Sometimes we have to go to the depths of despair to find the core of our being. This has been just such a year for everyone on a global scale. We have to regroup and become the CATALYST!

Dwelling on the past, however, has never helped anyone. The future cannot change, redeem, or soften the past. It is what it is, and we all must accept it. Acceptance, though, is not in hiding from the past, but rather in learning from the past. That is how all of us, one at a time, can look to a greater tomorrow. One small act of kindness is the CATALYST!

Everyone was touched by the virus. We have all looked death in the eye and watched strong, remarkable people succumb to its ghastly demise: wives, husbands, lovers, family members, friends, co-workers, celebrities, world leaders, politicians, doctors, nurses, police officers, first responders, the military, the old, the young, children.

All races, ethnicities, countries, cities, towns, villages, etc., have been touched and reminded of our own humanity. It does no good to get caught up in statistics and numbers and what groups of people are more vulnerable than others because we have seen it change, augment, mutate, expand, decline, and then rise its ugly head again to devour another  statistic. So, find a drop of strength to become the CATALYST!

Whether you reflect in sadness or fantasize about happier times returning, let go! Live your life! But do so safely and responsibly, thinking not only of self or country, but of the entire planet which is home to all. We who remain must be strong enough to be the CATALYST!

These are the hardest words I have ever penned. I may not be much of a CATALYST, but I know my strength is in my writing. I choose to use my strength to face the future. Wish me luck and life! The same to all of you! 

Blessings and love to all the CATALYSTS out there whose STRENGTH and DETERMINATION will give every one of us a new tomorrow. I am writing to every soul upon this planet in memory of every soul we have loved and lost.

–Deborah A. Bowman Stevens