For many of us, 2020 will either go down in history as an exceptional year or a year to be forgotten. Too much has happened, too much has changed. Many of us have suffered or been badly shaken. Everyone has learned something. About ourselves, about our fellow citizens, about work, about society. The contemplative Advent season always provides an opportunity to review everything again.
How do we best prepare for the next year?
2021 is the year of Saturn. And Saturn is said to bring a lot of water. When I look at the Rhine, I’m sure at least it will be very happy about that. Astrology ascribes Saturn to supporting us in dealing with difficult issues. This would mean that the thinking and learning processes that began in 2020 would continue. It is possible that in the coming year we will live under conditions that will allow us to incorporate insights from the crisis into a calmer and more positive time.
So what are the positive insights we have found in 2020?
We have experienced a new “us”, a new togetherness. Even if it was only briefly alive in the end: It was there and we have proven that a certain togetherness actually exists.
We learned to think and act innovatively and creatively. Many new business ideas and partnerships came about. We discovered new abilities in ourselves. And we overcame many hurdles. We persevered.
Thus the horizon has broadened for many of us. Things and activities that we did not even consider before have now become pleasant and possible. Instead of waiting, we have become active and have helped to shape the future. We’re striving ahead.
No one knows what the year 2021 will bring for us. Economic slowdown or a wave of bankruptcies? Perhaps even both, because not all industries are equally affected by the changes. European integration or global warming? There is a German saying: You grow with the challenges you face. Yes, in 2020 we have grown! Nobody can take that new strength and resilience away from us anymore.
How will we shape the year 2021?
Of course it would be nice if 2021 would be a quiet year. But even if not – we are better prepared for it today than we were before. Perhaps the economically fat years have made us a little sluggish. So it’s a good thing that our fitness program has picked up quite a bit in 2020.
I think we can be proud of ourselves and of what we have managed and survived. Those of us who have stayed afloat can now help those who have been hit harder. It would be nice if the original “us” would continue to exist. In recent years, many of us have always looked a little further away when it came to helping. Development aid in Africa, South America and Asia was a matter of course for many of us.
Now it may be time to look less further afield: With more regional and local shopping. Greater support for local initiatives. More keeping an eye out in our own environment to see who needs what support. I myself am trying to make a contribution here as a solo self-employed person, even though I will not stop my support for Ethiopia and for Managers without Borders. I will pay more attention to what I can do in my environment. It starts with pro-bono support and goes all the way to offers with a delay between my performance and remuneration.
How can I support you? Just give me a call! Wishing you a good, new year!
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