On New Year’s Day 2020, like many people, I wasn’t filled with as much enthusiasm as usual for the coming year (and no … it wasn’t due to an overindulgence of some yummy French Champagne – thanks for asking! ☺ )
In the Southern Hemisphere, bushfires were taking over. Lives were being lost, property destroyed, towns disappearing under red thick glow and the general feeling was like an Armageddon. In the Northern Hemisphere countries were experiencing other environmental challenges not normally seen at that time of the year.
As the weeks went passed, there was something that was building … there was a ‘message’ that was increasing in its voice and with it was a hint of ‘days gone by’ that many were feeling.
As we drew to a close on the first quarter of the year, COVID reared its head and whilst many were thinking it was isolated, seasonal and not to be concerning … the months that followed proved that wrong.
Through it, all, that ‘message’ was increasing, and its power was now quite visible.
Community.
I remember being in Airlie Beach when one of the largest Cyclones in history for Australia was bearing down, that I couldn’t help but feel a shift in people as we all prepared for its impact.
People who, up until then, hadn’t even spoken a word in the accommodation we were at were all speaking to each other like old friends. People were clearly preparing themselves however definitely asking others if they needed help too.
After the Cyclone had moved on and left it’s devastating path of destruction behind … those people and others ‘linked arms’ and we all started finding ways to support each other … as if we were all old friends.
The same has been experienced both in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres with the raging unprecedented bushfires and COVID in 2020. The stories of people in townships experiencing people from other regions coming in to help.
The creativity of working with technology in order to keep people connected. The sense of ‘ownership’ and neighbourly support for people’s areas they live have been filled equally with a new wave of hope along with resilience.
It’s called Community. Our parents told us stories of the ‘good old days’ of community activities and life back then. We as women over 50 have our own stories of life as children and the completely different communities we lived in and how everyone seemed to look out for each other.
I strongly feel a sense that the ‘message’ that has increased its ‘voice’ in 2020 is Community is here … and Community must be nurtured, supported and cherished.
The greatest loss for society in 2020 would be if after everything starts ‘settling down’ and people start to restore their lives again that those acts of community … those new-found friendships in community … those creative and engaged tools of community … are quickly forgotten.
Community … borrowing a cup of sugar is a great conversation starter.
Photo Credit Love – WeekendNotes
– Heart Hugs, Jaynie xxx
Jaynie Morris
Jaynie Morris is an Author, Speaker and Advocate for Women over 50. She is the Founder of SheroesUnlimited Global Community for Women Over 50.
