A year ago I wrote a blog post titled “2020 Vision,” which opened as follows…
"As we enter this century’s decade of the “Roaring 20’s,” wouldn’t it be wonderful to have 2020 vision, looking into the year ahead with clarity and accuracy?
Or… maybe not. If we could know in advance what tomorrow will bring, would we be better off? I’m not sure. When I reflect on the year past, I think taking life one day at a time is what we humans can handle best."
Take life one day at a time.
The post continued with a discussion of a more realistic approach to goal-setting for this year, and closed with these words…
"My original plan for 2020 was to set 20 goals. My current plan is to set goals and priorities on a daily, weekly, and quarterly basis, allowing for family caregiving priorities to take the lead.
When the road ahead looks foggy or dark and our vision is limited, we can focus on whatever distance we can see and keep moving forward. As I enter 2020 without 2020 vision, this compulsive planner, doer, and goal-setter vows to live this year one day at a time, thankful for another day to live and focusing on being fully present in each day."
Looking back on 2020, with hindsight, this plan to live one day at a time and be fully present was even more appropriate than I could have ever imagined. Who could have dreamt what this year held in store for us?! Now that we have the benefit of hindsight, what has this year taught us?
What has 2020 taught us?
Don’t take simple things for granted
When life as we know it was abruptly altered in March, we became acutely aware of how many things we took for granted – traveling, gathering together, eating in restaurants, shopping in stores, going to the office, school in person, shaking hands, talking face-to-face, hugging – what would you add to this list?
Will you appreciate these activities more when you can do them again? I know I will!
Appreciate being with others
Our lack of social interaction has taken the biggest toll on our lives behind the direct threat of the virus itself. Even introverts miss the opportunity to interact with others freely and without fear. Life events and celebrations that once took place in person have shrunk in size, moved outdoors, and went online to prevent being canceled.
Will you appreciate being with others more, when you can?
Technology can keep us connected
If there’s one thing we may have wished 2020 vision could have given us it would have been the premonition to invest in Zoom and other online technologies. We can definitely be thankful for these technologies that have allowed us to stay connected with work, school, businesses, church, entertainment, and loved ones.
Life post-pandemic will forever include more technology than pre-pandemic.
Public health precautions show we care
Who would have thought that something like wearing a mask would become a divisive issue? The pandemic has taught us much about the public health measures that make the most difference and could help prevent and mitigate future pandemics.
Let’s hope people remember that when we all take precautions we protect everyone, not just ourselves.
Everyone belongs to the human race
2020 has shown us what unites us and what divides us. When we recognize all fellow humans as worthy of respect and dignity and work to overcome inequities and injustices, we will create a world that is better for all.
The pandemic has impacted all of us in big and small ways. As we move into 2021, let’s take the lessons learned in 2020 and individually and collectively work for a safer, healthier, more just planet Earth to call home.
“I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness for it shows me the stars.” ~ Og Mandino
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