Reflections

A Year in Perspective!

As we prepare to say goodbye to 2020, I felt compelled to share a small reflection on the collective experiences of this past year.

It’s been a year of unprecedented challenges – one that turned lives upside down across the world. The difficulties we faced were extraordinary, almost like passengers caught in a sudden plane crash, tossed into the ocean without life jackets.

Sadly, not everyone made it. But for those of us who did, we now stand on the shore, gazing toward 2021 with gratitude and hope in our hearts.

No matter where you are or what your circumstances may be, chances are you’ve faced similar struggles – echoing the emotions of millions as we navigated this global crisis together.

Yet, in the midst of these hardships, 2020 also offered something unexpected – a pause.

A rare moment for the world to slow down, to breathe, and to reflect.

For many of us, it became an opportunity to step away from the constant rush of life and turn inward. In that stillness, we began to rediscover what truly matters.

We found meaning in the smallest things and learned to appreciate the blessings we once overlooked.

Of all the lessons this year brought, a few stood out – and I’d love to share them with you.

1. Resilience

This year, we all became 'socially distant,' and as someone who thrives on personal connections, I initially found it challenging to adjust to long periods of working from home.

I missed the contagious energy, spontaneous conversations, and curiosity that friends and coworkers brought into my daily life.

But over time, we adapted. We embraced the 'new normal' and pressed the remote button, stepping out of our comfort zones. Slowly, the virtual way of life – or should I say "Zoom life" – became second nature.

While COVID-19 disrupted nearly everything, our resilience allowed us to develop coping mechanisms and keep our spirits alive, even in the face of a once-in-a-century humanitarian crisis.

2. Perseverance

Like every cloud has a silver lining, the pandemic revealed our capacity to care, connect, communicate, and collaborate across the globe. Despite being separated by geography, we united to confront one of the greatest challenges humanity has faced.

As the world seemed to crumble, this shared sense of purpose helped us slowly piece things back together. It reminded us of the importance of patience – a key to staying positive during uncertain times.

The pandemic also gifted us something rare – time. Time for family, friends, self-care, and personal growth. With the world shifting to virtual mode, we found ourselves attending events happening continents away, exploring passions we once shelved, and upgrading skills we never thought we’d have the chance to focus on.

Some even uncovered hidden talents – that inner 'diva' – through dedication, self-mastery, and resilience. In the face of disruption, many choose to create, evolve, and thrive.

3. Kindness

Over the past months, we have witnessed countless moments where humanity came together, even as we navigated our own struggles.

In the midst of uncertainty, we became more compassionate – not just toward one another, but toward animals and nature, driven by a deeper, more enlightened sense of empathy.

We felt the pain of others and responded with kindness, realizing that life doesn’t demand much to be fulfilling. As lockdowns persisted across countries, we learned the value of sharing our surplus with those in need.

This shift allowed us to embrace a more minimalist way of living, prioritizing essentials over excess.

In many ways, the experience reminded us that simplicity, generosity, and empathy can shape a better, more connected world.

4. Gratitude

Life is the most precious gift we have, and the past year has reminded us just how fragile and invaluable it is. As we reflect, we must feel grateful for our health, safety, and the simple fact that we are here today.

Many across the world lost loved ones and livelihoods, and in that shared loss, we found an opportunity to appreciate the blessings and small moments we often overlook.

The challenges of the past months became a chance to reboot – to declutter the noise and mess that surrounded us.

It was a time to reconnect with ourselves and recognize the abundance that nature offers, reminding us of our responsibility to protect it for future generations.

"Life is about accepting the challenges along the way, choosing to keep moving forward, and savouring the journey." – Roy T. Bennett

As we close this chapter, we carry not only the weight of hardships but also a sense of accomplishment and gratitude – for the resilience we discovered, the lessons we learned, and the hope that continues to guide us forward.

Wishing you and your Loved ones a Happy and Prosperous NewYear 2021!

Stay Blessed.

#SreeWrites