Life is all about change…

Although the pandemic has upended our lives upside down disrupting our routines, forcing us to stay home, making us confront the fragility of life and pushing us well beyond the limits of our comfort zone, we learned to be kind and caring for others

One more year draws to a close and we all know that we are older by another year. But it is not the age that scares us, it is the fear that forces us to stare down. No one can ever know for sure when life will return to normal! Because what’s normal keeps on changing, even in normal times!

Researchers are asking us to brace for more of what we’ve already been through, particularly because of the new developments, such as the emergence of the Omicron variant.

With billions of people around the world are yet to be vaccinated and little chance now of eliminating the virus, they warn that most people will be infected.

And those who are unlucky will contract the virus more than once. The occurrence of new variants and the battle to get the globe immunized won’t be over until the coronavirus has touched all of us!

The most likely scenario, some researchers claim, is that Covid-19 will circulate just like influenza, with a seasonal burst of infection.

Many of us will require annual vaccination in the same way we need a flu jab!

Although the pandemic has upended our lives upside down disrupting our routines, forcing us to stay home, making us confront the fragility of life, and pushing us well beyond the limits of our comfort zone, we learned to be kind and caring for others.

We focused on others and their needs. We bought groceries for those more vulnerable who couldn't risk exposure. Communities rallied to share food and essential supplies. We felt like we were all in this together with a common Covid-19 enemy. We proved to ourselves how resilient we are, and we treated each other with compassion.

And for the survivors, as I am one of them, we should realize how fortunate we are. I was lucky to have a fabulous team of doctors and other health staff who encouraged me a lot during my treatment. No words can express how grateful I am to them for the phenomenal care I received.

I have a wall of memories, and the pictures of friends I have lost are all over it. Today I am alive and well after surviving an invisible war.

As the New Year approaches, it's important to keep affirming and reminding yourself that you will survive another year of this pandemic. If we continue to work together in unity and solidarity, the rays of hope can reach around the world. We have to be more responsible with our actions, and especially with keeping safe.

We may have to spindle for some more time. The easiest way to decide what you need to do is to look at what has changed and to find ways to make those changes work for you. Life will never be the same, but ultimately life is about change.

True, it’s a world that most of us never imagined. But a spirit of togetherness gives us hope. In this time of unprecedented crisis, we are all neighbours in the world, and success will only be achieved when all people, in all countries, are protected.