Goodbye 2020

It definitely was a long one wasn’t it? Or did it fly by? Was it a dream?

In Jauary last year I wrote a post about how 2020 was going to be the year of vision. If I was to say that I saw what 2020 was going to become, then that would most definitely be a lie. In Australia, we started the year on fire, blanketed in smoke, with houses, land and thousands of animals lives lost. Communities still not recovery to this day.

The strength and support shown by Australia and those around the world was something to admire in one of the disastrous natural disasters of my lifetime.

Then the pandemic hit hard, and to be honest to say, it is still hitting all around the world. It continues to be a global catastrophe.

Through the months of lockdown many challenges were faced and lessons were learnt. Which is the most important thing isn’t it?

If we don’t know what we have learnt how can we move forward to be better? How can we grow as individuals, as communities, as a country and as an entire planet?

In a nutshell, this is what I have solidified in my life.

Acceptance is the greatest power to wield when reacting to any given circumstance. Challenging at times but like everything, when practiced you get better at it.

Patience, above all else is the most needed tool to exercise on our journey towards happiness. Every single day we must find patience in all aspects in life.

Listening is just as powerful as lecturing, and we must listen more to each other for a greater understanding on how we can move forward in a harmonious world.

I believe Mental health is no longer taboo, and must be openly discussed, shared and accepted even when we may not understand the circumstances surrounding everyone’s journey.

Judgement ignites toxicity and the possibility of further conflict.

And of course, Respect, Responsibility and Resilience are the core of the values that I live by each day. 2020 has needed me to call on these values plenty of times.

Unity is achievable with more Acceptance, Patience, Understanding, Listening, sharing with no fear of Judgement, and a whole heap kindness.

There are many successes to be celebrated through this year even with the pain, hurt and devastation.

The greatest success though is you. You did it. In your own way, and that is something you should take great pride in. Each day you did it, sometimes well, sometimes not, but you kept going. Persistence, determination and hope for what is to come.

And 2021 is what is to come, so goodbye 2020, and let’s write a 2021 to remember. Bring it on I say.

Happy New Year.