From the Year of Pain to the Year of Hope

We all entered 2020 with hope, excitement and wonder. For most of us, it became the year that was instead filled with fear, loneliness and worry. Australia entered 2020 in a blaze of fire, smoke and one could almost say brimstone. Then came COVID19 which took the world to a dangerous place. It was like watching a grim Hollywood movie. The only way out from this place of negativity that we all have is Hope.

Throughout the year, hope rose in many ways. The small acts of kindness that we gave each other and the rise of compassion and love has shown us all that amongst fear and sadness ‘love always wins’. The willingness to give and smile is the component of light that will bring us back to a place of sunshine.  It is important to remember the powerful words ‘this too shall pass’ and that after the darkness of the night, there is always the light of the day.

Many people have suffered and we have seen this through our own business journey and the journey of our clients. It has been a privilege to be able to help them navigate the pain of 2020. There have been times of incredible pain and heart-wrenching moments, exhaustion and exhilaration and it is during these times that you learn the most. We are so lucky that we have clients that we consider friends, and we appreciate that you have shared your journey with us. We see 2021 as a year of reset where we can smile again and look at life with renewed positivity and love.

I wish to share with you my favourite quote from the prelude of Julie Baird’s book “Phosphorescence: On awe, wonder and things that sustain you when the world goes dark’’

She lists the things that have enabled her to discover a light within:

‘First, pay attention. Second, do not underestimate the soothing power of the ordinary. Third, seek awe, and nature, daily. Fourth…well, so many things: Show kindness; practice grace, eschew vanity; be bold; embrace friends, family, faith and doubt, imperfection and mess; and live deliberately.’

On a final note, may we all look at the bright side of life and hope for a better 2021!

If life seems jolly rotten
There’s something you’ve forgotten
And that’s to laugh and smile and dance and sing
When you’re feeling in the dumps
Don’t be silly chumps
Just purse your lips and whistle, that’s the thing
And Always look on the bright side of life

(From my favourite songs that always cheers me up, Monty Python song from the ‘Life of Brian’ movie)

Roz Kaye