Good Riddance 2020

I have let everyone in my circle know that 2020 was not my favorite year. Perhaps I am being a little too harsh but, other than Amazon, can anyone call this year successful? We postponed my mother’s surprise 90th birthday party three times and eventually cancelled it until further notice. Traveling to see my grandson in North Carolina (or anywhere involving a flight) was not in the cards. Mask wearing and social distancing became normal, necessary habits. Air hugs replaced warm embraces, takeout meals replaced restaurant dining and holiday get-togethers with family are now a Zoom journey. 

I know I should not complain. So many folks are forever gone too soon. Many people lost loved ones. Countless others lost jobs and savings. They all deserve my compassion, not my petty outrage.

I credit my son-in-law with helping me turn my attitude around. He reminded me that although the year was challenging, I should focus on the gain, not the loss. Instead of “good riddance” to a year of gloom, I should say “hello” to a new year filled with promise. He suggested that I could emotionally move on by replacing every negative with a positive, thus allowing me to see 2020 in a more encouraging light. As this year winds down, I would be remiss not to acknowledge my pandemic-inspired lessons. 

1. Adaptability and resilience. In times of adversity, I learned that as a society and as individuals, we are capable of much more than we thought. The necessity of quarantine seriously affected our lives. Despite never experiencing such solitude/separation, we did it. Adjusting to a whole new way of life, one step at a time, we learned (and are still learning) how to navigate this altered reality.
2. Patience and tolerance. Speaking of altered, vacations, weddings, birthdays, funerals, work and travel were completely disrupted in 2020. This tested our patience like never before, mostly for things out of our control. While we struggled, we also demonstrated our tolerance for change. Accepting change can be challenging. However, it is not necessarily a bad thing. Most of us did what we had to do, even if it required a little understanding and a more deliberate pace. 
3. Do not take anything for granted. Be grateful for your health, your family members, a thriving business, medical appointments, family gatherings, food and shelter, paychecks, etc. We learned the rug can be pulled out in a flash. Focus on what you do have, not on what you do not. Count your blessings.
4. Creativity. When shopping became difficult, we learned to rely on home delivery. Internet medical visits and telehealth became a substitution for in-office encounters. Feeling robbed of our “norms,” creativity stepped in. Amusing songs, memes and videos kept us entertained, and so did the unexpected mad rush for toilet paper. We scrubbed our homes, started long-ignored home improvement projects, emptied closets, grew vegetables, discovered new ways to exercise and found peace with jigsaw puzzles. We cooked and baked (yeast was unattainable), started new hobbies, shared inordinate amounts of time with household members, conducted business online and taught ourselves how to “Zoom” connect with family, friends and work. Holiday parties even took place remotely!
5. Gratitude. No one deserves our gratitude more than the numerous essential workers. This includes the health-care “angels” on the front lines, who have risked their own lives to care for the onslaught of patients with COVID-19; the folks who delivered basic goods (and not so basic goods) while we stayed safe in our homes; and the firefighters, police, utility workers, retail employees, teachers, military personnel and mail carriers who offered continuous service in the middle of a pandemic. A big shout out to the thousands who ceased operations for our welfare. Finally, we owe immense thanks to the scientists, researchers and drug companies who helped develop a COVID-19 vaccine. Appreciation to them all.
6. Community care and discipline. Businesses and municipalities advocated safety recommendations for employees, consumers and the general public, whether it was wearing a mask, social distancing, hand washing, sanitizing or the many measures promoted to create a safer environment for all. Community groups organized and even small contributions made a big difference. 
7. Equality. This year shone a light on hurtful, discriminatory mindsets (a reminder that we need each other) regardless of race, color, religion, creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry. We do not overcome this through violence but in the realization that we are all in this together. Compassion and equality are vital ingredients for a peaceful, advanced society.
8. Guidelines matter. Yes, they actually mean something and generally, restrictions have merit. Guiding principles exist because they avoid chaos, prevent illness/injury and save lives. For example, consider the rules of the road and industry health/safety inspections. Individual freedom rests with individual responsibility. Saul Levine, MD, Professor Emeritus at the University of California, writes, “The singular act of wearing a face mask is a metaphor for caring and civility, an inherently noble gesture. Mask wearers protect their families, friends and neighbors, shopkeepers, and many others. By wearing a face mask during this pandemic, people are performing a personal and social Act of Human Kindness.”¹
9. Goodness. I would like to believe that amid some pretty dark days, goodness and goodwill survived. Business and charitable organizations are stepping up, neighbors are helping neighbors with errands and chores, and there is rising volunteerism. Compassion has a foothold. It seems kindness triumphed. Goodness prevails.

So welcome 2021! I know there is promise in you. I can feel it. They say life is a roller coaster. There are plenty of highs and lows with bumps along the way. It is your choice to scream or enjoy the ride. Either way, you might want to hold on!

Ms. Homisak is the President of SOS Healthcare Management Solutions in Federal Way, WA.  She completed a Health Coach Training Program from the Institute of Integration Nutrition, and received Certification as a Holistic Health Practitioner from the American Association of Drugless Practitioners.

Reference

1. Levine S. The enigma and metaphor of face masks. Psychology Today. Available at: https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/our-emotional-footprint/202006/the-enigma-and-metaphor-face-masks?amp . Published June 21, 2020. Accessed December 22, 2020.