2021 – A year of empathy, gratitude, togetherness and hope

It’s that time of the year again, time to reflect and introspect. It’s been a year of highs and lows, wins and losses, for everyone. The year made us realize that one doesn’t need much, to live a content life. It’s really the little things that matter – good health, and being surrounded by your loved ones. During these challenging times, families were the pillars of strength and support for each other. And the same resilient spirit was seen when it came to teams and colleagues that demonstrated empathy towards one another.

We’ve now begun to adapt ourselves to the new normal, with all aspects reimagined, including work, where hybrid is the future. When I look back at 2021, I derived three key learnings from my experiences.

1.???Importance of overall wellbeing / wellness: There was a conscious behavioural shift in people. The uncertainties surrounding the pandemic, highlighted the importance of prevention being better than cure. Social isolation and confinement indoors made more and more people increasingly realize the essence of keeping their mind and body, active and healthy.

2.???Empathy: The second wave of Covid-19 impacted many lives, evoking stress and fear. Be it the challenges of caring for ailing loved ones, or the stress of work, heightened mental health issues for many. The value of empathy has never been more vital. Being empathetic to those around can make a big difference. Life takes a whole new meaning, when we incorporate kindness and compassion in our daily interactions.

3.???Stronger Together: As the pandemic raged on, we were tested on all fronts. What stood us in good stead was the spirit of kindness and togetherness that helped us tide over and bring hope. Be it colleagues, partners, the industry, medical fraternity, healthcare workers, and the world at large. All came together with a single-minded goal – heal the world.

2021 was memorable for each one of us in a unique way and helped us evolve – made us more humane. On this optimistic note, let us look back at the year with gratitude and hope for a brighter 2022.?

“Trust the wait. Embrace the uncertainty. Enjoy the beauty of becoming. When nothing is certain, anything is possible”

― Mandy Hale