Well, it has definitely been a different year. 2020 held the good and bad for us all.
It didn’t take long for us to realize this year that our ‘things’ weren’t what we missed once we had to stay inside. It was our family and our friends. The people, perhaps taken for granted, as we never expected a time when we couldn’t just hop in a car or jump on a plane and go visit them.
The Bad
The worst of the bad was for those who lost loved ones, not just to Covid but to all causes. Not being able to be by their side and say goodbye; to say ‘I love you’ one final time. Where families couldn’t provide a proper burial service for their loved one.
Also on the bad list, the fear that Covid brought. Fear of doing ordinary things where one wouldn’t think twice before about something as simple as walking down whichever aisle they choose, whether the store was crowded or not.
Mental health issues on the rise and further isolation for those already lonely also hit the bad list. No one should suffer alone…ever.
In addition, was the inability to obtain the needed supplies, especially for frontline workers. The tiring hours that seem to have no end and the people who showed no concern for other’s safety and caused further spread of the virus.
We also have seen the closure of some of our favourite stores and restaurants that could not survive the closures. Our hearts go out to the small business owners who did their very best and those still struggling.
The Good
While it took some time, the non-working folks learned to Zoom and FaceTime to stay connected. I remember endless meetings at work and being glad that my Zoom days were over when I retired. Now, not only am I glad I know how to use the tool but that it isn’t just for work anymore. Technology has enabled us to stay in touch and while it cannot replace a hug it can help keep the connection.
The dedicated front line workers in all professions hit the top of the good list. The healthcare workers who have been there for loved ones when we could not, they have stayed away from their own families and bore the burden of sorrow; continuing to stand strong as numbers rise once more. The grocery store clerks, the delivery drivers, the bank employees, the mental health crisis employees, the postal workers, drug store employees, etc. There are many more and to all, I say ‘thank you, you are a gift and blessing to us all’.
Most of us had a little more time to spend on hobbies and live in a laid back environment. We took more walks, had more sidewalk talks and realized what is truly important. That is a gift in itself.
Top of the list will be the vaccines that will help the world return to normal. It will take time and we will need patience but we will get back to some kind of normal.
I have to add that during the second round of lockdowns no one went crazy buying all the toilet paper and paper towels. A sign that the supply chain continued to work and people have faith that goods will continue to flow.
Treasures found in local shops and homemade gifts from the hearts made the list as well. Items that will be treasured for years to come.
What will 2021 Bring?
No one can say for sure when things will get back to some form of normalcy but 2021 most definitely should be a better year. It holds the hope of hugs and gatherings, sunshine for snowbirds, and rebuilding of the economy.
There are lessons to learn from the bad. Lessons, not only on what not to do next time but what worked well and what made us happy. Take the lesson as a blessing and be grateful that you survived the year to learn the lesson.
Whatever next year holds I wish you health, happiness and peace of Spirit. May you find blessings throughout the year and always find something to be grateful for, the good and the bad.
Free inspirational or motivational posts can be found on the inspirational page of my website.