Positivity

Much can be said about 2020. There’s one thing I suggest you do. Remember the last 12 months because it was a year of revelations. I’m sure you discovered a lot about yourself and the people around you. So, here are a few of the lessons I learned last year.  I hope these will guide you as you chart your course for the years to come. We’re more resilient than we thought we were. Worldwide, millions of people sick with the virus struggled alone as their families could not be with them. Most survived, but many did not return home. Covid-19 continues to be with us and many are still sick with it. It’s part of our world now. Businesses closed and millions lost their jobs. Work hours were shortened and wages were cut. Money became tight and in some parts of the world, people missed meals. I could go on further but, I know you get my point. Last year was hard for everyone. I don’t know what challenges you faced in 2020. Maybe you even felt helpless and depressed.  But, I bet you never knew you were more resilient than you thought you were. You’ve weathered the storm and came out stronger. We got to focus on what’s important in our lives. I knew what I had to do once the lockdown was over. I had my priorities straight. You’re mistaken if you think I went out and splurged on stuff or partied with friends. I bought what I only needed and opened a new investment account. Covid-19 also reminded me family is always important. As for friends, I now know who the real ones are. Also, we got to appreciate the little things that we took for granted. If you haven’t, take an inventory. You’ll find out you have a lot to be thankful for. We became more creative. I believe that adversity is the mother of creativity. We discovered ways to liven up our homes while working remotely. Also, we found alternative uses of products to save money. Many who lost jobs became successful by starting small businesses. I don’t think they’ll return to their old jobs. Companies thought outside of the box and pivoted to remain afloat. Check out Shine Distillery & Grill. Limited to take-out orders only, it turned its distillery into a hand-sanitizer manufacturing plant. It’s now one of their bestsellers. It pays to have emotional intelligence. People were angry everywhere because they felt helpless. With emotional intelligence, I was aware of my own frustrations. But, I didn’t let these control me.  When I realized that most of what upset me was beyond my control, I was more at peace. I could also sense what others were feeling. Instead of reacting, I strived to understand them. I took time to listen to them with my ears and eyes. Trust me, when you let people talk about their problems, it’s therapeutic. So, what have you learned from 2020? I’m sure you can add more. Don’t forget those lessons. You’ll need these if you want to grow more in 2021.

What we’re experiencing now is unprecedented in the last 100 years. If you’re uncertain about what’s going to happen tomorrow, you’re not alone – we are too! Sure, there was the Spanish flu of 1918, which killed somewhere between 17 to 50 Million people worldwide. There was no internet or television then. The first commercial radio broadcast was still two years away (1920). Economies were not intertwined and intercontinental travel was mostly by sea. Now, with just a mouse-click, you can find out what’s happening anywhere in the world, including your neighborhood. Businesses a few blocks or continents away are closing their doors. Your favorite café or hangout may even be one of them. Depressing and saddening, especially when you feel helpless with what is going on around you. Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to prepare for what we’re experiencing now. Everything was turned upside-down in the blink of an eye. We didn’t have any choice. The pandemic imposed its will on us. Name that Emotion How many times have you woken up in the morning fully refreshed only to be reminded that all isn’t well with the world? How does this make you feel before you rise out of bed? Your day hasn’t begun but you can already sense that heaviness in the air. Sadness, anger, and fear are among the emotions we experience today. You might be feeling one of these if not all. We also feel lost because of uncertainty. Are you one of those whose routine has been severely altered because of the pandemic? Or, maybe, even if you are working from home, you don’t feel secure. Everything seems off but you can’t quite put your finger on what’s causing it. Whatever you’re feeling, you must discover its source. Identifying the emotions you experience is the first step in coping with everything around you. Is it a fear of totally losing the job that’s causing you to be anxious? Or, is it sadness because COVID-19 has taken the life of someone you know? Keep in mind that emotions may exist in our subconscious. Our feelings confirm their presence. Only you can tell what emotions you are going through. Believe me – it doesn’t take much effort to identify what those are. When you do, it’s already a small victory. Acceptance is the next step but it doesn’t end there.