2021 Is Nearly Here…
By: Kamarun Kalam Ba Sw, Bacp Acc
Tags: Work, Family, Relationships, 2020, Life

2021 Is Nearly Here…

Out with the old and in with the new.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

The year of 2020 has seen unprecedented changes internationally and has been one of the most difficult years emotionally and mentally for us all to endure. The Covid-19 virus that created this global pandemic has literally turned lives upside down and inside out. Many will be glad to see the back of 2020, but what hopes do we have for the year to come? How will society continue to change and adapt in order to manage moving forwards? It seems there are more questions than answers this year as uncertainty hangs in the air. Nothing and nobody could have prepared us for what happened. For years to come it will be recalled in history that 2020 was the year of Covid-19 and global lock-downs.

A new year usually means new beginnings and fresh starts, but also a time for reflection on past events. How much has your life changed over the course of this year? Has it been for better or worse? As I look back over the past year, I see a mixture of loss and trauma, with sadness, anxiety and depression. I also see hope and united communities helping each other to survive and thrive. Technology has aided our separated lives bringing families together and created new ways to connect and meet others. Companies have transitioned from office to home working, and this has impacted on the economy.

The internet has had an explosion of online sales and new stores opening virtually. We have witnessed medical professionals at their best working hard to keep us all alive. We have recognized the value of our local convenience stores and just how much we rely on home deliveries. It seems we are adjusting to the new normal, and it is an ever changing landscape. Things will not snap back to the old normal because so much has changed and we have had to adapt fast. This year has truly tested us in every which way with our health, our wealth, our livelihoods, our families and friendships.

Photo by Alexas Fotos from Pexels

This mixed bag of reality reflects the variety of emotions we have experienced over the course of the year. Now with a vaccine in the mix there may be hope for a better tomorrow. We may anticipate some type of plan to manage the virus more effectively in the chaos of what was as we move in to 2021.

What do you see when you look back over the past year?

How has 2020 changed you?

Consider the following points:

What times could you do with forgetting?

Do you have regrets?

Have you lost loved ones?

Ended or begun new relationships?

Changed careers/lost or started a new job?

What went well over the past year?

Any memorable moments?

What kept you going through lock-down?

How have you developed as a person this year?

What are your hopes for 2021?

There is so much to reflect on outside of ourselves that when it comes to thinking about what we actually want and how we have developed as people over the past year it is often overlooked. Other things take precedence and we carry on living, working, existing day to day. How many of us stop to take time and reflect on the present. To appreciate what we do have and share our gratitude. Can we learn from past mistakes and let go of disappointments and regret? Do we dare to liberate ourselves from the inner critic that is ever present within us just waiting for us to lose hope.

What we need is compassion and to help each other, also not to succumb to the pressure of negativity and reach out for support when we need it. One of the most courageous things we will ever do is to face our fears, acknowledge our reality and embrace change if that’s what it takes to become the best version of ourselves.

With everything going on in our lives, it is important to make time for reflection. Consider the past years events take what you need to move forwards and let go of what holds you back. Think carefully about what it is that YOU want in life and don’t short change yourself. With the right mindset anything is possible.

Just remember to take care of yourself along the way because when you take time to replenish your own spirit you have so much more to give others in need. Be the best person to yourself first and foremost and then to others.

I wish you all a very merry Christmas and hope for a better new year.

Peace and good will to all.