Seven Ways to Practise Gratitude
to Close 2020
For many, the year 2020 was meant to mark an important turning point in our lives, be it graduating from years of higher education, getting married, or going on that epic adventure of a lifetime.
The microscopic coronavirus, however, had other plans for us, and its rapid spread among the global population led to a derailment of plans for just about every single person on this planet.
Even though many have claimed this year to be the longest they have ever had to live, and in many cases, just simply survive, knowing that it is finally coming to an end and that the first vaccines have started to roll out in some parts of the world, is giving all of us a glimmer of hope for a better 2021.
Still, despite the craziness that is 2020 and some continued uncertainty for next year, there is much to be grateful for looking back on this undeniably challenging year. And if you can’t quite picture how 2020 has been good to you, here are some ways to practice gratefulness for a year that will remain in etched in the memories of all of us who lived through it.
1. Make a list of the new things you have learned, hobbies you’ve picked up, or tasks you were just too busy to do before
With enforced quarantine and stay at home orders, many of us sought out projects to relieve ourselves from boredom or even supplement or generate an income. Perhaps you finally mastered keeping your sourdough starter alive, started an edible garden, organized your closet, fixed that blown lightbulb, or started an online course to pick up a new skill.
Big or small, a list of these achievements can help you put this year into perspective and help you realize that while you may not have visited a foreign country or bought a new car, there were many other things you were able to do that you might not have done otherwise.
2. Reconnect with family and friends, virtually or face to face
The end of the year is always a good time to reconnect with the people who mean the most to you. While large physical New Year gatherings may be impossible for most of us, there is no excuse not to gather virtually, whether for one-on-one sessions on the phone or a video group chat with family and friends near or far. Seeing the faces of loved ones and hearing their voice is a great way to remind yourself to be thankful for all the amazing people you have in your life.
3. Say thank you to those who helped you in some way
Many of us may have needed some or a lot of help this year. Whether it is something seemingly small like words of encouragement, a friend or family sending you a favourite meal, people who supported your little home-based business, to a relative who helped you with your finances or healthcare workers who nursed you back to health, let them know you are thankful for the ways in which they helped you this year.
Thank them with a simple gift – a fruit basket or box of cookies are always popular – but if that is beyond your means at this time, a little call or message to express your gratitude is all that is truly needed.
4. Forgive and seek forgiveness
Seeking forgiveness and forgiving someone is not the easiest thing to do. However, the end of the year is the perfect time to apologize for your shortcomings and to let go of the wrongdoing of others, whether they choose to seek it from you or not. It’ll clear your heart and your mind, and let you enter the new year with clarity, peacefulness and positive vibes – something all of us will need as we move towards 2021 and its unknown challenges.
5. Practice a little ta`awun
Ta`awun is an Arabic word that means mutual cooperation or working together to help one another. While it is a word regularly used in the principles of takaful, it can also be applied to other aspects of your daily life. This can include contributing to a fund that supports the underprivileged, participating in a little community service, or coming together with friends or family to help support another in need.
Helping one another and giving back to the community is healing – for those you help and your own self.
6. Acknowledge your losses, and plan for how you can recuperate them next year (or the year after next)
From cancelled vacation plans to lay-offs, many of us experienced losses in 2020. Some were not able to return home to see their families, others had to dig into their retirement savings to help themselves survive on a daily basis, you may have been forced to close your business, or even downscale your lifestyle.
Instead of being upset with all the things that didn’t go your way this year, list them down and acknowledge them. This simple practice can give you closure, and maybe even the freedom to plan and think out of the box for ways of recuperating your losses in the next couple of years. Maybe you’ll even discover that your losses are a disguised opportunity to try something completely different.
7. Think about your future
With 2021 being a year still rife with uncertainty, the end of the year is always a good time to think about your goals and wants for the near and distant future. Maybe you’ll decide on the first country you’d like to visit once borders are open again, or you can start a financial plan to achieve your varied goals. Perhaps there’s a recipe you want to master, or you can even think about the first in-restaurant meal you’d like to have in the new year.
Thinking about your future gives you something positive to look forward to and the motivation you need to work towards achieving your goals.
Whether you are ready or not, 2021 is knocking loudly on our doors. Regardless of how this year has been for you, let us all take a little time to acknowledge the ways in which this challenging year has taught us, brought us closer together, and made us stronger and more resilient to face whatever the future has coming our way.
From all of us here at PruBSN, we wish you a very Happy New Year 2021 – a year to celebrate you and make the best out of ourselves. Remember to stay healthy and safe at all times!