What a year it’s been! I am sure some of us are feeling all kinds of ways about the end of this year. It’s been a historic year. Running out of toilet paper, sanitizer and hand soap were a very real struggle for some (most) of us! I for starters, did experience the stress of limited supplies.
We all had to adjust and change our ways and learn to be happy staying home. Some of us lost people we love to this deadly virus, others lost jobs, others friendships or relationships. It was a sad, challenging time for all but as we have heard several times ‘ we will get through it, together’. And we did, in whatever shape or form, we did. Who would’ve known we would be stuck at home for nearly a year? Kids home-schooled and working from home has been a big challenge for a lot of us. I have a new appreciation for what our teachers do for our children. It is not an easy task. We were forced to convert our homes into schools and offices and a 24 hour day care for some of us. This year has taught us to be resilient and to keep fighting through the storm. The pandemic has had a negative economic impact, which in turn has caused mental health issues to increase. Many people have struggled with isolation and losing their sense of self. Several of my clients have discussed how they feel they are in a ‘twilight zone’ and I understood them well. Nothing seems the same anymore. What we knew, changed. We were unable to travel to visit loved ones. Missed graduations, birthdays, weddings, baptisms, baby showers, births, funerals- what once were our biggest milestones or events in life had to be re-assessed and safety came first. Our routines changed, our daily activities were disrupted in some cases so badly that we found ourselves lost and confused. However, in the midst of all of this we have tried our best to hang in there and be our best selves. We have spent more time with our family and children at home and focused more on the things/people that matter the most.
As we get ready to welcome 2021, we should take some time to reflect the gains and the losses we experienced this past year. We survived a global pandemic! Setting goals for the new year is cliché, however for most of us this year these goals mean a lot more. Goals may differ greatly from person to person, however an important goal is to make sure to be the best version of yourself. The daily challenges of life will not disappear. They will continue to be there. The more you work on yourself, the more you will be able to see the goodness in life. Go to the gym, eat healthy, get plenty of sleep and eliminating bad habits. The best energy you can invest is into yourself, as as soon you start doing that, positivity and good things will begin to fall into place.
Happy Holidays and a Prosperous 2021!