WHAT a journey 2020 was! It seems like the past couple of months just fleetingly passed us by. It seems like it only happened yesterday.
I remember leaving Bohol on the third week of January 2020 en route to General Santos City via Mactan, Cebu. And today, we find ourselves on the threshold of another new year signaling a new beginning.
After a bumpy 2020 where for a time we groped in the dark figuratively, then found a bit of reprieve – thanks to medical science, towards being able to overcome our fears and anxieties – thanks again to medical science and government, but no thanks to the global health crisis, we are finally able to breathe in a whiff of fresh air, derive new perspective, and obtain a good amount of hope that 2021 will be a more kind, a more generous, and a more helpful year for all of us. Hope springs eternal!
We can look back to 2020 with a sense of accomplishment for what we have achieved as individuals, as a family, as a community, and as a nation. We should congratulate ourselves for this feat.
As a community, we were able to revisit the basics in hygiene and cleanliness and health and safety that we have seemingly taken for granted over the years.
Case in point. I spoke with a state university librarian-friend, Betty Mejos-Celda, and she agrees with me that revisiting the basics has made her and her kids healthier.
As units of society, we rallied behind our leadership, weak or strong, for the greater good. As a nation, we supported – for some, grudgingly – the call of leadership to comply with strict measures to manage the pandemic which for me is symbolic of our love for country and fellowmen.
The third is a big step, I know, but I would like to think that as a people, we were and are able to do so because the times dictate it.
Having said that, let’s proceed with our plans for 2021. I am sure that given the challenges of 2020 and the abundant time that the pandemic has ironically made available for us, we were able to plan for this year.
Of course, our plans maybe accomplished or not depending on our grit and determination and the circumstances that we find ourselves in. But just the same, we had time to plan. And hopefully, we did!
Having lived 50 summers, I know based on experience that some of our bigger plans may not be realized for a variety of factors. These factors include lack of family support, lack of finances, health issue, physical distance, location, among others.
But we can always adjust our plans along the way. I tell you, there are so many things in store for everyone in this flat world, thanks to technology. The opportunities are boundless. Just weigh your options, consult, set your heart on your goal, pray – unceasingly, and take the plunge.
It will be satisfying to look back after you have advanced in years haha! You will take stock of your life, revisit your life stations, and see for yourself what you have accomplished and those that were given to you on a silver platter out of God’s goodness – the bonus. Yes, we also get our bonuses from time to time.
The bumps are a regular thing. Bumps are mostly caused by people, haha – for good measure, that’s me thinking positively, circumstances, minute choices we make along the way, but if you know what you are doing and you stick to your plan, everything will just come into place.
Oh, lest I forget, some people may not understand your choices but hey, they are yours. You do not live their lives and vice versa. It is your life, and you have the privilege to live it the way you want. And may I add, responsively and uprightly.
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New Year Wishes
I pray that your choices for 2021 will give you a sense of fulfillment, joy, and fun.
Let’s continue to push the culture of safety.
My prayer for all of us:
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. – Jeremiah 29:11 NIVUK
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Writer can be reached at belindabelsales@gmail.com. Twitter @ShilohRuthie./PN
