The only thing constant is change
– Heraclitus (Greek philosopher)
How many of your 2020 New Year’s resolutions did you achieve? A few? All? None? I imagine that many planned to exercise, lose weight, drink less, join a gym, travel, find a new job, save money; but then COVID-19 arrived, is still happening, and all our lives changed. So, what’s the plan for 2021?
Hope surges as we embark on 2021. While 2020 was a year of loss, heartbreak, separation, isolation, desolation and disruption, it was also a year when we saw faith renewed in humankind. We saw selflessness, sacrifice and sharing. For the most part, we saw the best of others; it’s a pity that it had to take a global pandemic to remind us of who and what are important. And it was not as if we weren’t being told, advised, or shown; all around us there were signs and voices – from business practices to education and schooling; from the environment to industry; from family lives to human interactions. As we step into this New Year, let’s do so thinking on and implementing all the constructive things we have learnt. Let’s go forward with good intentions to do better and to be better.
What I am about to tell you is nothing new, think of these as reminders that can serve us well in 2021 and beyond.
To change, you do not have to wait for a new week, month or year, each day that we open our eyes is an opportunity for change. Therefore, put aside the lofty resolutions that will disappear in a couple of weeks’ time and think long term; think lifestyle. Make changes that are sustainable, and attainable. Consider the environment in which we find ourselves – at work, school or play – and determine how the changes you want to make will fit into these circumstances and your lifestyle.
The current work and learning environments are going to remain the same for a while, therefore, many of us are still going to be working from home. As a matter of fact, many businesses and institutions will restructure their business models and how they conduct themselves, so the regular daily commute to and from work, may be a thing of the past for many. Right now, as we work and learn from home, we are cooking and eating more at home. Let’s continue to make it a normal part of our routine.
As things open up and return to some semblance of normalcy, let’s not lose the bond and fellowship developed from gathering around the table. We might not be able to eat together every day but at least try to gather for a meal twice a week.
With closed borders during lockdown and even now, much of the imported food stuff we enjoy are not available and yet we survive. I know people who would say that they only eat this butter, or drink only this type of milk, or that they must have (fill in the blank) and yet they are alive; they’ve survived. Many turned to local alternatives and in the process, reduced importation bills, supported local businesses and are healthier. Try to maintain that in 2021 and beyond.
Many learnt to make bread and to cook – keep it up. It is one of the best ways to be healthy, know what’s in your food and what you’re are putting into your body.
You started a kitchen garden – keep at it and if there is room to expand, do so.
Don’t take for granted the bounty and variety of fruits and vegetables available daily; some of us have to wait weekly for a few available options in limited supply.
Move and keep moving. You do not have to join a gym or have fancy, expensive equipment to get into some form of exercise. Take a walk around your neighbourhood if you can, or at a park. And you don’t have to speed walk, just keep moving.
Eat and drink what you like, in moderation. Unless you are strictly prohibited by your medical professional, do not deprive yourself of anything. Practise moderation; as this year can attest, life is too short for absolutes, unless it endangers your health and well-being.
The very best is wished to you and yours. Happy New Year!
Cynthia
