As at this morning, in different time zones, many people gathered next to their Christmas trees and unwrapped presents from their loved ones/”Santa”. We are in the festive period during which people would normally gather around to share joy and happiness. Many would travel long distances to be with their loved ones during this time; we would see many homes with colorful decorations; we would hear many many fireworks…these are just some of the things we have come to be accustomed to. Needless to inform anyone that Christmas this year would be different, because this entire year has been quite the interesting one. Although the world is doing its best to understand this new reality and, at the same time, recover from what this year has put us all through, I believe it is important to reflect on how far we have come. If we do so diligently, I believe that overall, we would find a thing or two to be thankful for.
***The following is in no way meant to invalidate people’s truths, feelings, or experiences. Just some encouragement***
Many people already wrote this year off. I’m sure that, at some point, we heard statements like “2020 is canceled”, or any of its variations. It seemed as if every possible bad news got delivered in quick succession. For me, it started with the death of Kobe and the other victims in the crash of January 26. But I am sure that there were people who experienced unfortunate occurrences before then. If I use myself as an example, I can confidently say that, in spite of what seems to be the defining subject of 2020, I can count my blessings and say that I am better off than where I was last year. I cannot genuinely join the crowd to say “cancel 2020” because I know what God has helped me to achieve this year, especially in the midst of the pandemic. For example, I was able to complete some major capital projects that worried me for years. In fact, completing them was so surprising that I could not describe how they happened. Completing the project was not even the best thing that happened to me this year. There are many things I can write down to show how much God did for me. I would be in denial if I say that there weren’t days that I felt as if things were not going well or that I was getting the short end of the stick. However, I know that if I think properly, I have a lot to be thankful for.
If I look around me too, I know some people on whose behalf I can be thankful. Some of my friends got new jobs; some got promoted at work; some got accepted to school and many graduated from school; some started businesses and interesting projects while some bought properties…all during the pandemic. I think it’s a matter of adjusting our focus so that we can properly concentrate on the positives we have had this year rather than expending our energy on the things that did not go our way. A positive mindset is one of the steps we need to prepare us for what is to come in the new year.
As I bring this week’s rant to a close, I came across something on Instagram and I would like to share it with everyone.
Basically, what I got from it is that, while we rejoice during this festive period, we should remember those who are still hurting in one form or another. I also got the quote below from the image and I believe it is very appropriate:
“An abnormal reaction to an abnormal situation is normal behaviour.” – Viktor Frankl ❄️
If you’re finding yourself not as happy as you thought you would be at this time of year, or even find your self angrier, sadder, more anxious or hopeless, it’s totally normal. It’s okay not to feel okay when the year has been, for the most part, not okay.
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This year’s been a tough one for all of us. Let’s keep in mind those who may struggle in particular and remind ourselves of something positive and to be celebrated, even if it is only in our minds: our common humanity, our shared capacity for suffering, but also (and more importantly) of infinite compassion and support. 🎄
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Oh and, quick reminder to check in on your friends and fam. Even if they look okay on social media or what not. Too many of us suffer in silence – one simple check in can make someone’s day.
One last one:
Count your blessings and appreciate where you are for now. Despite all that this year has thrown at us, we’re still alive!!! That’s worth more than anything we can pay. Let us continue to appreciate that but keep others in our thoughts and prayers too.
Merry Christmas to everyone ☺️
RANTS FROM THE PRIVILEGED SEAT 