2020, the year. That was...

"The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is

fear, and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown."

The year 2020 which is now drawing to a close, will be the mother of all unknowns, so far.

Wow… Woah… Oh no… Shucks… Ouch… Um… Er… Uh oh… Eww… Hmph… May be these and many more interjections indicate the way the year 2020 was for many of us. 2020 had more than enough of its share of ups and downs for all, and we all had our own share too. What a year it has been? Etched in memory forever.

Only a pillow probably knows the amount of emotions we have!

While the year has been the most painful one for many, in different ways; and has also created loads of opportunities, bountiful learning with new experiences and stories to tell for many years to come.

Has there been another Year in the past with such surprises & unique experiences?

For me personally, the year had immense impacts on all the aspects of life – namely Family, Parenting, Finance, Career, Health, Fitness, Quality of Social Life, Relationships, Emotional & Spiritual.

We all now realize and have experienced the real meaning behind the quote – ‘Family First’.

If not for family and the company of family members supporting each other, keeping busy in creative ways – gardening, cooking, cleaning, de-clutter, rearrange - it must have been a huge challenge. I say this because I have known people who had a terrible time with no one to support at home and it was an emotional upheaval to go through the lock-down.

What comes up for me, in a profound manner, how quickly kids adapt to situation and change to the needs. My 4-year-old adapted well and accepted the changed circumstance, understood, in her own way, what was happening around us; came to terms with the reality and always supported. The change in behavior was incredibly quick. I was surprised and I am proud. She missed her school, her evening walks and play, never complained. Enjoyed the indoors and made the best of the opportunity. And helped us adapt and kept us engaged.

We all had taken a lot of things for granted. Be it our daily needs – grocery, milk, veggies & fruits or a visit to the doctor or for that matter availability of these basic needs round the clock. Were we not surprised? Queuing up for long hours became a norm. Food security got a new meaning. Resources had a new respect and the producers got some of the eluding limelight. The food growers innovated themselves and created a new market.

A new sense of respect enlightened everybody. Awareness of food, availability and wastage had a new meaning. Sustainability was the buzzword.

I believe, we all got another beautiful present - clarity of thought in terms of the ‘real needs of a human being’ which surfaced beautifully during this past year. How much does one need? While this is a subjective one. Its time we all take a hard look into the mirror and question ourselves - what are we doing? and what our needs are? and how much we need? Looking back and reflecting on this gave me immense clarity around my needs. Its a shot in my arms to do what I have set out to do - as my purpose.

We all know Humans are social beings. And that social became a stigma… Social distancing was the norm, observed and practiced - Being aware of the presence of another human around us was incredible.

It was unlike anything in the past. It was different, immense respect to stay away from each other. All through the year, most of us were unable to catch up with friends – like the way we normally do. Unable to draw on their energy – to laugh with them, to share a meal together, share their thoughts and feel positive. Extroverts must have been the challenged lot and would have had to make up for it with the digital interactions.

Luckily for me, I am in the nascent stage of being a solo-preneur, enjoying my time in creating avenues. Work from home was the norm and it was easy & exciting. But not for all. This year the corporate sector underwent a transformation – I call it ‘forced transformation’. But for the challenges would organizations have been able to bring in this innovative approach and balance it so delicately? It changed the way organizations look at employees and work-spaces. Innovation had no limits here. There is no end to it. Yes, it brings with it, its own new challenges.

The year also gave us abundant time for us to reflect on. Call it 'Me Time' or 'Time for a hard look at yourself'. “Open your eyes, look within. Are you satisfied with the life you’re living?” said Bob Marley. This is a deep question.

It also depends on how you ask this question to self. The answer to this may lead to profound awareness of one’s ability and abundance, and at the same time attempting to answer this in an un-resourceful manner with no support could lead to a lot of stress.

I am looking within. It’s what I make of what is outside, is what I see.

What do you see?