Looking back, to look ahead

No one saw this year coming, and how it would turn out to be. Stepping into 2021, sometimes I wonder how we all made it through this year – which was unexpected, unprecedented and the most uncertain one our entire generation has seen so far.

As I look back, sharing some of my observations, learnings and reflections. After all, we cannot move forward, without looking at the past. For me, Jan 2021, also marks the completion of 1 year in my new role at Myntra, and time does fly!

First principles remain, when all else fails

It was a year to truly understand what unlearning-learning-relearning means, and why it is relevant. Most businesses, organizations and people faced situations which were new, with no playbooks or ‘case-studies’. Many situations forced us to take a step back and ask basic the fundamental question ‘why’, finding alternate/new ways of doing things within constraints. Assumptions were questioned, and new ways discovered, potentially forever changing the way we do certain things – virtual interviews, onboardings, conferences, and what not.

We are stronger than we think we are

This year was ‘stormier’ than ever, with many people going through personal challenges, concern about safety of loved ones, and dealing with loss too. We survived, and managed to hold things together, with grace and gratitude. It has been a humbling year, brought people to their knees in many cases, yet here we are, looking forward to a new dawn, a fresh start.

Rebuilding is in our spirit (emotional & material), forged by years of evolution perhaps.

This year also taught us to tap into that internal reserve of strength, courage, and sometimes just waiting for the storm to pass, and the tide to turn.

Value of simple things in life

Locked at home for almost 10 months, forces you to appreciate the small things in life, finding joy in a blue sky, or a new leaf on a plant you have come to cherish, literally smelling the roses in the garden which didn’t even get noticed on a regular day.

It is also interesting that I always noticed flowers, trees, and skies on my vacation, and have a 1000+ pictures on my phone of many sights, while all this beauty has been around me, unseen & unappreciated.

Family, home and loved one’s care gained a new meaning this year, with a renewed realization of their importance in my life. Fear of losing something, fundamentally changes perspective.

Humanity

Empathy, perhaps the most used word this year, and rightly so – gained a new meaning too. This year forced each one of us to truly try to step into someone else’s shoes. I saw an attempt to understand, listen and be compassionate around me, and this makes me very grateful.

Many of us stepped up for those less fortunate, even towards nature with renewed focus on sustainability. I hope the seeds of empathy and compassion sowed this year, continue to blossom over the coming decades and beyond.

As we step into 2021, and try to peek over the horizon, I am excited about a new year, a fresh start – an year full of possibilities. My resolution this year is to be more #grateful for little & big joys in life, people I love, and the strength to overcome whatever life throws. After all, the stronger your storm, the brighter your rainbow.