Sara Sandstrom-Kobi, Peak to Peak. Everywhere I have lived I have seen amazing sunrises and sunsets. In rural southern Indiana among the farmer’s fields. On the northeastern prairies of South Dakota. Among the moraines of northern Wisconsin. From my window in old Communist block housing in a village in Slovakia. Among the spires of Prague. On the South Carolina shore. To the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. 

Each time I make an effort to pause and take in the spectacular view. I am amazed by the colors, the clouds and how quickly it can disappear. In this new year of 2020 take the time to look at the spectacular views around you. Maybe it is your kids peacefully playing together. Listening to your mom sing. Enjoying your dad’s belly laugh as he tells another story. Maybe it is watching big snowflakes gently falling to earth or those beautiful sunrises and sunsets that make us stop and realize how amazing the world is. 

Each day brings new opportunities and possibilities if we have the courage to embrace them. Watch the sun rise above and drip below the horizon and be grateful for the day ahead and the day that is passing. Learn every day. Whenever I have grumbled or complained about something, like having to try a new food or visiting yet another historical monument on a road trip, my dad has always said, “It will broaden your horizons.” He has been telling me for my entire life that this is a learning opportunity. Embrace it and grow! 

I hope that this year will be one of clearer vision, as the number suggests. Let’s come together and remind each other to take the time to see the spectacular views that surround us. Take the time to reset your vision to one that brings peace to your heart and broadens your horizons.

(Originally published in the January 2, 2020, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)