What seemed to be a long, tiring, strange year is coming to an end. A year that brought a shift to how everyone and everything worked. A start to new forced habits, and an end to the ‘old normal’. A year where prejudices, assumptions and feigned intelligence were defeated with a certain ‘virulency’ (pun intended). A year where self-proclaimed experts went missing after realizing the virus did not behave as per their propaganda. A year that proved quick adaptation and evolvement can aid in bringing a new normalcy but at no point can its dynamic nature cease to exist. A year that elevated personal hygiene to a whole new level and made us break our personal record for the number of times you can wash your hands in a day. A year that showed indoor confinements either led to magnificent self- discoveries or enormous self-loathe, mostly, a concoction of both. A year that showed no matter the criticism, the essential workers were the true warriors who continuously fought to save lives and helped us lead a peaceful one.

We probably started off this year with typical resolutions : to be a better version of ourselves, eat better, exercise better, visit the ones we seldom visited and of course, ‘travel’ plenty. Well, quite a washout, eh? While most of the plans went down the drain, there were lots that were still accomplished. Many worked on their hobbies, and elevated themselves to master levels. A lot of scientists emerged from the kitchen and even coerced the non-cooks to try their hand at something that was deemed terrifying. Many liked it and succeeded while others gained clarity on why they despised the kitchen in the first place (vanquished self-doubts). Many reconnected with family and friends in a manner that seemed like video apps were invented only in 2020. Majority of the working crowd found a new relief with their work-from-home scenario, a setup that ‘supposedly’ addressed the ever-nagging issue of work-life balance. Turns out, the solution to striking a work-life balance is by working lots more from the comfort of your home. Incorporating work in your life- ‘Working life’, get it? Though many had the comfort to work from a safe environment, there is a large majority who could not. They are still making it work one way or another. 

If we were able to glide through this year in the comforts of our home with inconsequential setbacks to our daily routine, then this was a year to be grateful for. Thankful for what we have and for what was not lost, as we know for sure that this was a tragic year for many. A lot of lives were lost. The pain to make ends meet was high as umpteen jobs were lost. 

What remains is a shadow of hope. The hope to see a better tomorrow is what pushes everyone today. To believe that things will eventually get back to normal, is what prods us forward. 2021: A new year shall open with an ongoing battle but it looks like the armour and artillery are better set. Knowing that the battle will continue, ‘might’ make us prudent (reckless ones, are you listening?). Let’s accept that the battle is not over, because whether we like it or not, it’s a long way to the finish line. So, let’s hold onto that champagne to pop another time.