We all thought 2020 was going to be the year. Life ((!) This claim is disputed) humbled all 7 billion of us by dealing us the same cards! (#coronavirus) Between the 9 months of varied lockdown restrictions, and the constant influx of tragic news, the world seems nothing short of terrifying. The mood has been restless, tense, frustrated and anxious as we near a year of learning to live with this pandemic. This year, the air is full of uncertainty, and caution rather than celebration. The first thing we hear when we call someone- even before the dial tone- is a warning for coronavirus! 2020 was such a miss because we lost so much, that we all forgot to look at the hits.
I mean, I miss- swimming, music festivals, stand ups and going to watch sports games- a time before intrusive nose jabs. I could go on and on about what 2020 took away from me and fill up this article but that is not the whole truth because this year has also been a year of giving, and to ignore it would be like forever seeing half of a painting, never seeing the whole picture.
To start with, I do not think I have felt more gratitude, and joy in my life than this year. I rescued and adopted the cutest wee pupper this July, every evening we go for a walk to the dog park by Bandstand and there’s always a handful of dogs running around by the promenade. I walk back home feeling dazed because my brain is drowning in dopamine, so grateful for this little community of dog owners I’ve discovered. It has been pleasantly surprising to find such a strong sense of community and nothing but love, 2020 has made me grateful of people whom before I took for granted.
So, what made the year good you’re wondering? People made 2020 great- you did, health care workers, Marcus Rashford, American voters for a refreshing display of democracy, Jacinda Ardern, your family, friends, neighbours, and your help. A historic year to say the least, but for so many good reasons too, the first African, Asian female Vice President, after 45 white male VP’s preceding her! LGBTQ rights have increased tenfold, with eased restrictions on blood donation, legalising same sex marriages, and the banning of conversion therapy. Sudan lifted the death penalty for homosexuality! These may not affect me directly but they are all helping fellow humans in other parts of the world live a better life, be who they are, and more importantly love freely which is exactly what 2020 was all about which is why saying goodbye to the year is such a collective sentiment. You might think that I’m an optimist. Nay, far from it. But I am a fan of facts and numbers, because when you rack ‘em up, they start forming a decent looking ‘win list’ all of us can, and should celebrate.
My little cousin brother yesterday sent me a voice note saying “Taabi didi I need a massage” following a message by his mum saying “he says no one else will understand my pain call her” he is 5! I had a smile on my face for the rest of the day giggling away this story to my mum and dad. The Stoics have this saying, Memento Mori that translates to Remember you must die, which I think just means take the time to enjoy the little things, get excited by them. If you’ve spent the whole year worried and stressed out, perhaps you can dedicate the last two weeks of the year to celebrate your wins. I think it’s always better to be thankful for all good things, than to be wishful.
It is a long road to social equity and there is a lot we need to correct, but there are also abundant reasons to celebrate our victories and fill each day with a little joy. Say please, say thank you, express gratitude. ‘Celebrate’ comes from the Latin celeber which means frequented or honoured. Why not frequent every possible moment with joy and gratitude? Why wait for Christmas? As Hans Rosling wrote, ‘I see no conflict between celebrating progress and continuing to fight for more’
Written By Taabish Rayani
I was born and bred in Mumbai, but I consider myself a resident of Pangaea. I’m a stick and poke tattoo artist, I like dogs more than humans, and I would rather read an ancient satire by Aristophanes, than watch a Marvel movie (I know, what a classical gyp). I believe life is happy if you are the person your dog thinks you are!
Week 52, December ’20
