Living through the unexpected can be challenging, to say the least. Heartbreaking and life-changing are two other words that come to mind. This past year has been a blow to many economically, physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. It’s so easy to get caught up in all of the negative that has come with 2020 that we may lose sight of any good that flew under the radar.
"We need to adjust our focus for the here and now.. .."
The Good News
One
For the first time in a long time, people have realized what is most important to them. All of the frivolous things got pushed to the wayside, and the basis for our existence was magnified tenfold. We have been forced to look at our lives, jobs, homes, and families with a new lens. In a few short months, everything became hard to determine. What, when, and where, flagged daily questions that sought answers to help us navigate our schedules and lives. Everything was up in the air, and “to be determined” was the most plausible answer to be given in pretty much any situation. Being forced to look directly in front of us instead of several steps ahead brought into view those moments that used to be a nuisance to something longed for. Those blocks of time designated for “priority” were freed up to allow extra time with family, pick up an old hobby, or be introduced to a new one. You were actually able to take some time to rest, to heal, and to contemplate things that maybe you hadn’t thought of before or hadn’t given amble thought to consider because life had become so consuming. Taking a breath for many was necessary to sustain the journey.
Two
I believe we have come to a new level of appreciation for our educators, our health workers, and others who have had to step up in a level of crazy that no one could have predicted. The creativeness of businesses, educators, pastors, or any other person working out a way to survive a global shutdown has been incredible to me! It just shows you what great strides we can make individually and communally when we are tasked with a challenge and come together to figure out solutions to keep this machine running. I have never seen this amount of collective creativity that has improved services increased consumer support, and has kept in mind the health and safety of everyone while continuing to strive to be bigger and better in the end.
Three
Despite the epidemic that hasn’t been a respecter of persons, much like a horrific tornado that can completely wipe out sections of life while leaving others completely unscathed, we have managed, for the most part, to be supportive, uplifting, and encouraging to those around us. Even though each of us has a story to tell of how we were affected in some way by the rubble left in its wake, we can try to understand and be sympathetic to those who have lost more and are facing struggles beyond our own. As we do in times of crisis, we have come together to share in the hardships of those around us and navigate our differences. Even though some have gone against the grain despite potential harm to others and the focus on trivialities that have driven a wedge during this pandemic, I believe most people are good. Our intentions that are tainted by our own experiences and personal beliefs can get lost in translation. I think Brene Brown said it best, “all I know is that my life is better when I assume that people are doing their best. It keeps me out of judgment and lets me focus on what is and not what should or could be.
Don't Look Back
Don’t let the events of the past keep you farsighted. We need to adjust our focus for the here and now to make a difference for our tomorrow. Looking through the lens of 20/20 will only be clear with that specific prescription of fear, misconception, and anger, but our eyes have changed. We have become myopic. What was once easy to see is now a blur in need of adjustment. We can no longer rely on that deception. We spoke of “being in this together” and of showing kindness, but unfortunately, some have fallen short in the actual act of carrying out the formula. In some cases, we let our own opinions and agendas blind the very precious thing we meant to procure. When we allow ourselves to mend the pieces of the image that we ourselves shattered in the process of determining what is true, we can move forward in the hopes of seeing things differently, more clearly for the sake of unity tomorrow and a better year to follow.
People are basically the same the world over. Everybody wants the same things- to be happy, to be healthy, to be at least reasonably prosperous, and to be secure. They want friends, peace of mind, good family relationships, and hope that tomorrow is going to be even better than today.
