REFLECTING ON 2020

I'm sure that many of us started this year toasting the new decade, excited and full of enthusiasm. This was going to be 'our time', full of promise and potential. Well, that certainly didn't work out as anticipated! And so, when for many of us everywhere has been closed or only available with limited, restricted access, it's been over to us. Similar to a redundancy, an unexpected relationship breakdown, a serious health situation occurring. Those situations where your only choice is the way you deal with what's being presented to you.

Priorities At the beginning of 2020 I'm guessing many of us measured success in terms of results, accolades, promotions, gains. Yes, even now winning and achievement are still important but have less significance as other things have gained prominence in our lives.

During a year when we've mostly been discouraged from leaving our homes there have been very limited options for working, shopping, socialising outside of home. Much has transferred online. Taking time to stop and smell the coffee when we've been restricted to our four walls has meant we could either do nothing or find alternative ways to live well. It's prompted us to look at our lives in different ways.

For many our priorities have been amended. Valuing the relationships we have, our health and the health of those close to us, the human contacts we have, the importance of our homes has taken the place of things we perhaps used to value most highly.

Happiness

As we reflect on 2020 we may discover that many of the things that used to make us happy are less important. A day spent shopping may have once been a treat, but it's not so delightful when the practicalities mean going alone, no browsing or trying on, one-way systems in shops and being offered only one shoe to try.

Other things have been found to bring more joy and pleasure into life. Sharing recipes and baking, seeing family and friends, walking in the countryside or along the beach are things that feel more meaningful and spiritual, grounding us and bringing satisfaction. Relationships Our relationships have been subject to some serious scrutiny this year due to our living in much closer proximity than was ever anticipated. Valuing our nearest and dearest has been a top priority, though some relationships have floundered due to lack of space, patience and privacy.

It's not been an easy time, with new ways of navigating co-existence and finding ways to respect each others' need to work, play and have some quiet personal time, whilst trying to be aware and supportive should dark times arise.

For those of us unable to see our children, grandchildren, vulnerable relatives, the elderly or those with underlying health conditions, these months have been especially harsh.

We've discovered who our real friends are, the people who've maintained contact through phone calls, zoom or thoughtful cards. Neighbours and local support groups have been much appreciated, keeping in touch and delivering food to those who've been struggling or are in need. Work and Money Many of us have found that whilst we've been earning a lot less our finances have been eased by our inability to spend as usual. No relaxed shopping sprees, meals out or holidays have meant that we've been able to cut back. Finding ways to pare spending has been a revelation.

Work for some has been problematic, accommodating working from home alongside children and family members, plus apprehensions at what the future holds. Certainly, keeping afloat has been the immediate concern, rather than striving for promotion, even though some businesses have thrived through being in the right niche or adopting a flexible approach to business. We've perhaps realised that our fast-paced job is less appealing than it once was and that working from home is a less stressful, more comfortable way to work. A survey discovered that 9/10 who've worked from home during lockdown would like to continue doing so.

Also, many of us may have found alternative ways to get what we've needed, exchanging surplus food with neighbours or doing favours for each other instead of hiring someone to do those jobs.

Me-time

Mental health has come under the spotlight this year, due to the major impact of events. We've all had occasion to reflect on our lives, our futures, the things of value to us.

Having some personal time away from these thoughts has been important, especially for those locked down together in busy house shares.

Allocating time to exercise, to go for a walk, run or bike ride in nature, has been a lifeline for many. Or making time to read, enjoy a leisurely bath, pursue a hobby, do something creative has resulted in baking becoming especially popular, as has revisiting hobbies like painting, gardening and creative interests.

Escapism and a break from the house and other people has been important in providing space and time away from brooding, overwhelm and the stress of these uncertain times.

Gratitude Being thankful for things we've never really reflected on has been a very special outcome from this year. Our health care providers, farmers, food suppliers, teachers, delivery drivers, even the weather, the special people in our lives, our pets. And respecting ourselves too, our resilience, resourcefulness and ability to stay positive (in the main!) and keep going.

What a year it's been..!

Susan Leigh A.C.H.Qual, M.N.C.H.(Acc), M.S.M.S.(Acc), H.A.Reg from Altrincham,Cheshire, is a counsellor, hypnotherapist, relationship counsellor,writer & media contributor who offers help with relationship issues,stress management,assertiveness and confidence. She works with individual clients,couples and provide corporate workshops and support.

