I started this post writing a list of things I wanted to achieve – a simple check-off list (see below) that I could re-read in December, but the post pivoted to thinking more about the world we live in, and reflecting on how I function in it.
Nationally and globally 2020 it’s very grim out there. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the enormity of it all – between the bush fires and Trump bombing Iran – my ABC24 News is just a flood of stories of trauma.
There is so much that is unknown about the future. When it’s finally over (if it ever ends), what will recovery look like? How will our community and nation cope? How much it will cost?
What do we need to change about our daily lives in order to adjust to the new future?
I don’t live on the front line (Brisbane’s suburbs) of the disasters. Late last year I really felt the impact of days of smoke, but nothing like what Sydney, Canberra and now Victoria have experienced and continue to experience.
Last November, we had the privilege of working with small businesses impacted by the bush-fires and drought in the Scenic Rim. The stories of hope in the face of trauma, and how community has come together have been so inspiring.
But at the same time we need to recognise that Australia doesn’t have a track record of fairness and kindness, or compassion. Our attitude towards Others has continuously and so regularly lacked humanity and compassion. I’m nervous about what this season will mean in the long term – will this season make us more compassionate or harder, more selfish, and insular?
So what does this mean for me as an individual? It feels bizarre that I have my little to-do list while everything is going on. But at the moment I want to, as much as possible, remained focused on what I can do, to be the best citizen and best person I can be – community-focused, conscious, compassionate and contributing.
2020 goal list:
- Complete the Simpson Desert Ultra (20k)
- Earn my 50 parkrun milestone tshirt (by December 2020)
- Grow Loofah Beans in my yard (as a remembrance to my nan) with my extended family
- Not neglect my front verandah plant family – help them grow.
- Be a better citizen in this eco-system – better at recycling and composting, being a conscious consumer.
- Consistently get 7 – 9 hours of sleep per night
- Blog more – and for my well-being, do a 52 Weeks of Gratitude here on NQC
- Spend more time with family in Far North Queensland
- Swim more, stretch more
There are a bunch of work goals that aren’t yet “SMART” goals but fall into team building and developing processes and systems.