What have you learned from this year?

This year has really made me realise how many people there are out there doing difficult jobs, not just in the medical profession, that we don't always appreciate. People such as shop workers and those in the emergency services, who have had to face the public every day despite the risk of infection from possible Covid carriers. Too many to mention.
On another note, I realise that having interaction with people outside of immediate family, even just a phone call, can make such a big difference to my mood on a bad day. Also I never realised how many birds visit our garden!

*I’ve learned that a lot of people I respected are actually twats.
*That many of the younger generation have no sense of responsibility to society as a whole.
*Even greater admiration for the older generation who coped with wars without constant whining about their mental health and not being able to party.
*Finally retiring is not nearly as bleak as I expected.

To live each day to the best of my ability, to appreciate what I can do and not dwell on what I no longer can. I’ve learned that most people are brave and caring, that small acts of kindness can change someone’s day, the importance of good neighbours - and of trying to be one! And, of course, how very much I adore my family.

I knew all this before, but the pandemic has underlined it all.

That January does eventually pass. Hallelujah!

My new mantra is Carpe diem. We never know what is round the corner.
Having been in hospital recently, I witnessed the unimaginable stress, staff were experiencing. There are no words to describe the dedication, kindness and resilience I witnessed. We do not value our NHS enough.

I have also realised the value of true friendship (on GN and in real life) and how much friends have propped me up when I was shielding.
Lots to be thankful for.

That you’re never too old. Just started back working full time having been part time (semi retired haha) for nearly 5 years. New role, something not done before so almost new career. WFH so having to learn everything remotely too. Transferred my skills and loving it
And definitely the wrong side of 60!

On a downside though, I have learnt how much I miss people .....

Esspee: Pretty much my sentiments too.

I have learned to put my priorities in order. I can have ONE of the things I want. And that is to have regular contact with my GC. The rest will have to go to make room for it.

With the current circumstances , I have learned to be grateful for what I have . I have more respect for the supermarket workers . Who go into work everyday fighting the invisible enemy , so we can buy our food . I have also learnt not to sweat the small stuff because there is bigger things going on out in the world .

I’ve learned to think of others more: even though I’m telephone phobic I ring people and try to cheer them up. I send books & jigsaws to family & friends without worrying about the cost. I pray for friends, acquaintances & strangers. I sound a bit pious but I’m not, honestly. I’ve learned how important it is to make people feel valued.

I can echo your thoughts maryrose although I was already aware of how many birds visit my garden. They’re suddenly all bursting into song which is so cheering. I have learnt in the last year that I have far more clothes than I need and that I’m far too comfortable being lazy ?

I agree with your comments too Esspee !!

Espee you made me think

I am one who grew up in the war years, and I agree with you there, though in the war years we had social contact.

I really miss being able to hug people, not that I am a huggee type person, but gosh do I miss being able to be near other humans

conversely, I have learnt how kind people can be

and youngsters, teenagers, young men, when I go my short walkies, how courteous they are!! mostly on my walkies people are so kind,,, and sensible.. I feel the love!

I have learned this year, that complaints about Boris being a liar have truned out to be true.
I have learned that all comparable countries to the UK have managed the pandemic very well, and the UK has shown itself to be the worst candidate amongst them.
I have learned that some Tory MPs think it is a good idea to cull the old as that would make a better economy.

Sadly Captain Tom is now in hospital with Covid!!!

Lest hope he recovers soon.

I have learnt that e-consult is rubbish and I'm either told to call 111 or go to A&E.
I have learnt I need a hug and I'm so looking forward to kissing my family.
I have learnt to appreciate the crock of shit this Government were handed and how they've learnt on the hop how to cope. Everybody, give them a break and thank them for the number of doses of the different vaccinations they had the foresight to order.

chazwin what a shame you had to spoil what is a lovely thread by politicising it. I was so enjoying reading what posters were saying until I came to yours. So what have I learned this year.....
That there are people who always have to put forward their political views no matter what and spoil it for other people.

I have learned that it is unwise to give sweets and chocolate to less young people for Christmas during lockdown. I have only eaten a tiny fraction of what I received,
and even though I do aerobic exercise or weights most days, I can't shift any weight from my middle, without a lot more outdoor exercise

Marydoll
“My new mantra is Carpe diem. We never know what is round the corner.”
Marydoll my sentiments exactly! I tried to practice this before but now I know there is no other way!

I have been reminded that life can turn in the blink of an eye or on a sixpence or whatever the phrase is.
One minute one has a lovely little dog then vet says she has end stage renal failure and in kindness she is put down.

'Be prepared' is not a bad motto. Always have some cash, a charged phone and some clean underwear.
And perhaps a small hold all with overnight stuff.
And petrol in the car.

I have learned that almost every cloud really does have a silver lining. Sometimes it takes a bit of searching to find what it is and you may have to think outside the box.

The only cloud that doesn't is the loss of a friend or family member which many have suffered. I'm thankful it hasn't happened to me and I feel so sorry for those to whom it has.

loopyloo
“Be prepared' is not a bad motto. Always have some cash, a charged phone and some clean underwear.”
And perhaps a small hold all with overnight stuff.
And petrol in the car.
Exactly loopyloo another one of my mottos! So sorry about your dog.

I agree with some of what you say Esspee You certainly sort the wheat from the chaff, or I have. There are some nice considerate young people about. I personally am going have a smaller circle od so called friends. Quality not quantity ?