What a challenging year it has been! It was full of surprises, chaos, and unmet expectations. It was a year of lost hopes and breaking barriers. That's how I sum up 2020.
No matter how good the year 2020 has started, there are always obstacles. That's an uncertain moment of what the future holds.
How the year started
Celebrating the New Year 2020 with my family was one of the best moments of my life. Being with my loved ones brought happiness and a joyful spirit.
We've shared many meaningful conversations, short travels, and family gatherings that have strongly bonded us. We don't get a chance to celebrate together as one big family yearly, but whenever we do, we make it very memorable.
Meaningful moments have been celebrated with a dear person in my life. I had a great time and sweet memories that I always reminisce about.
The Great Challenge
The end of the first quarter of 2020 brought misery to our lives. The pandemic caused by Covid-19 knocked us down. It made us paralyzed for a moment. It made us worry, fear, and angry over the unknown enemy. The sudden shift to remote work, the fear of contracting the virus, and the isolation from loved ones were some of our challenges.
COVID-19 caused a global freeze. There were no local and international flights, some travel restrictions, closed businesses, and bankrupt companies.
It separated countries by closing the borders, made us feel disconnected through physical distancing, and taught us to set boundaries for our protection and our loved ones.
Before the lockdown in March this year, I shared a meaningful journey with special people. We never thought the worst was yet to come, but we celebrated the triumph with courage, faith, and love.
Despite the unexpected challenges of this century, we've not just survived; we've thrived. No matter how daunting the situations, we've persevered, determined to carve out a good life in this new normal. Our resilience is a testament to the human spirit, inspiring hope for the future.
Lessons from the Pandemic
This pandemic has been a profound teacher, offering us a glimpse of the potential disasters that humanity may face. It's a wake-up call to be better prepared and more courageous in adversity. Our lessons are invaluable, prompting us to reflect on our actions and be better prepared for the future.
That's a great lesson for humanity, but the pandemic made us realize that we're all globally connected and can feel people's suffering wherever they are.
However, it's not the end of the world. We had to do something. We don't have to feel miserable, lonely, or depressed. Instead, we have made things possible.
Food is essential for survival in times of pandemic. When people in the cities struggle with food supplies, people in the countryside or rural areas have a reason to be more grateful.
Integrated farming lifestyle
My parents decided to use their time while on lockdown. So, they started developing our farmland as our new lifestyle. This involved a shift towards self-sustainability, focusing on growing our food and living in harmony with nature.
Integrated farming has converted our farm into a mini forest with different kinds of trees. This place is where I bathe in the forest every time we visit the farm. Its healing effect is Wonderful as it helps to be more grounded. To be connected to the natural source.
We've also started to plant vegetables and fruits and have made farm-fresh harvests for our food. This time, health must be an utmost priority. We have to strengthen our immunity against diseases, so it's good to eat organic fruits and veggies that are more healthy and keep us strong and have more energy.
Overcoming challenges
We've had enough of COVID-19 and are helping to defeat it. If we keep the faith, it can never break us or kill us.
When we can travel again without restrictions and quarantine status is at the lowest level, we rejoice that finally, we are back to normal, although some health protocols are still in place.
We've had simple family gatherings to celebrate precious moments and religious devotions. This time, there were no kisses and hugs but a little distance to ensure safety. We gathered around a table, maintained a safe distance, and shared our thoughts and feelings, albeit with a sense of caution and a robotic feeling, but we must get used to it.
Christmas in our hearts
Our world brightened up when the 'Ber' month started. We're in a festive mood and celebrating Christmas early on.
From September to December, we anticipate a very long Christmas season unique among Filipinos. It brings hope that we can always be cheerful and win any battle of life's ups and downs.
And so, we celebrate Christmas. It may not be the most festive celebration this year, but we refuse to let go of the light of hope and our lofty aspirations. Our joy in celebrating Christmas, even amid a pandemic, is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a beacon of hope for the future.
This Christmas, during the pandemic, is a reminder to be with the people who truly matter and celebrate with simplicity and the highest gratitude. It's a time for introspection about our purpose and continued life journey. To give hope and bear the light.
Christmas is the most anticipated moment, so we make peace with ourselves over wrongful actions. This holiday is the time for a soulful evaluation of the previous year and the best time to plan for the following year.
So many turns of events. Some unexpected moments. Some unimaginable happenings. 2020 may be the beginning of a new earthly change, but it's also the beginning of a New personality and more refined energy.
©️ 2020 Del Cusay
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