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2021

December Horoscopes from Russell Grant

Solar Eclipse - 14th Full Moon - 31st

ARIES

A romantic encounter on the 1st makes you feel very special as the festive season draws near. If you’re single, you’ll meet someone special at a spiritual retreat or in outside or countryside setting. A teaching offer on the 11th is worth considering as you’ll enjoy sharing your expertise with enthusiastic students. The Solar Eclipse on the 14th opens the door to an exceptional academic, publishing or travel opportunity. On the 17th, the demands of your professional life will die down, allowing you to devote more time and attention to socialising. Attending a Christmas celebration on the 19th will be lots more fun than expected; wear something special to this gathering and you’ll turn a few heads. The more adventurous the plan, the better. Beware of antagonising an irritable authority figure on the 23rd or you will regret it. On the 31st, the Full Moon will prompt you to make some changes to your home environment, despite the doubts or objections of your nearest and dearest.

TAURUS

Let a loving partner lavish you with love on the 6th. If you’re single you may meet someone special at a concert, play or movie. A dark, mysterious person will capture your attention and fire your imagination. On the 14th, a Solar Eclipse brings in a little extra cash through an unearned source of income. Use an inheritance, insurance cheque or legal settlement to buy a holiday retreat. Your love life sizzles with excitement starting on the 15th; this is a wonderful time to enjoy a passionate interlude. Your professional prospects will greatly improve starting on the 17th; take this opportunity to apply for your dream job. Your upbeat attitude makes a great impression on the people around you on the 19th; don’t be surprised when you’re offered a different role at a cultural, religious or artistic organisation. The Full Moon on the 31st could bring disappointing news about a legal matter. Instead of dwelling on this setback, make exciting plans for 2021. The best is yet to come.

GEMINI

Give more thought to what your business or romantic partner needs to thrive on the 1st and your considerate behaviour will be greatly appreciated. A role involving the arts or charity work will be offered to you on the 6th; your duties will seem more like pleasure than work. Friendship could easily turn into a romance on the 11th, if you’re so inclined. The Solar Eclipse on the 14th begins a happy chapter; there’s never been a better time to lift the curtain on a new relationship be it professional or amorous. Travelling for business will become a more regular routine as 2020 makes way for 2021 you’ll enjoy seeing the world especially if some of the costs are met by an employer or sponsor. An opportunity to share your thoughts and ideas with a wider audience will arrive starting on the 19th . Money from an inheritance, insurance refund or loyalty bonus will arrive near the 28th, giving you a greater measure of independence. On the 31st, the Full Moon ends a situation that has been weighing on your conscience and clears the way for a less stressed new year.

CANCER

It might be a good idea to plan something very special and unusual to celebrate the festive season. If you’re single, you’ll meet someone exciting and enthralling before the end of the year. Do you have a partner? This will be one of your best breaks ever. There’s nothing lost in applying for a dream job on the 11th; to your mind this position would be like getting paid to have fun. On the 14th, a Solar Eclipse will prompt you to overhaul your fitness routine. Becoming more active will make you healthier and happier. You will be put in charge of joint finances after the 17th, allowing you to create greater long-term stability. A passionate relationship will change the way you view the world after the 19th; prepare to adopt a more adventurous outlook. When forced to choose between a personal and professional commitment during the countdown to Christmas, pick the former. The Full Moon on the 31st warns against making any big changes to your personal life; don’t be impetuous when it comes to making New Year resolutions.

LEO

More money for luxuries will become available on the 6th, allowing you to buy some beautiful gifts and luxuries for the upcoming festive season. Don’t give into someone’s bad behaviour or temper tantrums on the 9th; you should never reward bad behaviour. A romantic adventure is possible on the 11th; be ready to pack your bag at a moment’s notice. The Solar Eclipse could mark a surprise engagement, marriage or pregnancy so there could well be more things to celebrate beside Christmas in the second half of December. Entering a serious partnership after the 17th is definitely worth considering; your professional prospects will greatly improve because of this alliance. The 19th marks the beginning of a beautiful relationship; two heads are better than one. If you already have a romantic partner, you’ll enjoy a second honeymoon phase. On the 31st, the Full Moon will bring a secret to light, forcing you to come to terms with a lifestyle issue that could see you making some pretty drastic changes to the way you live your life once 2020 has run its course.

VIRGO

It looks likely that you’ll be devoting more time to your domestic life during December and the run up to Christmas and that is definitely the way it should be; it’s a good time to stock the pantry, tidy up and make your festive preparations. Show your love and affection for a good friend or loving partner on the 6th; a generous open-hearted gesture will be greatly appreciated. If you want a grant, loan or scholarship, apply by the 11th, when your chances for success are virtually guaranteed. On the 14th, a Solar Eclipse marks a big change to your household. You could welcome a baby, elderly relative or roommate to the mix. This addition will make your home life much livelier. You’ll get a wonderful opportunity to acquire some valuable job skills on the 17th; alternatively, you may become an apprentice to a talented entrepreneur. A fun health regimen is worth adopting on the 19th; you’ll enjoy this routine a lot more than expected. The Full Moon on the 31st puts an end to a contentious group project.

