I am thankful for the trying times that have made me more resilient. Amid the chaos of the pandemic and civil unrest, I find myself a bit unsettled, yet, I wake up each day in a virtual paradise. Surrounded by warm beaming sunlight and soft ocean breezes, it’s easy to don my mask and proceed to the store for necessities. Viewing stores gaily decorated for Christmas and smiling cashiers creates a very positive vibe.

I am so privileged to live in a state where “aloha” permeates and settles like dew on everyone in our beloved state.

Each evening my husband and I take a brisk walk, as we walk along, I take in all the beautiful Christmas lights that have appeared in my neighborhood. I appreciate the long hours spent in making such beauty for all to see.

I long for freedom to gather with others, yet I relish the time I have been given to pursue projects I never had time for. I am thankful for the time to turn intrinsically inward for a spiritual awakening of my soul.

Amid the national crisis, I have found peace in knowing I can adapt and I have set new priorities in my life. Thankfully, I can see through a new lens, a country and world that has suffered immensely, yet have come together to help each other at unparalleled levels. I innately feel we will persevere and overcome the difficulties 2020 has presented, I know this because of the positivity that I gain from family and friends who text, call and extend their greetings every single day.

These rays of light illuminate my existence and help me navigate the tumultuous waves of our news that crash and ebb. I am thankful for living in times that test my stamina. I miss what’s been taken from us, but I am grateful I can truly examine what is important in my life, and what I find most important, is being able to be thankful every day.

During the holidays, I often reflect on the past year. This year I look forward to what is present and ahead. The Christmas season can be a joyful time of year if I’m thankful and ready to spread cheer.

Within my home I can create an atmosphere of gratitude and resilience. I can carry on traditions and keep my heart light. The tradition of putting ornaments on the tree is always so invigorating. Each ornament has a story, like each member of our family. Memories are gold, especially during Christmas.

I am enriched when I can laugh over events that surround Christmas. Gifts that didn’t work but brought laughter. Christmas recipes that were gaily made but somehow fizzled at the table. These memories administer hope to those who have lost it and enliven spirits that have waned with worry. I can retrace the past year and remember that I have survived with love and gladness in my heart.

When Christmas is over, then I find myself grateful for all the possibilities a new year can bring forth. I have countless New Year’s resolutions that I will strive to make happen.

It’s so exciting to feel a new year is ahead. It’s nice to wonder and speculate how much more happiness I can envelop within the boundaries of my heart. A new year means a new and better me, we can all improve. I am glad with each passing year I can acknowledge the lines and wrinkles and welcome them. My wrinkles show I have lived fully and to live fully is to be thankful every day!

Carol Wong, recently retired, is a loving wife and mother of three grown children. She has lived on Oahu for 45 years.