It's the 1st of December, and so this year too is coming to an end. And so I am sure I speak for the majority - That this year really was unlike anything we had ever experienced before in our living memories... However since we all already know what happened this year, I am not going to bother writing about it again. Instead I am more interested in knowing what has this year of 2020 taught you? Did you acquire a new skill? Did you gain knowledge in some other capacity? Were you finally able to find the time to finish a project you otherwise weren't getting any time to complete? Or did you just realized something, which always was right in front of you. However you never really stopped and took the time to think about... This last one seems to hold true for me. As I too realized something, which I otherwise wouldn't have - Had the Coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent global lockdown not given me the opportunity to think about it... It started with the concept of being independent and self-sufficient - which as many of you already know, is something I am very passionate about. But what I realized, turned out to be something far greater, and funnily simpler too. You plant a seed in the soil, give it a little water, and automatically nature starts doing rest of the work for you... So you are already half way there, when it comes to being food independent. Now if you are able to construct a makeshift shelter for yourself, then you have nearly completed the entire journey of survivability. Sure, in this day and age we can't do without creature comforts either, (must have fast internet connection too now). But at the very core of this issue of survival - If one's already achieved what I mentioned above. Then you are already accomplished in my book. But this is not what I learned this year, (as I knew all of this since decades)... I also knew that knowing all of this, also gives one a lot of self-respect. However what I really learned this year. Is that when you have respect and appreciation for yourself and your own set of skills - That's when others also automatically start respecting you. In hindsight, this seems too simple to grasp. But for one reason or another, I never realized it until this year... Respect yourself first, and that's when others also start to truly respect you. Anyway, this was me, and what I learned in the last 365 days - What did you all learn? Please do share, as I am really curious how this year effected all of you, (in a positive way).
James Baldwin is quoted as saying:. "Hope has to be reinvented every day". I like the positive nature of this: that hope is not something that is an ingrained personality trait; it is something one must work at, cultivate. This has gotten me through many a time. Also this year has been a good lesson for me in remaining focussed on the present, not the past or the future. Not wishing this time away: why would you wish ANY part of your life away? Our days on this earth are all too finite. S-H I do like the insight you have come to this year, and i agree with it. I would add that being kind to yourself enables you to be kind to others.
Mmmm,, mainly that there is little that can`t be accomplished if you use the brain that God gave you ! And living in a small town and a few miles outside of town is the best place to be during a pandemic !
I know this guy, who is very successful, and he is really a self-made man in every sense. So obviously, he loves his business and wealth. Some people frown at this atttude - But I always say, why shouldn't he be a bit arrogant? As he has built everything of his own by his own hands. So if he today comes across as a bit arrogant, then he has earned the right to be... No one has the right to judge anyone, unless they too have walked a mile in their shoes. Have done whatever he did and been there too, (in those times of hardship). Anyhow I recently met him again. Unfortunately, his business had really suffered a lot because of covid-19. So the moment I realized this, I was sorry, as I knew that he had put his whole heart and soul into his work. I was now also sure, that he will now be acting very bitter. However, to my astonishment, he wasn't behaving like that at all. Instead he said, yes I have suffered a great loss in my business. But it's alright. I built it up once before. And I will easily do so again, only quicker and do you know why? (he asked me) - I said no, what? He said that he realized, that his children and specially his wife were his real assets, his real wealth. So as long as they are all happy and healthy, I have nothing to worry about. I built my business when they weren't around. But now, with their support and encouragement behind me. I will easily be able to make back everything I lost. His family is his real wealth - That's what this guy realized in the year 2020... Just thought I should share this with you all over here also.
This year has taught me to be even more thankful for what we have--a secure home with no mortgage, plenty of food, enough money to supply our needs and wants. It has also taught me to be more sensitive to others' needs and to give what we can to whom we can. It also taught me to stock up on tins of tuna. My husband loves tuna salad and if the stores don't stock it, I could be in big trouble!
Stocking up on Tomato Ketchup too! Otherwise food just doesn't go down my throat, (keeps coming back up again, and again, and again)... Yes, those who know me personally, often say that my level of ketchup consumption is bordering on the obscene!
I’ve learned that most people have a lot of insecurities in themselves, and if someone is jealous or even hateful towards you, it’s usually because they’re struggling with themselves! I saw this become most apparent through the endless Zoom meetings throughout my week, since we were no longer physically together, oddly enough. I was able to observe people more closely, and see how they treat each other in the most difficult of times. I've also learned how much I love being home. I have been able to draw closer to my Creator, just by watching the creatures on my patio (I got my first bird feeder outside of living at home with my parents years ago). I see the truth of the scripture that says if He cares for even these little birds, how much more so will he care for you! I have seen and felt him care for me my entire life.
Overall, I think in majority of the situations, 2020 has brought the best out of people... Many found courage which they otherwise didn't know they had. Others ended up joining causes they never thought would ever be something they'd have concerns about. However there indeed were some instances where people really turned cantankerous, irresponsible, unkind, greedy, as well as downright evil... So my take on this is, that overall 2020 has at the very least - Successfully removed the false facade people use to his behind. So real faces of everyone have now been exposed... Therefore we today have a very clear idea about who are our true friends, (and who we should now be avoiding in the future).
Sorry, forgot to stay positive in that first reason. But, thanks for turning my negative point into a positive one! I may not remove anyone from my life, however, but learning what people are like and why they are the way they are will help me to be more understanding and perhaps help them overcome their self despair. That's a definite positive thing.
it seems to have taught me that a fair number of people in my community dont know how to cook? every drivethru is backed up onto the street every.day.Day.after.day.after.day! there is not such a thing as "get a quick"________ anywhere in town. may as well come home and make it myself. its quicker.
Carolyn, there is a theory that the shortage of toilet paper is caused by people eating their own cooking for the first time. Those who are accustomed to eating in the front seat of their car, or out of styrofoam boxes have had quite a new experience!
