
2020 has been a year like no other in most of our living memories. Covid 19 has reminded us that we are not rulers of the universe, nature is, and we are all fragile beings at her mercy. In spite of all our progress, the tools we have to protect ourselves are the same as at any other time in history – soap, water, masks and space. Our human need to gather together, to connect with others has been curtailed globally and we are all sharing in that; though not all sharing the suffering of loss, sickness and economic deprivation. Many have found they have less to do whilst those in key worker roles have never had to work as hard. We’ve realised which jobs really matter and it’s not the ones in the City! A lot of people are a lot poorer whilst a few are significantly richer. Whilst governments have tried to balance health needs with the economy they’ve found that the two cannot be separated so easily and the virus has stayed one step ahead. Countries that prioritised the health of everyone earlier have done better economically. The UK’s developing hospital crisis is not only a result of indecisive dithering about restrictions and lack of efficient testing for staff but also years of under investment and staff shortages. I fear the New Year will be worse at the start than anything we’ve seen in 2020. Successive governments disregard for the well being of the people has led to this catastrophe.
Our worlds have been smaller this year. Little travel, no gatherings. This enforced slower pace has it’s benefits though. More time with our immediate loved ones; more time to connect with nature, to bake, to read or just to be. We’ve seen people less but appreciated it more when we have. I’ve baked bread for the first time in my life and grown flowers from seeds.
As the new year dawns there is hope. The development of a vaccine in less than a year is truly remarkable and just shows what we can do if we work together. Could we do the same to tackle climate change? Global poverty? We could if we wanted to. The internet has allowed us to keep connected and for many, myself included, to keep working safely. Imagine a pandemic without it? Lots of community projects have developed to help and support others. We helped deliver 300 Christmas dinners and sacks of toys to needy families, individuals and care homes on Christmas Day – organised by one awesome guy in our area.
The pandemic has shown us the best and worst of humanity. We are not yet on the other side but my main hope for 2021 is that we learn the lessons we need to from it. I for one want a new normal; one where every life is valued and cherished; need comes before profit; nature is respected and love conquers hate. My mum tells me that every pandemic in history has brought significant social change afterwards. So let’s imagine and hope for 2021!

Happy New Year! Much peace for 2021❤️💥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Dwight! Same to you 💞💞
LikeLike
We could definitely use some positive social change!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love this post and its reflections on the year. I also baked bread and grew from seeds the first time and my life was richer for it. Happy New Year Doc, hope you have a lovely one ♡
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you and same to you! 💞💞
LikeLiked by 1 person
AMEN ! Happy new year DGS. May your wise words be heard across the cosmos ^^ ❤ xxx Thinking of you my friend xoxoxo Anne
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy new year to you too Anne! Hope all is well for you 😘😘
LikeLike
Happy New Year you to! I truly hope some positive change comes in the future…. but it is so hard to see that even though technology has allowed us to access news easier than ever, to hear stories of people across the globe…. many are still able to ignore the realities of those less fortunate and make only selfish choices =( Ugh. All we can do is have hope, keep speaking up and being the change we wish to see….
LikeLike
Happy new year! 2021 is definitely a big unknown!
Stillness and peace
Anne
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautifully said, DGS. Happy New Year and much love. 💕
LikeLike
“Let’s imagine and hope…” I shall do just that! Happy New Year!
LikeLike
Hope springs eternal!
Happy New Year!
xo
Wendy
LikeLike
Happy New Year to you DGS. Let’s hope it brings peace and health to all xx
LikeLike