Phew! 2021 is over; my big takeaways as roller-coaster year ends
Like the previous year, 2021 has been an unpredictable, shape-shifting year for many. It has been another year of living with the pandemic and the ‘new normal’ is now our way of life.
For some, we have institutionalized the working- from-home phenomenon, our work cultures have changed for good and a pre-covid era has become a distant memory.
On this last Saturday December 25 of 2021, I thought it would be important to stock-take and look back at some key takeaways from yet another unpredictable and unprecedented year.
There are many lessons and key learnings I have picked up from this year, which in many ways has been a landmark year for me as is the case for many. Here goes.
Life is precious
Fragility of life: If there is one thing that the covid-19 pandemic and this year in general has taught us, it is that life is fragile. The line between life and death has been blurred and the experience of losing loved ones has become a painful reality for many of us.
While painful, the realization of the fragility of life teaches us to appreciate life, no matter how difficult we think life might be at the moment. This teaches us to enjoy the present, to live in the moment, to seize the day and forgive the past.
Your health is your wealth: Of all the things we take for granted in this life, our health, for most people, is at the top of the list. This is especially the case for young people who are misguided to believe that they are somehow invincible.
The year 2021 has taught me the value of first, appreciating good health and second, doing whatever possible to maintain a sound body and a sound mind. It has taught me that a little exercise everyday goes a long way, and it is the little things that matter, for instance, taking everything in moderation as opposed to radical, unsustainable decisions.
Give back: They say to whom much is given, much more is expected. The 2021 taught me the value of giving and doing so wholeheartedly.
I have learnt that we all have something to offer to the world, and that to get more in life, we must pay forward whatever we receive. I have learnt the power of volunteering, giving back to society and expecting nothing from it—not for the praise or recognition, but because it is the right thing to do.
Deliberate rest is key to a beautiful life: In a world that romanticizes overworking, I have learnt the power of kicking back and enjoying complete rest.
I have also understood that there is no shame in taking a break, because it is only when we are completely rested and relaxed that we are able to recharge. More importantly, I learnt that resilience is not about how much you endure, but how well you recharge.
Have a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
The writer is the Director, Innovation Centre, at Aga Khan University; [email protected]