Exactly two years ago today—New Year’s Day 2020—I sat at my favorite table at Rory’s watching the Ferries float by. I was enjoying a meal alone and was truly enjoying my solitude as I contemplated the possibilities for the coming year. Would I find an agent or publisher for my book at one of the writers’ conferences I planned to attend? Would Brittney and I enjoy the European vacation we were planning for September? Would I lower my handicap—after all golf season was only three months away? All good questions which were answered with a big fat “NO” two months later when Covid put us in lockdown. The solitude I had enjoyed on January 1, 2020 was not so enjoyable when it became mandatory.

And now, two years later, Brittney and I are eating our New Year’s Day dinner at Rory’s armed with vaccines and boosters to contemplate the possibilities of 2022. You’re probably saying, “Hey, you forgot 2021.” No, I remembered. While there were some very good things that happened in 2021, it was all too similar to 2020—we are still in the middle of this pandemic and some days it feels like it may never end. I still want to go to Europe or on a cruise (just canceled my January sailing) or go to a sporting event or concert without the fear of Omicron. I guess this is our “new normal” and I don’t like it!

Despite the indisputable evidence that tells me we’re not out of the woods yet, I am cautiously optimistic about this year. Last year was an improvement over 2020, so I am hopeful 2022 will bring more joy than 2021. That being said, I did have some wonderful moments in 2021 as follows:

• I got a break from my solitude when Brittney came home for several months
• After losing my dog, Hanni, in 2020, I adopted Benny in 2021—a wonderful addition to my life
• Golf season was almost normal in 2021
• My book, The Price of Secrets, was published in 2021

So, there was much to be grateful for in 2021. I’m hoping the trend continues in 2022.

I guess what I learned the last two years is that we can find happiness even in the midst of chaos. I have developed closer bonds with friends and family, and I’ve learned to appreciate things that once seemed unimportant. All the little things have added up to a pretty good life. Of course, I want more, but whatever happens in 2022, I will do my best to accept the changes and find joy with those around me—even if we are masked and/or six feet apart. I’m cautiously optimistic.

Happy New Year!

P.S. The Price of Secrets is currently on sale on Amazon. Read the first three chapters for free, but be aware that the story heats up in Chapter four.