Nobody anticipated a 2020 with so much taints. When the world was bidding farewell to 2019, many had envisioned 2020 as the perfect year, encapsulated in a Vision 2020 mantra that ran on the lips of many decision makers. There were high hopes for the year. Many thought they would get that job promotion or tie the knot with that long-time partner. Other had plans to buy that car, build that house or travel out.
Unfortunately, the year 2020 came with inundating challenges. COVID-19 was the highlight of the year. No year in recent times, has claimed more lives than 2020. Although no global war broke out, 2020 had the impact of the World War years.
Several industries have also been affected. Many have lost their jobs. Businesses have shut down and source of income for many have been cut short. But as the year draws to a close, it is important to take note of some particular things one can do in the wee hours of the New Year to ease tension and start the new year on a refreshing note despite the low points of 2020
1.Take a Break: The first thing to do is to take a break, no matter how short. A lot has happened in the year 2020. The least anybody can do is to give themselves a little break in the 366 days of the year. What this will do for you is that it places you in the right frame of mind to reflect, as well as help you take better decisions for the incoming year. You can take a break by staying indoors, watching TV, hanging out with family and friends, sleep, eat as much as possible, among other shows of camaraderie. Whatever sort of break you choose to take on New Year Eve, or the first day of the new year itself, make sure it is something that relaxes your nerves, as it gives you that soothing feeling to set goals for the New Year.
Reflect and Review: As aforementioned, taking a break will place you in a position to reflect, and help you make better decisions for the New Year. Reflect on the events of the year. What are those things you wanted to achieve which you could not? What were your upsides and downsides? Many people would readily give 2020 up as a disastrous year given the tides. But 2020 wasn’t altogether bad. No doubt COVID-19 offset a number of things, revealing our frailty as human beings. But at the same time it showed us our inner strength and potential to explore the world beyond us, as well as opportunities around us. Reviewing and reflecting on the year will thus give deeper illumination on lessons to be drawn from 2020.
Plan: Resolutions are characteristic of the New Year. Everybody seems to talk about a resolution on New Year Eve. Resolutions shouldn’t be about what you will do and what you will not do. It should go beyond such things to include mapping out the things you learnt in the outgoing year, and using it as a template to plan your life ahead of the coming year. Try to cover a range of baskets — things like career, health, finances, and self care — and get ready to have your best year yet.
Be Grateful: As stated earlier, a lot has happened in this COVID year. From several deaths recorded in the year to the impact of the pandemic on individual lives and business, as well as the global economy. 2020 will remain a year to never forget. But while we lament and decry the uncertainties of the New Year, it is particularly expedient to be grateful for everything that has happened: for the fact that in spite of everything one is able to see the end of the year. Being grateful however does not tantamount to rescinding the eventualities of the challenging year. It rather places you in a position of strength. How you can step out in better strides in the New Year. Our appreciation is thus an acknowledgement of our overall resilience as a human race. It underlines the will to survive despite everything thrown at you. So when you go for that crossover night or carryout any ceremony in your abode, try to celebrate by dancing it out with gratefulness.
Observe COVID-19 Guidelines: COVID-19 is real! So there is a need to observe all COVID-19 guidelines while going about our daily activities for the day. It will take some time for the vaccine to get to us. With the announcement of an official second wave, and the looming presence of new COVID-19 variants, there is a need to follow all COVID-19 measures put in place to curb the spread of the virus. For those who would be attending crossover nights, it is important to maintain social distance, wear your facemask, avoid body contact, amongst other recommended measures.
Nelson Okoh