to an incline on a roller coaster, we had no idea what was ahead of us. As the weeks of the Pandemic Shut Down inched along, our lives halted and hung in the balance of life’s roller coaster incline. Fear and panic filled our hearts, as the entire World shut down. Suspended mid-air with no escape, our only option was to turn to God in the silence.

This mid-year pause gave opportunity for growth, insight, and reflection. Personally, I evaluated the people and things that matter most. In the end, it wasn’t cars, clothes, or collections – it was FAMILY and HEALTH. Every person was stripped of entitlements, and were left dangling with only the essentials of life. Hopefully, this life pause provided time for considering what matter most. Here’s a brief reminders:

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• Health is the greatest wealth
• Material things aren’t the identity & totality of our true selves
• Finances matters- handled with integrity and honorably
• Don’t wait until you’ve lost someone to recognize the value they added
• Bidets and Toilet tissue are vital to mental stability   
• Personal spirituality is an essential
• Ramen noodles taste like steak, when you’re hungry
• Healthy relationships are vital
• Settling for less in life is not an option
• Singing the Happy Birthday song, while washing your hands seems longer than 20 seconds
• Dimming your shine so that others don’t feel intimidated, is self-dislike 
• Cling to those you love, but if they haven’t showered for days, hold your breath
• Safety provides peace, wear masks
• Life is short, don’t forget to live
• Forgive yourself, it’s the only YOU that you have

Although 2020 was filled with loss and pain, I recognized that I am still blessed to ride life’s roller coaster with those that I love. Cherish this year as a time of reflection and appreciation. Keep Soaring, and with help of God we will make it.