Saying goodbye to 2020
I can’t believe we are here again, almost saying goodbye to 2020. It has been a challenging year for most of us, and many people are looking towards 2021 with hope and anticipation. To say this, it is also true that when something bad happens, only the future will determine the true effect and consequences.
It may be bad, it may be good, no one knows.
What I mean is that even the most negative events may possibly be a stepping stone to averting even worse disasters, and in this case, awaken humanity before it is too late.
After decades of unreasonable excess and consumption, the items that are in shortage are bicycles, sports gear, and baking supplies, which is a sign that many people are turning towards living healthier, more creative and meaningful lives.
The year 2020 has also been a year of dogs! Our innate desire to connect with others, and the need for social distancing, has lead many people to dogs, and they are making a huge difference in keeping us emotionally and mentally well.
This year has also been a very positive one for learning. We now live in a world where paying huge sums for college and traditional schools may no longer be necessary. Online learning is much cheaper, more accessible, and adept students are no longer at the mercy of admission committees and their inaccurate and often biased admission proceedings.
And while this does exclude the licensed professions such as law, medicine, accounting, or nursing, there are many jobs that can be learned completely online and that provide great earning opportunities.
Most companies look for good graphic designers, creatives, video editors, developers, webmasters, writers, customer service team members, and many people I know also look for roofers, plumbers, carpenters, electricians and gardeners.
2020 reminds me of the “Who Stole My Cheese Story” about two mice who lived an abundant life in a cozy nest. Miraculously, every day, a nice piece of cheese appeared at the little “mouse pantry”, enough to provide them with a comfortable life. However, one day the cheese stopped appearing and the two mice had to make an important life decision - whether to stay, or go search for more cheese.
The first one was scared, but eventually dared to venture out in search of more cheese. Life was not easy and there were many obstacles and dangers such as cats, cars, birds of prey, and mouse traps. As time progressed, this brave mouse learned how to be safe, but also survived by finding small bits of cheese at first, and then gradually more and more, until it had enough to survive and thrive.
The second mouse decided to stay, waiting for more cheese to appear, but every day there was less and less. Eventually, the poor mouse starved to death.
If you are like most people, getting out of your comfort zone is scary and unpleasant. It is similar to going for a swim in a chilly lake or ocean, as most of us don’t like the discomfort of cold water at first.
I usually stand in the water, teeter-tottering between dipping in and getting out. What helps me overcome the discomfort is imagining that the moment is like life. Dipping in usually means a little bit of discomfort at first, but then the chill quickly dissolves into feeling great and refreshed, despite the cold currents or waves.
So here I am, on the brink of 2021, hoping that you are safe and well and wishing you a happy, peaceful, and enjoyable holiday season. I also would like to thank you for caring for and loving your dogs, and also for trusting our work and products.
It is also an opportunity to celebrate the impact we have been able to make together, by sharing part of our company proceeds on your behalf, despite the challenges of 2020. To date, we have been able to donate $83,425 to a variety of dog, animal and natural conservation causes, and I would like to thank those of you who have purchased our products, and made this possible. Click here to learn more.
