Transitioning from one year to the next has always been a time for reflection and resilience.
As 2021 closed, many of us were tempted to turn quickly away from a full year living with a global pandemic, hoping the new year would bring relief and new outlooks. However, this did not seem to be the case with the last weeks of the year giving rise to ever-increasing rates of Covid-19 and the new measures attempting to contain them.
How did we adapt to unprecedented circumstances?
Taking the time to reflect, I realized I was entering the holiday season looking forward to a good break and festive moments with loved ones, but also keen to take on the new year with energy and enthusiasm, despite the circumstances. What generated that sense of energy? If resilience is the ability to recover from setbacks, adapt well to change, and keep going in the face of adversity, where did that resilience come from?
Relationships and gratitude are the backbones of resilience.
Looking back on the last months, I realized how grateful I am for the people in my life, my family, my friends, my colleagues, and fellow volunteer members. Without a network of support that shares common commitments in different areas of my life, the year would have been ruthless, lonely, and probably depressing.
Questions to engage in at all times:
Without waiting for the traditional change of year, we can ask ourselves:
- Have I created rituals and practices to deepen my relationships?
- Do I explicitly express what bonds us and the shared commitments we have?
- Am I willing to have the conversations required to restore relationships when needed, coming from 100% responsibility?
- How often do I express my gratitude?
- Am I taking the time to acknowledge the people around me in a meaningful way?
