Things to Feel Good About
It’s been a gloomy year, and for many, an especially gloomy winter. With all that’s been going wrong, here are a few things that I’m hoping will provide some cheer. 1. The Olympics are happening!!! The IOC has announced that the Summer Olympics will be held in Tokyo from July 23rd to August 8th, 2021. “There is no plan B and that is why we are fully committed to make these games safe and successful,” stated IOC President Thomas Bach. That’s something to look forward to! I’ll be watching as much running as possible, as well as swimming and, obviously, gymnastics. Here’s a question though- are we calling these the 2020 Olympics or 2021 Olympics??? 2. “A Quite Possibly Wonderful Summer.” This article takes an optimistic view of what the summer could look like. A recent study from Columbia University leads researchers to believe that, due to the incompetency surrounding testing efforts, the actual number of Covid infections in the U.S. is likely five times higher than reported. This would mean about one in three Americans has already been infected with SARS-CoV.2, which, combined with the vaccinations, could bring us to herd immunity even before summer. Pandemic expert Juliette Kayyem has stated, “I have plans to travel abroad in August. I feel like the world will start to move well before then.” WELL?… could it be true??? 5. What you’re doing right now. As I finished my run this morning, I was listening to a Rich Roll podcast with author Jedidiah Jenkins. Their conversation was slightly meandering, very interesting, and Jedidiah reminded Rich that there’s someone in a hospital bed somewhere who’s hoping and praying to be able to do what you’re doing right now. I was walking back to my house; there was a cool breeze blowing and a drizzle of rain. I thought how lucky I was to be walking like this instead of in a hospital bed, and also thought “good thing I’m not listening to this while cleaning the toilet or taking out the garbage!” Then I remembered an article by Leo Babauta entitled “How to Be Happy Anytime.” It’s a short read and well worth it. Leo states “Life will suck if you are always wishing you’re doing something else. Life will rock if you realize you’re already doing the best thing ever.” It was one of those Florida mornings where it’s rainy and sunny at the same time, and I tried to find a rainbow. A picture of a rainbow would be perfect to tie this all up in a neat little bow! I couldn’t find one, but that’s okay- the feel of the rain on my arms and face was enough. What do you guys think? Anyone hoping to travel this summer? What’s your favorite Olympic sport to spectate?