For many of us, 2020 has simply been a terrible year, the worst year of our lives. A pandemic the likes of which we have not seen in a century, that has killed over 1.5 million people worldwide, as this is written. A related economic slowdown that has sent many good, hard-working people to the poorhouse. A very feisty and divisive national election which exposed US vulnerabilities and even attacked our underlying democracy, with otherwise good people demonized and with families and friends broken apart by the rancor and unable or unwilling to compromise even a little. A year of backtracking on progress toward addressing climate change and clean energy.

What can we do as people and as practitioners of a healthier planet? I wish I had some great philosophical or even practical words of advice to heal the wounds and solve the problems. I doubt they exist. We all have to move forward slowly, in our own way, by becoming better people. One way is to show gratitude, to show others that even if we disagree, we still care, we respect, we realize others values as unique human beings. And a simple way to do this is express this by writing a personal, heartfelt note.

My gosh, for many people (like me) this can be challenging! As an engineer, I stick to data, facts, conclusions, and do not normally express heartfelt thoughts, I admit. How does one approach this? Here are some tips:

• Come up with a list of people to write. Family, friends, people who will be buoyed by receiving such a note of gratitude.

• Think about each person. Note one or two unique, positive characteristics, even if you may not “agree” with his/her philosophy or lifestyle.

• Say “Thank you”. Consider at least one good thing the person has done this year (gave you support during a difficult time, baked a cake, excelled in some activity).

• Think about how to express the respect you have for this person’s uniqueness.

• Express hope for a happy and meaningful holiday season. And consider next year. Be positive. Express your hope that soon there will be a vaccine, people will be immunized from COVID-19, life will return to normal, and we can share and spend more time together in the future. We will all be happier.

Ideally, these should be handwritten notes. While a bit more work, it’s probably a good idea to write out a draft of what you wish to say before writing the final note; review and edit and perhaps even “sleep” on it before writing the final note. Find nice stationary to write your notes or personalize blank sheets to make it unique and bring joy to others.

This may be one of the most meaningful things you do this Holiday season for your family and friends and – in these tough times – may be remembered the fondest. Enjoy.

Happy Holiday Season and make it a great 2021.

Marc Karell

Climate Change & Environmental Services, LLC