Stepping into a new bunch of 365 days

The new year is a blank book. The pen is in your hands,
it is your chance to write a beautiful story for yourself.
Happy New Year!

The year 2020, which arrived with a bang, has moved on. Or perhaps, we are the ones moving forward, leaving the year behind!

What did we see in the year 2020? Things we had never heard of, never imagined. When I first read in the newspaper about a city shutting down somewhere far away, I couldn’t believe it. We wondered—could that ever happen here?

But, as the year progressed, it became the new normal across the world. Our city, too, went into the dreaded lockdown. Overnight, the world looked so different. Masks and sanitizers became the most talked-about accessories. Grocery shopping was the only reason—apart from medicines and hospitals—to step outside. Offices moved into homes. Professional and household work began to coexist. Many lost jobs, businesses, and their means of livelihood. At the same time, new businesses and job types emerged unexpectedly. While retail outlets faced the brunt of lockdown, online retailers saw unprecedented growth. Medical and cleaning staff braved the situation, working day and night to care for people.

This year also came with quite a many good things. Reduced pollution, increased family time, lessons on the importance of home-cooked food, increased awareness of health& hygiene, and many more.

Whatever the case may be, we are stepping into a new year with many hopes. Ready to embrace the things that may be in store for us. What are you planning to do in 2021? New resolutions, new goals, new dreams that come with our hopes.

HOPE is the only thing
Stronger than the FEAR

Let us get up and get going with new zest and hope and walk into the year with courage.

Thinking about the new year made me reflect on books I want to read. For the first time, I planned this in advance. Usually, I wander through the world of books, reading based on mood and availability. Thanks to my daughter for introducing me to bullet journaling—a concept I hadn’t heard of before—which helped me create a reading list.

I made a list of books, gathered some, and ordered a few more in the last week of December. Here’s my list. Along with these, I may read a few extras. Missing vacations due to the pandemic gave me time to read at the end of the year and plan for the new one. Though I couldn’t write much in December, I’m hopeful for better consistency this year.

What are your thoughts on 2020? What are your plans for 2021? My best wishes for your resolutions and goals. Take care and stay safe.

—Anitha KC