Dear Editor,

THE end of the Leap Year, 2020, is fast approaching, and many concerned individuals, professional and amateur, are busy trying to predict, prophesise and presage what the future for the New Year 2021 will bring, happen and reveal. All will unhesitatingly agree unanimously that this year has been quite a challenge, with the disastrous COVID-19 pandemic asserting number one position as the highest ordeal to deal with and overcome. Naysayers, soothsayers, optimists, pessimists, astrologers and fortunetellers are fully occupied with foretelling what the stars promise, and what luck (good and/or bad) will materialise. What prognosis and portents their forecasts will reveal may be significant, important, consequential or meaningless, contingent on accuracy, belief, faith, wish, fate, luck, Karma or coincidence. One can react indifferently, invariably happy, sad, overwhelmed, depressed, energetic, lethargic, passionate or apathetic.

Looking into the crystal ball, scribers cried that the New Year promises a bumpy road ahead, strewn with changes, revolution, protests, marches and riots. We have to brace ourselves for more surprises and restrictions. Focus will be on air, air travel, space and space communication, which will affect life on earth. The issue of how people are treated and human rights will be addressed. Global warming will once again prevail, with climatic conditions encountering disasters relating to extreme weather conditions affecting high winds, tornadoes, cyclones and hurricanes. There is a potential surge expected in possible airline accidents, crashes and mishaps. Violence and terrorist attacks will pervade in Europe, Asia and Latin America, even Canada and Australia are singled out for reprisals with America bearing the brunt.

Controversies will surround the act of humanitarianism, charities and whistleblowers. The Internet will occupy a different role, with original thinkers and new ideas floating around due to cyber-attacks interfering with Internet security. Commerce will redefine the purchase of goods, and economists will be forced to revalue currency, with the stock market creating havoc with deadly fluctuations. The relevance of virus control will take on new meaning, as unexpected changes will dictate, questioning the role of medical science in relation to finance. Will forecasts become outcasts?
At this time of the year, it is customary also to start planning for the upcoming year and making resolutions. There are many serious individuals who will plan their work and work their plan, while others will fanaticise with fun and frolic, and plan without the rigid intention of accomplishment. Many start and fail, and also others fail to start. Many succeed with their goals and aspirations at the end of the year, then again, many earnestly commence but circumstances, foreseen and unforeseen, prevent a hundred per cent success. Perhaps, it may be a matter of approach, attitude, aptitude and application. The usual questioning and querying will queue up the inquisitive minds of questioners for juicy answers, sarcasms and interests.

Usually, the first thing on the agenda is weight watching, to start a programme on exercising and dieting. Joining the gym, personally working out, buying training equipment and costume are enthused ideas. Simple walking, jogging, swimming, cycling or uncompetitive outdoor games can be effective. Cutting out bad habits, excessive eating and drinking, and concentrating on healthy food intake would occupy major relevance on the planning sheet. Next in line may be to quit smoking or heavy consumption of alcohol. All these are health-conscious commitments meant to improvise body function. Moving along may be the realisation to attend a place of worship and attain spiritual upliftment. This may change the complete outlook of how one lives, and adopt a new way of life. The possibility of wanting to improve on educating oneself may seriously knock continuously at the back of the mind. Registering with a learning institution blossoms a different perspective for advancement at work, with the hope of promotion and earning a higher pay. Such enthusiasm encourages initiative and zeal. The desire to become affiliated with a sports club influences a follow-up to an ignored ability, pumping up sparks of the old touch of class. The significance of joining a society engaged in charitable work adds a greater dimension to the worth of humanity and sacrifice. Relinquishing relationship with irrelevant associations, and recouping with more meaningful bondage justifies the call of wisdom to occupy a space on the chart.

The artistry of a forgotten hobby ignites a passion to replicate its replacement, and this can unfold to new heights and meaningful pasttime. The library may attract your attention to recommence reading and writing. Visiting places, people and things may enliven an added speculation as a mark. Giving more time to family affairs and relationships; playing indoor games or giving free time to teaching young ones is a fabulous thought to brighten the spirit. A journey in music involvement is quite relaxing and pleasing to the heart.
The above mentioned ideas are thought provoking, and can stimulate a new approach to one’s life, and promise a glimmer of hope for change. These are not only simple but easy-to-reach targets which can motivate and activate a productive direction in life. Whatever resolutions you pen, do include one that will provide peace, joy and happiness; one that will make you significantly more productive and compassionate to humanity. If one’s life is shrouded with irregularities, uncertainties or questionable activities, then it’s time to seek a different approach to the New Year that can provide a peace of mind. A quick reflection on this year’s occurrences is a good guideline to take your pick, make the freedom of choice, and not to repeat a mistake twice. Good luck and Happy New Year!

Respectfully,
Jai Lall