If there’s one thing 2020 has taught us, it is that we cannot take anything for granted. Things that were such a standard part of our lives – travel, hugs, eating at restaurants, meeting friends on a whim – were rudely snatched from us in 2020, making us realise their true worth. 

For the very first time perhaps, my social media timelines were not chockablock with New Year resolutions on the first day of 2021. In fact, it was very heartening and somewhat astounding to see that most people expressed feelings of gratitude, hope and optimism.

Instead of ‘I want to lose 10 kilos this year’, I saw far more messages like ‘I hope to be able to see my family’ or ‘I want to run in public parks again’. Not that losing weight is not a great goal, but seeing your family is probably slightly higher in the general scheme of things. And this most challenging year of all brought things that matter and people that matter into sharp focus. 

Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the fountain for all abundance” my friend Arti Mirchandani wrote on her Facebook, quoting Eckhart Tolle.

Another friend, media mogul Malini Agarwal wrote “The pandemic has forced us all to take a good look at our lives and be honest about what really matters.”

It really has, hasn’t it? It has taken a global pandemic to bring about perhaps the greatest global consciousness in recent times. After the isolation and trials and tribulations of the year gone by, we are all far more aware of just where we stand – in the world, in our communities, in our family and most importantly, in the mirror. 

2020 was a revelation for me in that sense. Overtly social, I have always derived my energy from being around people; family, friends, colleagues, neighbours… you name them and I’ve invited them home for dinners, drinks, parties and what have you. For the first time I was forced to spend hours and days by myself, especially when my husband had to disappear off to India for nearly two months. And it was perhaps the first time in my life that I had to acknowledge that I actually harbour a fear of being alone. There is a deep rooted need in me, to surround myself with people and I have had to come to terms with the fact that it stems from being terrified of being by myself. 

It took several weeks, but I finally began to enjoy my own company. With the kids away at school and the husband in India – and with federal restrictions not really allowing me to see many friends – I began to get back in touch with myself by writing and painting and indulging in these core passions of mine that I had neglected to take time out for, over the past few years. 

You ask me now, what I want in 2021 and the answers are simple: I would like to be able to travel to India and see my extended family and dearest friends. I want to paint more and finish writing my third novel. I yearn to invite friends over again and throw parties and celebrate festivals. I would like to adopt a dog. Okay, I know that last one has absolutely nothing to do with the central theme here, but I had to throw it in, just in case the universe is listening. 

And it is listening, trust me. So let’s be clear in our thoughts and what we wish for. Let’s keep it simple, reclaim our inner selves and watch as the universe works in miraculous ways to steer us along nicely. Let this not be the year when we set ourselves tall orders like buying that flashy car or getting a double promotion or acquiring J Lo’s body. Let’s cut ourselves some slack and ask for the basics; health, happiness, family, friends. How does that sound? 

And yes, travel. There ain’t no life without travel.