by Karen Alexander, Sunshima guest blog writer
2021 may not have been the full return to freedom we all hoped for, thanks to several Covid waves, and just as we were all looking forward to a festive season shared with loved ones, omicron arrived. However, 2021 also saw the rollout of Covid-19 vaccines, more emphasis on mental health and the knowledge that we can adapt to the new landscape. So what can we look forward to in 2022?
We are all stronger than we know
If you had told me 2 years ago that I would be working from home, starting a business with my family, and writing blogs, I would have thought you were thinking of some other person. Yet here I am and in fact we have all had to embrace new challenges. Many of us changed careers and started new jobs without even meeting our new colleagues in the flesh. We learnt how to navigate the many virtual meeting platforms and gained new online skills. We now face 2022 knowing that whatever it throws at us, we can deal with it!
Personal Milestones
You can look forward to your own personal milestones and successes no matter how small. The special birthday, the move to a new house or the decision to live a healthier lifestyle. Perhaps this year you plan to have more time for yourself as part of a new self-care regime. These are all things that you can celebrate, and this in itself will bring more joy into your life.
Covid-19 Vaccines
While Omicron has been more contagious than previous waves, it does seem to be less severe and thanks to the vaccines, less hospitalisations in proportion to the number of cases. There is also data from ZOE COVID which says the Omicron wave has peaked with cases dropping in all regions apart from the North East.
Extra Bank Holidays
Who doesn’t love a holiday, and thanks to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee the UK will enjoy an extra two bank holidays, giving us a long weekend from Thursday June 2nd to Sunday June 5th. You can use the time to get away for a quick break, simply relax or get involved with the local street party.
Sport
For those of you who enjoy watching sport, 2022 brings football’s World Cup 2022 and the Winter Olympics and while we may have to cross our fingers these events will still take place. There is hope and even if you are not crazy about sport, both events will be a welcome distraction and are great for bringing us together to support our teams. Not to mention the many inspirational stories of adversity overcome while pursuing a passion.
The Little Things
The return of tv series you have patiently waited for such as “Bridgerton”, Season 5 of “The Crown” and the brilliant “After Life”.
Hearing a new song that stirs emotions or simply makes you want to dance around the house with wild abandon.
Early Spring when you can just detect the first buds of new leaves.
2022 may be another rollercoaster of a year but after the last 2 years we are more resilient and more prepared. Celebrate what you have learnt and achieved while looking forward to enjoying the best of a new year!