As the New Year, 2022, is on the cusp of being born, it’s a good time to reflect and think about the year past. There have been challenges for all of us on the planet above and beyond the usual. This has, of course, been due to dealing with the Coronavirus at each and every stage since it first manifested itself. Are you anxious, afraid, hopeful, thankful, or in some other emotional state as 2022 begins?
I feel nervous about the new variant especially as I’m a Senior Citizen and more vulnerable than other members of the population. Another reason for feeling this way is because someone in my building was diagnosed with the virus. A few months ago when it seemed that things were “looking up” and reopening, I had begun to feel more relaxed and light-hearted.
That didn’t last for long though. On November 28th, the Ontario government announced that they had found two cases of people with the Omicron variant in Ottawa. From that time, the number of cases has increased in Canada and other parts of the world. What must we think now? I’m reminded of Viktor Frankl’s words:
“It does not really matter what we expect from life, but rather what life expects from us. We are being questioned by life, hourly, daily, moment by moment. Our answer—to respond with right action and right conduct. Life ultimately means, taking the responsibility to find the right answer to its problems, and to fulfill the tasks which are constantly set for each individual.” ~ Viktor Frankl
Despite the virus in its original form or any variant that arises now or in the future, our attitude will be crucial to dealing with it. In the beginning, we didn’t have masks, PPE, and no vaccine. We have to be thankful that there’s no shortage of masks or protective equipment now and most people who want to have been vaccinated. Many have even had a booster shot. We’ve made progress since 2020 when it first started. That’s something to be thankful for.
We can also be grateful for the present moment. This may seem simplistic to some but the reality is that the present moment is all that we have. This Coronavirus time, despite its challenges, may just be the time for all of us to learn to live more mindfully. Maybe it’s more than physical safety we need to give our attention to. If we go back to our old ways after the Coronavirus is just a memory, will we have learned anything?
“Gratitude bestows reverence…changing forever how we experience life and the world.” ~ John Milton
Is this a time that we can learn to share our appreciation verbally? We know that our healthcare workers and many others have been working tirelessly on our behalf. That’s something else that we can be grateful for. A short word of thanks wouldn’t do any harm and, in fact, may do lots of good. Perhaps, there is some other way you want to express your appreciation that is peculiar to you – and only you can do. It’s important to do it.
“Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary.” ~ Margaret Cousins
What of those who have lost loved ones this year? That’s a reason for grief and sorrow. Is there anything we can do? Those of us who know such persons can reach out in whatever way we can to bring comfort and help to them and their families. We may not be able to visit with them but a phone call, dropping off a meal or sending a bunch of flowers will let them know you’re thinking of them and be a source of support. How about a weekly email in 2022? “If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
We can’t forget those who have lost loved ones this year that did not succumb to the virus. Their hearts too are heavy with loss and grief. Can we lift them up for a moment by remembering them, getting in touch and keeping in touch in 2022? It’s the time for New Year’s resolutions. Perhaps, that could be one we put on our list for the New Year. On Christmas night, I dropped off some turkey dinners for three people in the building. One person had lost his wife in late 2020 and as we spoke briefly at the door, he was overcome by emotion and shed a few tears. Try to be kind in 2022!
Irregardless of the scenario being played out by the Coronavirus and its variants, we’re all hoping to be safe, happy, healthy, prosperous, and live peacefully in 2022. Like all the generations before us, we want good in our lives and for those around us with the coming of each New Year. As we continue to do our very best in whatever circumstances we find ourselves in, my wish for you is the same as usual – HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Finally, I’d like to end this post by sharing a poem and a quote that mean something to me personally. Hope they will bring some insight to what you may be experiencing at this time. Stay safe and well.
Otherwise
I got out of bed
on two strong legs.
It might have been
otherwise.
I ate cereal, sweet
milk, ripe, flawless
peach. It might
have been otherwise.
I took the dog uphill
to the birch wood.
All morning I did
the work I love.
At noon I lay down
with my mate. It might
have been otherwise.
We ate dinner together
at a table with silver
candlesticks. It might
have been otherwise.
I slept in a bed
in a room with paintings
on the walls, and
planned another day
just like this day.
But one day, I know,
it will be otherwise.
—Jane Kenyon
All Coronavirus Art in this post by Jean Janki Samaroo
QUOTE
“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive — to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.“ ~ Marcus Aurelius