Yes, 2020 feels like a prolonged gut punch, gasping for air and certainty. We all likely experience a daily range of emotions from fear, anger, sadness and emotional pain to the occasional glimmer of hope. Just remember, uncertainty is the central culprit—it creates such fear and hopelessness. Take a moment, recall, and perhaps write down the answer to these questions:

What can I truly count on?
What is certain and abiding?

We live in a cultural moment of great uncertainty, but stay hopeful, I see good things on the horizon.

I woke this morning thinking of the fabled New Orleans born trumpet player and larger than life character, Louis Armstrong. He managed a positive outlook and contagious hopefulness during the most segregated of times. One of my favorite musicals is the 1956 hit, “High Society” with Grace Kelly, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and Louis Armstrong. Due to Jim Crow laws and racism, Armstrong was not allowed to stay with the other actors filming this reprise of the 40s original film version, The Philadelphia Story.

But this morning, in remembering Armstrong, I thought of his wonderful joy filled tune, ‘What a Wonderful World. How was he able to find so much beauty in such a harsh world? So before you retreat to a dark place, click here and listen to this lovely tune from a black man who knew abuse and sadness first hand but chose still to celebrate the beauty in life.

Now that you’ve done a reset, click here to listen to a holiday playlist curated by PathNorth team member and resident DJ, Nike Beddow. (Song list can be found below)

Stay hopeful, better times await. May all of us go beyond fear, sadness and despair and cling like so many did in ages past to an abiding hope.

Happy Holidays and may 2021 be your best year yet!

Love, Doug