“Happiness is like a butterfly: The more you chase it, the more it will elude you. But if you turn your attention to other things, it will come and sit quietly on your shoulder.”
– Henry David Thoreau, American philosopher
Hi everyone,
Hope you are doing well. Instead of politics, I wanted to talk about myself (just this one time). I am one year older now, more mature and wiser. My first time celebrating a happy event during a time of general unease and uncertainty. 2020 was a difficult year with lots of changes, and made me examine myself and what I wanted from life. For example (outside of blogging about politics): working from home instead of the office, maintaining relations with friends, reconnecting with my estranged family, starting (and ending) romantic relations, and keeping my mind and body strong.
I learned a lot since the pandemic started eight months ago (for Canada). I learned that life isn’t so perfect and orderly, that a lot of things we think are within our control are actually not. A fleeting moment up to chance, fate, God- whatever you want to call it. I learned to give up control.
I learned that it’s okay to be dependent and rely on others, that I don’t have to be my own island. That working together and harmony does not signal weakness, not at all. The isolation and quarantine made me a bit lonely (I lived alone), so I decided to patch up my family relations. It’s still an ongoing process and far from perfect, but I learned that something is better than nothing. I learned humility.
I also realized how the daily grind took a toll on me. I wrote down this prayer I saw written on a church pew: “… break the spell of a world that has too much power over us… hush the noises of the earth and the tumult of our hearts.” Although I didn’t have a very stressful life (just work and the commute downtown, friends, hobbies, etc) stress is insidious and the consequences can sneak up on you over time. Without all of my activities, I feel more calm and happy now, like there’s peace inside of me. My manager and my French teacher said I seem more relaxed now. I don’t think I was too hyper or erratic, but still there is a difference. I learned how to welcome peace and serenity.
I’m one year older now, and a little bit wiser. Cheers to more personal growth and resilience for 2021.
Talk to you soon,
Guest