LIBRA

You will have a little more money for luxuries, treats and trinkets from the 6th, allowing you to buy some beautiful clothing, accessories and jewellery. Treat yourself. A home improvement project on the 11th will prompt you to entertain more and this could well be the moment you decide to host a big family get together. The Solar Eclipse on the 14th sets you thinking about how you can acquire some new skills. A course of study and training will be a labour of love. Developing your natural creative talent will become a trend starting on the 17th; this is a great time to learn from a talented artisan. Your love life sizzles with excitement after the 19th. If you’re single, you’ll meet someone special at an offbeat online event. Do you have a partner? Prepare to fall in love with each other all over again. On the 31st, the Full Moon brings an end to a stressful career situation. You may go into business for yourself; go for it.

SCORPIO

The start of December brings an excellent opportunity to negotiate a deal, ask for a pay rise or increase your rates. Get ready to wheel and deal to the best of your ability. Your charisma is powerful on the 6th , attracting romantic attention at every turn. If you’re single, you’ll meet someone special at a spiritual, cultural or artistic gathering. Do you have a partner? Let your lover sweep you off your feet. On the 14th , a Solar Eclipse drops an exciting moneymaking opportunity in your lap. Doing business overseas will be highly profitable opportunity that should not be missed. Assuming more family responsibilities will occur after the 17th; be willing to break away from societal norms to accommodate special needs. The chance to move into a bigger home will arrive on the 19th; you’ll enjoy your spacious surroundings. The Full Moon on the 31st could be about to herald a disappointing conclusion to a legal matter. Don’t be bitter; make a fresh start. Counting your blessings will pave the way for a joyous New Year.

SAGITTARIUS

You’ll get an enthusiastic response for your ideas and ideals during the early days of December making it a great time to for a professional sales pitch or a passion packed proposal. Be realistic about family expectations on the 9th; you don’t have to present a picture-perfect image to the world. The Solar Eclipse on the 14th will prompt you to radically overhaul your image and lifestyle; this is a wonderful time to work with a stylist, wardrobe consultant or cosmetic surgeon. Cultivating your communication skills will pay off handsomely starting as Christmas Day draws near. Get in touch with past colleagues, distant relatives and far-flung friends. Life is sure to get busier and busier from the 19th onwards when you’ll begin a round of pleasure jaunts and get together’s. On the 31st, the Full Moon will bring an unexpected expense, prompting you to rein in your budget and start closely counting costs. Create a sensible spending plan for 2021.

CAPRICORN

Your charm and charisma attracts admiring glances wherever you go during the opening days of December so this could be a potentially good time to ask for favours, go on job interviews or enjoy a date. A home improvement project will go better than you imagined on the 11th; you’ll be very proud with the results. On the 14th, a Solar Eclipse marks a spiritual breakthrough; you could embark on a much healthier, happier lifestyle. Financial challenges will prompt you to be more careful with resources starting on the 17th; this is an ideal opportunity to open a savings or retirement account, but not such a great time for cutting costs on festive fun. Moneymaking opportunities abound after the 19th. A job involving air travel, research or cutting-edge technology is worth taking. Taking a calculated financial risk on the 21st will pay off beyond your wildest dreams. Prepare to be swept off your feet by an ardent admirer on the 28th. The Full Moon on the 31st brings an end to an unhappy alliance much to everyone’s relief.

AQUARIUS

Raising money for a good cause will be a labour of love as December’s days start to pass by. Your organisational skills will be extremely helpful with this venture. Don’t let a friend’s good fortune on the 9th make you jealous; the Universe is endlessly bountiful. The Solar Eclipse on the 14th could inspire you to pursue a lofty dream that makes your spirit sing. Use this opportunity to launch a bold plan. Starting on the 17th, you’ll assume more responsibility in your personal life. Taking control of your destiny will be empowering. An opportunity to expand your horizons in surprising ways will arrive on or after the 19th . It’s possible you will move overseas or adopt another belief system. Hidden resources will become available on the 28th, allowing you to relocate or begin an extensive home renovation. On the 31st, the Full Moon marks the end of a job that has been robbing you of sleep. This will be a huge relief and bring a chance to move onward and upward.

PISCES

The start of December could mark the start of a period of uncertainty on the professional front; do your best to project optimism, confidence and enthusiasm. A publishing or academic venture will push the spotlight of public attention onto you on the 6th. It’s not a good idea to pretend to have expertise in an area of technical development on the 9th; ask for help or training instead. On the 14th, a Solar Eclipse brings an extraordinary career opportunity. Don’t hesitate to accept a highprofile position in a fun industry. Taking up a serious spiritual practice is a distinct possibility in the days following the 17th. Taking a pilgrimage to a place that restores your soul is favoured for the 19th . Flattery will get you nowhere over the festive season. The best way to win the approval of those around you is to keep smiling and working hard to make sure everything goes smoothly. The Full Moon on the 31st prompts you to finish a creative project that has given you more than a few sleepless nights.