FINDING POSITIVES THROUGH THE PANDEMIC
By Natalie McCulloch
‘2020 has been the best year ever!’ Ok, this may not be a phrase on many people’s lips as we look set to enter 2021 with another lockdown looming and the exhaustion of a stressful year behind us. It goes without saying that 2020 has brought many people worldwide many challenges, much sadness, financial losses, employment losses, health issues and even personal losses or deaths. Owing to Covid 19 our lives have been tossed into a somewhat ‘snow globe’ situation where they’ve been shaken up in an uncontrollable and unpredictable way. In fact, in light of how challenging 2020 has been for most people it would be understandable to ‘write it off’ so to speak. However, it’s possibly very important to think differently about this and actually acknowledge, even celebrate what we have learnt in 2020 and use this to go forward in 2021. “The struggle you’re in today developing the strength you need for tomorrow” - Robert Tew So what’s worth celebrating about 2020? As I say, 2020 may not have been the best year for people due to the global pandemic, flooding, storms and the waves these caused, to mention a few things. However there may be some small shafts of light in these dark times worth considering. On a wider level – air pollution plummeted, Venice’s canals are clearest in 60 years and people have reconnected with nature in wonderful ways. On perhaps a more personal level people have reported becoming more appreciative of things they’d taken for granted (Such as seeing family/friends, dining out, being able to shop) and had chance to take up new 36 CARDIFF TIMES
hobbies, improve IT skills (zoom quiz anyone?) and develop healthier hygiene habits. Whether it’s the best of time or worst of times, it’s the only time you have. Look for the good in each day. Focus on growth, purpose, peace, love and gratitude. - Karen Salmansohn On a personal note, I am grateful for 2020. Its allowed me to identify my unhealthy rigid attitude towards my gym routine which had gotten in the way of life’s more important things/people to the point I recognise I’m not in the right place to be a member of a gym currently. It’s allowed me to focus on what is important to me in my life, which is mainly my wonderful friends, family and amazing boyfriend all of whom give me a reason to live, smile and I love very dearly. Its allowed me to engage in my love of outdoors and photography (sorry everyone on facebook who sees 1001 photos every time I step outside!). It’s allowed me to try a new job role in the NHS where I feel honoured to work and meet new people as well as learning new skills and it’s made
