This frame of a large sign sits empty, I see it every time we walk along the Rideau Canal to Lansdowne. Previously on that frame was the promise of a future development coming. The building that was to be replaced still sits on that property,all that remains is an empty sign frame.
The frame of the sign is just asking to be used once more so I have asked a few friends I know to give me the one word they would put on that sign to describe their experience with 2020. I want to thank them for their participation in this, my last post for 2020.
“Enlightening”, I feel like I was enlightened to the simple and important things in my life and that my busy jet setting life wasn’t actually for me. I prefer being home with my family and I’m enlightened to the fact of what really truly matters now. (Crystal)
“Draining”, it has been an emotionally draining year. There were several deaths on my wife’s side: her Mom, Uncle and Bestie. PLUS, COVID stuff like knowing someone who died from it and his family who continue to rehab from it seven months later, it made it real for us. Plus dealing with four of us sharing the house when they were off school, two teens, plus, plus, plus etc. I’m exhausted, drained. (John M)
“Creativity”, I thought creativity because I mean in the context that people have risen to the challenge through many avenues of being creative; from home gyms, learning to cook, baking. Learning to appreciate the outdoors and WFH. Always question of how can I use this time; home renos and upgrades, reading, going on diets? People were thinking! People coming up with new ways to help others! (Colleen)
“Disparity”, the tone of things after Don Cherry was fired and the bat escaped from Wuhan Labs (Danno)
“Indefatigable”, Unrelenting, tireless from the a negative perspective. From the positive side of the coin it has required from many of us business owners and an those who believe in democracy to stay focused on what we need to do. (David)
“Gratitude”, 2020 is almost undefinable. 2020 has been transformative in that we have had to look at our own humanity in relation to others. With Gratitude there is hope. (Susan)
“Transformative”, the world has changed. Economically, supply chains and business processes have both transformed in the response to the renewed threats, interestingly both emanating from China. Business processes have become more decentralized and involve more AI. Centralized supply chains take focus away from low-cost markets toward better sustainability of supply. The massive increase in online shopping has changed ‘what’ people buy and that affects production. Political systems are transforming and not for the better. We’re seeing the beginning of the end of democracy. (Fred M)
“Unprecedented”, it was the most used word in 2020 (John)
“Relentless”, there was no way to escape the constant bad news, anxiety, anticipation of the daily numbers, finger pointing and anger. (Robin)
“Blessed”,
During this pandemic I have felt blessed.
Blessed to be active; Blessed to feel safe in my home; Blessed to have the support and companionship of a loving partner;
Blessed to be inspired by new craft projects and have the resources to pursue them; Blessed to celebrate my daughter’s wedding and birth of a new granddaughter;
Blessed to enjoy time with family when not in lockdown; Blessed to live in a compassionate country where health care is available for all. (Liz)
“Sobering” , 2020 opened our eyes and taught us gratitude by taking so much away that we had always taken for granted. (Fred S)
“Resilience” 2020 was so challenging and we collectively fought hard to build and rebuild with the understanding that tomorrow could be better (Denise)
“Finally”, this is the word I would post. Finally, because it is what we have all wished for, the end of 2020 and the start of 2021. Finally, because we can turn the page and from concentrating on survival, we can concentrate on our revival as a community, an economy and not leave important issues like reconciliation, the environment and our personal enjoyment of life on the backburner any longer.
I want to thank you, the reader, for your time, comments and your follow to Red Heart Blue Sign. 2020 saw me pass 300 posts and 2021 will mark the 10th anniversary of this blog in October.
I can’t wait to share more with you in the next 12 months. If you have one word that describes 2020 for you, please leave a comment below.
—
Thank you for reading this post; to catch all my posts and be notified as new ones come up please follow me on WordPress. I can be found on Twitter @robertdekker & @RedHrtBlueSign and on Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/rob.dekker.54. If you prefer email, please contact me at rdmedia@bell.net
#RedHeartBlueSign 