Goodbye 2020. You have been sneaky but wise. You have been ruthless but generous.
My 2020 word was “Focus”.
Never can I imagine that it was such an apt and powerful word that helped me to get through this year. From two deaths in our family to new portfolio while supporting our family and keeping my sanity intact.
I was listening to a podcast yesterday and was struck by this quote by Epictitus, which embodies what the “Focus” theme was all about for 2020.
Keep your attention focused entirely on what is truly your own concern and be clear that what belongs to others is their business, and not yours.
– Epictitus
Throughout the ups and downs of 2020, I have learnt to FOCUS on only several things and dial down the rest of the noise.
1. Focus on what matters: I find solace in validating my values and in identifying what matters to me most (which turns out to be a short list of the impact I care about, the uplifting circles that I choose to be with and the memories I create with my family and friends).
2. Focus on good intention: There are times we broke our own promise, or many times were disappointed by others. Reframing back to the intention keeps my integrity in-check and I have also learned to forgive others and move on.
3. Focus on gratitude: Yes, Covid-19 sucks. It sucks the joy and the normalcy we used to have. However, it also taught me to not take things for granted – a simple walk at the park, eating at my favorite restaurants and simply being able to breathe. There is something humbling about the pandemic, that a really tiny thing can bring the whole world to a halt. This pandemic taught me that we cannot control everything (and more importantly, we need to control our habit of excessive consumption). A “negative visualization” exercise really helped in times of crisis – it could have gone worse (and thankfully hadn’t!) So, I have learned to focus on savoring ordinary moments – and I call it “micro gratitude exercise”.
Completing our family 2020 photobook yesterday (which is an annual routine for me) made me so grateful to look back and find a lot of silver lining in the darkest days in 2020.
So, thank you 2020, for showing me what matters. Thank you for teaching me resilience and gratitude.
Here’s to “Thrive” in 2021!
Happy New Year and blessings to you and your family!
Zalina’s Canvas 