Reflections on Life, 2020, and the Road Ahead: A Journey of Self-Discovery

We have all experienced numerous ups and downs in our lifetimes, but the way 2020 unfolded was drastically different. It didn't affect just one person, area, city, region, state, or country; it impacted the entire world. People had to change their approach towards life. Many lost their lives, and many returned from a perilous brush with death. We've lost near and dear ones, whether from our families, relatives, friend groups, or workplaces. The major question we should ask ourselves is: Have we reflected on the kind of life we want and what we want to leave for the next generation?

While many of us may not have experienced such a massive pandemic before, our children are still living through it. Some understand the situation, while others may not comprehend the gravity of it. Some have expanded their families during lockdown, while others have faced tragedy. Once everything settles down, and we adapt to a new normal, have we thought about the lessons we will carry forward from this pandemic?

Spending time with family is equally important, and we shouldn't need a pandemic to bring us closer to our loved ones. Help your mother and/or wife with their daily household chores, and encourage your kids, both boys and girls, to do the same.

The life we currently have will one day come to an end. Don't let your past mistakes haunt your present. Repent for your errors, if not to others, then at least in front of your faith, instead of dwelling in regret. Don't let concerns about the future overshadow your present, for none of us can predict whether we'll see tomorrow's sun and its light. We cannot change the past, but we can always start anew.

Limit your use of natural resources and educate your children to do the same. Live comfortably, and when you have the opportunity, extend a helping hand to others, whether through the donation of your time or money.

Start saving for unforeseen situations, both at the individual and corporate levels. Remember that managing a company may be simpler than managing life within your family, with relatives and friends. Keep things straightforward at your workplace.

We all get irritated, but instead of reacting with annoyance, can we endeavor to find the best solutions to prevent such irritations from recurring?

Compete with your past self, not with others. Strive to become better every day compared to who you were yesterday. You are your only competition, and the only person you can truly defeat is yourself. Overthinking, anxiety, anger, ego, and similar emotions are the main adversaries we must contend with daily. Don't create new enemies in the form of other human beings.

Spread goodness, happiness, and humanity around you, regardless of language, class, caste, state, or religion.

Lastly, engage in daily introspection. Reflect on what you've achieved during the day and what legacy, accomplishment, or goal you wish to leave behind for the next generation.

Live life as a human being, as God intended, with all the senses above all. Let's act as God intended us to be, without waiting for a divine intervention to make us realize our purpose in this world.