Hope in 2021
It almost goes without saying that 2020 was a year of unforeseen upheaval, immense struggle and sadly, grief, for almost everyone around the world in one way or another. What I learnt is that in our increasingly globally connected world, the pandemic respects no border, race, creed or ‘tribe’. Tragedy has occurred at many different levels: families torn apart or upended by death or sickness, people’s livelihoods and jobs lost, fragile states of mind tormented or worsened by the sheer scale of uncertainty and fear.
Despite the challenges, I take comfort in knowing that the entire human race has experienced this together in some way. Scant comfort perhaps, but a timely reminder of our inherent human condition: how we are at the end of the day the same, regardless of health, wealth, status or affiliation.
Our connected world, with its internet, online culture, and seemingly relentless commerciality and pursuit of success can be a scary and frustrating place to live at the best of times. However, I can’t help but wonder how we would have coped had the pandemic occurred thirty or even twenty years ago. Although they have their drawbacks, one can’t deny that being able to work from home, use high speed internet connections and rely on tools such as video conferencing software have enabled to make our relationships and work continue at some level.
So as we get to the end of 2020 and set our sights on 2021, what can we expect and hope for? I’m sure that at the very least, none of us wishes a repeat of the year we’ve experienced. Having said that, one can always find the positives in any situation. On a personal level, I spent a lot more time in nature, exploring parts of Tunbridge Wells and surrounding areas that I suspect I might never have experienced were it not for the extraordinary circumstances of 2020. I spent more time with my wife and children, we watched TV series together, went on countless walks, we witnessed spectacular sunsets, night skies devoid of the trails of airplanes and pollution. 2020 was also the year we got Monty, our King Charles Cavalier pup, who wasn’t constrained by social distancing and gave us plenty of hugs and licks!
The point I am trying to make is that even in the depths of despair and in the most difficult circumstances, our human condition allows us to hope, to make the best of things, to not give up, no matter how trying circumstances are. That is not to say that we should gloss over, or trivialise our trials, but without hope in ourselves, and in our fellow man, what do we have?
I wish all of us, wherever we may be, and however disconnected we might feel right now, a 2021 filled with hope, faith and fortitude. I also hope that we will all exercise immense kindness and love, not only to others, but to ourselves. If we can’t look after ourselves, how can we expect to look out for our families, neighbours and fellow citizens?
So in closing, wishing you all the very best for 2021 - a year filled with hope and looking to a brighter future.