I think I am kinda done. Can we just get to 2021...

2020- in a year full of challenges and more challenges am now caught amidst a new strain of CV19, yet don't agree with the attitude-I think I am kinda done. Can we just get to 2021...

2020 gave us life-changing lessons. The challenges, the moment of adversity, those are our greatest teachers. Our adversities highlight what matters and what does not.

This is a year when families and communities came together, and I have been reminded of the joy of being together. Family dinners cooked together, family walks, new family activities explored every day, family zoom calls, and the friends and family we longed to meet again. Our bonds became stronger, we spent quality time together, made memories as a family.

The spirit of the community came back, some of us not only saw our neighbors but also became friends. Singing on rooftops; claps for our NHS heroes; the communities that stepped forward to help members self-isolating.

2020 with its unprecedented challenges also led to many of us recognising self-care is a priority and not an afterthought. The uncertainly, hardships and in the process of staying safe and keeping our loved ones safe reminded me of the importance of taking care of myself, being at the highest level of wellbeing is a requisite to combat the curve balls that the pandemic is throwing at us.

The pandemic accelerated personal growth for everyone. We became apt at learning new ways and quickly adjusting to the new norms. The world embraced the joys of work from home and the perils too. I revisited my long-forgotten passions. My new victories are readiness to stand at the start line for anything new, an academic qualification, new walking paths, and a miniature herb garden.

Hidden talents surfaced-it has been heart-warming to see Writers, Artists, Chefs in making amongst family & friends. The enthusiasm to pursue long-forgotten passions and new skills has brought so much positive energy and joy to everyone. Many of us in 2020 learned new skills, new habits, and launched new businesses. Some of the top personal wins for 2020 within my tribe are online qualifications, the launch of new business, new skills, publishing a book, enhanced fitness levels, and reconnecting with friends after 20/30 years. Clearly, 2020 reminded us of the importance of pursuing our interests, passions that had taken a backseat in everyday struggles.

Every day, I found myself counting my blessings. I am grateful for the health and safety of my family, my home, my work, my workmates, my tribe, my community, and the NHS & key workers who keep everything moving.

And finally, I am reminded of the importance of celebrating when life throws you the tiniest opportunity. Celebrating our loved ones, celebrating the little victories, and most importantly being present, in there here and now. Who knew in 2020 the world would be so different from anything that we have known?

At the end of 2020, I would like to look back, stop, and see what it about the year is that I faced, and survived that made me a better version of myself. What is it that I want to do more of? What is that I learned by meeting this challenging time, building this resilience that I am going to take to the next chapter of my life?

On 1st January 2021, will I suddenly get a new slate? No, that's a myth, it doesn't happen. 1st January 2021, the calendar year will change, but not our lives. Our lives will change when we decide to change it when we take action. I am ready to take the lessons and reminders from the year gone to build a future, regardless of what date it is.

What is it from 2020 you would like to take to the future?