Perspective
It seems many of us are in a reflection mode… looking back on 2021 and beyond. Surely, it’s been quite a memorable time in our lives. I saw a post on FaceBook by neighbors who couldn’t wait for 2021 to be over as it has been a “terrible year,” and many others chimed in. I obviously don’t know their specific circumstances that make them say they “hated” this year. We all know that many tragic losses due to the pandemic and otherwise touched uncountable people, and I am sympathetic.
I had a fair share of my own losses, especially with my mother’s passing, which took a lot out of me. In addition, I lost 4 good friends and a former boss whom I felt quite indebted to (3 of them in Japan and 2 from here in California) not to mention a dear doggy friend (who was a friend of Nicola, my kitty who crossed over last year). While none of the deaths was caused directly by COVID, I know if it weren’t for the pandemic I could have had chances to be with them if it were under what was once a “normal” situation.
For me, despite the challenges I had to navigate to get to Japan to see my mother before she passed and all the losses, 2021 wasn’t all about the sadness. In fact, it was a year when I made strides in my business. I met some genuinely inspiring people, who are passionate and dedicated about doing what they believe in. For a while I wondered if I was avoiding my grief by staying busy, but in fact, I know that’s what gave me the strength to face my mom’s passing the way I did. I was able to go through the whole experience feeling supported with kindness.
My mind tends to get busy thinking about the next adventures in life — short to long terms. And I often get overwhelmed by my own expectation. Often I have to refer back to my own compass to make sure I’m at least on the right track due north rather than running by someone else’s expectations. When I can’t see to far clearly, having a wider perspective — remembering the grander scheme of things — helps me to see the spectrum of goodness and not-goodness — life as it is.