The Roaring 1920s. It can seem like an era of people who were blissfully unaware of the financial depression that we now know they would survive. Though what happened to that same generation immediately prior – a world war and a pandemic – can strike modern observers as apart, almost like it happened to a separate and distinct generation of people. That generation had to forge ahead with the ups and downs.
Things were crazy then. Things often are. As our generation is witnessing in our own Roaring Twenties.
For some people (they may not be wanting to share this) but 2020 may have been a very good year.
Maybe they …
- made it to a milestone birthday,
- spent more quality family time,
- got back to a beloved hobby
- reconnected [most likely virtually] with an old friend,
- got back to the exercise schedule they had been neglecting,
- bought a new house,
- celebrated a first holy communion.
Even so we are in a pandemic that makes celebration fragile and fleeting. But bright things are happening to people every day. We made it and are off and running in 2021.
It is perspective that makes the difference. Your perspective. Joy in the most difficult of all times is found inside. And to whatever extent you can decide what happens in your day you can also decide how you feel about it. In fact, only you can decide that.
It seems we will have a lot more of bracing ourselves in 2021 but in the long run humans tend to ultimately find nostalgia and long for the good old days. Those times are now. These are our times. Be your own bright light and as best you can be that for those around you.
At SC Staffing & Consulting our resolution for 2021 is to be our own bright light, in the face of the very real struggles that are continuing, we will control what we can, so that’s where we must start.
And this year, as in previous years, we want to direct you to the Desiderata. It is a place to go for recharging your light. You can read it below.
Desiderata (1927) By Max Ehrmann ©
GO PLACIDLY amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.