Thank you 2021

It is time to say goodbye to 2021 and welcome 2022 with renewed vigor and hope.

Was it a year to remember—or to forget? It’s hard to decide. We may carry its memory for years because of the disasters it brought. But should we keep revisiting those dreaded days and relive the fear we faced? Or should we focus on the good moments, tag them to 2021, and treasure them?

Isn’t it better to start the new year with a clean slate? When starting a new class (in the old days!), the first thing we did was wipe the board clean for a fresh chapter. What about a whole new year at the door? Should we drag old baggage that weighs us down, or carry only the life lessons and skills that will help us move forward?

Think about relocating to a new home. We take what’s useful for the next phase of life—things tied to good memories or those that may come in handy. We leave behind the unwanted stuff. Sometimes, we carry a few unnecessary items by mistake, but we dispose of them while organizing the new space. Can we do the same with our experiences, thoughts, and memories from 2021?

Spend some time revisiting your memories. Check what “files” got added to your mind this year. We can’t do much about the unknown files added by media or people around us, but journaling or walking alone to recall good and bad experiences is a good start. Write them down so you’re aware of those thoughts. Once your list is ready, mark what to keep and what to let go. Like garbage disposal, this takes time and thought.

Everything happens for a reason. It may not make sense now, but at the right time, it will.

As the quote says, sometimes we need to leave things as they are and move on. Look for lessons you can take from each situation. Collect them if you find any. There may be many instances that require forgiveness—whether forgiving others who hurt you or forgiving yourself for things you didn’t achieve.

Remember, everyone does their best with the knowledge and experiences they have. Forgiving isn’t easy. Holding on to anger is easier. Forgiveness requires strength, awareness, and self-love.

Forgive yourself for the plans you couldn’t fulfill or the actions you regret. Embrace yourself with love and care. Pamper yourself and commit to setting things right in the coming year. Worrying about the past won’t take us anywhere. We need to look toward the future with hope and do our best now.

The best gift you can give yourself this new year is to be present in the moment, practice mindfulness, and take care of yourself.

—Anitha KC