Yesterday, I embarked on my 47th trip around the sun. Never before have I felt so lucky to start another year-long journey, especially with my parents and James along for the ride.

 

My 2020 birthday marked the last time the four of us enjoyed “normal” indoor-dining celebratory meals. No masks. No social distancing between tables. No temperature checks or hand sanitizer stations set up at restaurant entrances. That all seems like a lifetime ago.

 

I don’t need to go through all the ways New York City, the rest of the state and the rest of the country have changed since this time last year. The most devastating change, of course, being the tragic loss of family members and friends to COVID and other maladies.

 

While all the positive changes we long for won’t happen overnight, I do embrace a stronger feeling of hope as the vaccination process continues. I will patiently wait my turn while the elderly and most vulnerable get their shots. And I’ll continue wearing my masks, washing my hands, keeping my distance and holding off on socializing with the people I miss oh so desperately a little while longer.

 

So as I start another year, I’m a bit more optimistic those get-togethers with family and friends aren’t quite as far off as they were a few months ago. I also find some comfort when I realize we hang on to the daylight a little longer each day as we crawl toward spring. I look forward to getting back to Central Park for the walks and runs that gave my body and soul a powerful shot of positivity. Winter won’t last forever. Nor will the dismal days we’ve muddled through for all these months.

 

I wrap up with a heartfelt thank you to everyone who sent the loveliest birthday wishes via text, phone, email or social media. The cheer from near and far certainly made me feel a little less isolated that the typical days here in New York City. Wishing you and yours good health and safety as we trudge along through 2021, and here’s to more days ahead filled with more opportunities to have fun, be fit and feel fabulous!