For most of us, 2020 has been a year to which we are relieved to bid, "Good riddance!" I’m eager to say so long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, and good-bye to this “unprecedented” span of time.
For me, the past year seems like a big ol’ steamy pile of dung. Today, on the final day of 2020, I’m sporting a swollen, multi-colors-of-bruised, fat lip, compliments of the sharp edge of a metal plaque that plummeted into my face as I was attempting to store it away on a high closet shelf.
And yet, truth be told, even on our crappiest day of the crappiest year, we are surrounded by love.
It’s all a matter of perspective.
For example, take a gander at the cow patty accompanying this blog post. This isn’t just any old heart-shaped piece of sh*t. This particular patty is special because my childhood friend Elaine sent it to me, and because it is an apt metaphor of life.
When Elaine first sent this “for your heart collection,” on Valentine’s Day 2016, my initial response to her was “because even on your crappiest day, you are still surrounded by love.” Since then, I have spent some time musing on the meaning.
This heart of dung was my closing slide when I was honored to speak at a Patient Day for heart valve patients, back when traveling and group gatherings were still considered “normal.” As I advanced to this final slide, (see the photo below of the ginormous cow patty above my diminutive head) I asked the audience, “What do you see?” And I waited. Do you see a pile of manure? Do you see a heart?… Perhaps you see both?
As much as I’m tempted to categorize 2020 as a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad year, in reality, it wasn’t ALL bad. It had some bright spots. Truth is, it was Both/And. 2020 was Brutiful. Just like Life.
I'm learning to see the breauty of heart-shaped cow patties. They seem to contain the meaning of life…
Even on your crappiest day, you are surrounded by love. Susan Strong
Hmmm, a new version of a black cloud hanging over one’s head!