Why not Thanksgiving in July?
Dr. Berney Wilkinson  Ledger columnist  If you are like me, you may find it hard to believe that it is already July. Half of 2021 is behind us. Although it feels that these months have gone by in a flash, a look back suggests that we have come a long way. Just a few months ago, stores required customers to wear face coverings. Churches and social groups were holding services and meetings virtually. All of us hoped there would be some relief as we left 2020 behind and looked ahead at 2021. Today, the most recent CDC guidelines allow most of the Masks Required signs to be taken down. Even our public schools have lifted mask mandates. We are finally able to return to some of our former life activities, from going out to eat in the restaurant to catching a movie at the local theater. One of the most important things that we are all looking forward to is the ability to celebrate holidays with our friends and loved ones. From Easter 2020 until Easter 2021, we were encouraged to keep holiday celebrations somewhat muted. We were constantly reminded to avoid crowds and to resist the urge for large family gatherings. Instead, we stayed home and spent time with each other on Zoom or FaceTime. It was neither normal nor desirable, but it was better than nothing. All of that is about to change. This weekend, we recognize the July Fourth, Independence Day. Firework displays are scheduled and cookouts with family and friends are planned. This year, Independence Day will take on a whole new meaning as we regain some of the freedoms that we had to give up during the pandemic. And then it hit me. Maybe we should transform this July Fourth into a hybrid. I am not suggesting that you replace your burgers and ribs with turkey and dressing, but maybe it is an appropriate time to reflect on the last six months and consider all that we have to be thankful for. We have come a long way in the last six months. Many of us have lost so much more than we ever feared, and our lives have been forever changed. Still there is much for which we can be grateful. And we are still pressing on, making the best of a challenging situation. Our lives may never be the same, but they will still be our lives. So, as you gather this weekend, take a moment to acknowledge all that we have overcome during the first six months of this new year. Despite all, we are moving forward. Surely, that is more than a sufficient cause for celebration. Happy Independence Day! Dr. Berney, a licensed psychologist with Psychological Associates of Central Florida in Lakeland, is a national speaker and the co-author of Handbook for Raising an Emotionally Healthy Child. Listen to Dr. Berney's podcast, The Mental Breakdown, on iTunes and YouTube. You can submit questions or topics to Dr. Berney by email at drberney@pacflorida.com.