As we approach the new year, it’s hard not to look back and reflect on the latest revolutions in the world. There’s plenty to reflect on this December. Few of us could have foreseen what was to come when we celebrated 2020’s beginning. I can still remember exactly where I was that December 31st, at midnight. It was a party and it was packed. I danced my way through the night until 6 AM. After the holidays, we returned to work, held regular meetings in the conference rooms, and had breakfast and coffee every morning. We would sometimes make a cake for a birthday or anniversary. Sometimes we would go out to the cinema on weekends. We would also go out for drinks at night, visit new restaurants and go bowling. We would often have conversations about false promises to renew gym membership cards or new places we visited during holidays. All of this seems distant and unreal when you look back. It’s difficult to imagine living in a different way. The “new normal” has taken control. Many people watch movies and think, “Wait! There are too many people here!” Why don’t they wear a mask? Daily trips to the office for those who work from home for more than nine months seem unnecessary. We have adapted to video conference, screen sharing, and async collaboration. It was difficult to give up daily lunch talks, but we eventually got over it. Regular video calls and meeting in person once in awhile seem to suffice. We had to make other significant changes, too. Dictionary publishers select a Word of Year every year. “Pandemic” is the clear winner in 2020. Here are 46 words that also made it onto the list.
Blursday is any day of the week that feels the same as the previous.
Doomscrolling is the act of searching the internet for information about tragic or devastating events
Unmute – The most commonly used word during video calling
It was a rollercoaster ride from “Once this has ended (insert promise there)” to “Ok this is real life now”. As any joy ride in a theme park (remember those?) It was unpredictable, thrilling, scary, and unpleasant depending on where you sat. People tried to make the most out of the “anthropause” by believing that lockdowns would not last long. The internet was flooded with tutorials and competitions about self-improvement. Baking banana-bread loaves was a common occurrence. Panic seemed to eat away any remnants of civilization as the hoarding began. The experience was made more bizarre by the addition of murder hornets and tigers to the ever-growing unemployment rate. Apocalypse Bingo was popular because of this reason. Boredom and apathy prevailed. Many people couldn’t wait to see the second wave lockdowns. Perhaps they wanted to use it as an excuse to hibernate (which is also normal and acceptable). What remained was a genuine concern to ensure the health and well-being of our loved ones. This is the most important lesson of 2020. It is also important to forgive yourself if we don’t achieve certain goals. It is important to keep your head above water this year. I hope you have many pleasant memories to bring back. If not, may your next one be even more joyful! While you wait, get out your dancing shoes and take a spin around the living room. Cheers! ActiveCollab 2021 Calendar
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