REFLECTIONS | 2021
I found some time to gather reflections of 2021, the year just passed. Most notable paradigm shift was the New Normal. It is almost as if what we knew from the past, our proven lifestyle, interpersonal behaviors – all that changed. New values and rules have emerged except these changes have no history. It seems to follow the dynamics of make what you think fits as you go along. Gone are the days of reliance on others, expectations from family and friends curtailed, and almost every day metaphorically is a new day disconnected from yesterday. You have not changed, just the world is changing around you. 2021 will mark a page in history when our world changed.
USELESS DISTRACTION | I have come across an individual who has developed a sustained sense of being wronged by others. He has inclination and fog of damages but no proof of any harm that was inflected by the parties he is offended by. Neurotic and schizophrenic behaviors displayed by this individual who is a medical doctor, is shocking. A highly trained medical professional when failed to personally evaluate – issues versus reality and frivolous fights versus genuine wins; it almost akin to the climate change. In this particular case the fog of revenge against the imaginary damage is flushing an individual into a self-created cesspool of life. Maybe you can bring horse to the water but can not make horse drink it.
DEARLY DEPARTED | The Covid 19 pandemic created family separations never experienced before. I lost my brother, a brother-in-law, two nephews and three friends. These losses were a combination of age and pandemic. The tragic part was my inability to personally say goodbye. Things I wanted to say in person and as a part of eulogy – all missed. Their losses and inability to say good byes have built a mourning period deep in heart, which shall remain for all remaining days when my brain continues to function - in a compartment of sadness.
PANHANDLING | I conducted a shocking and unique experiment. I disguised myself and gone to a community far away. I panhandled for 4 days at a busy street corner in the area where no one likely knew me. In 4 days, I collected $680 through the generosity of people. Last week, I donated the money to a worthy charity. The key takeaway from this experiment, in spite of out cry against the pan handling it is a gut-wrenching decision to seek out handouts. It diminishes one’s self respect to the lowest and unrecoverable depths. I felt jumping in front of a moving car as more respectable outcome than the shame of being a panhandler. I found almost 10% of the passers by gave money. Americans’ generosity was at full display. I also got an offer for an employment. Among the panhandling community I found about 20% professionals who were engaged in the trade 100%. 35% disabled individuals with no other options except living on the street. Remainders were out there for their immediate necessity and hope not to do it forever. 60% of the community members were connected to military and some of them decorated veterans. My final takeaway was the recognition of this scourge needing a societal solution.
SENIOR CORP | I am watching with self inclusion a vast amount of brain power is leaving the workforce. The knowledge base is so broad and proven, if not utilized it will be major, irreplaceable loss to United States. These seniors are all in and willing to share their knowledge and help. Leaving them unused forced them to contemplate life finality without being useful. Mentors, managers, contributors, consultants and even hardcore movers – they are ready to help. Forming a Senior Corp is a mutually beneficial endeavor that is needed. Time is right to embark on this mission.
I close this write-up with an upbeat note. While 2021 created a paradigm shift for all of us, it also showed our continued resilience to adopt, survive and conquer.