It’s time to say goodbye to 2020, with hopes of a better 2021.
Except, dear reader, you do know that’s not a thing?
I’ve written before about magical thinking – and some of that is worth repeating here:
The idea that somehow the sunset and sunrise on a particular day in our Western calendar have any bearing on the flow of life is what psychologists call magical thinking – defined in the online Sceptic’s Dictionary thus: “magical thinking involves several elements, including a belief in the interconnectedness of all things through forces and powers that transcend both physical and spiritual connections. Magical thinking invests special powers and forces in many things that are seen as symbols”.
So, somehow, the very dawn on the new year of 2020 brought us the Covid-19 pandemic, and the dawn of 2021 will make it all better?
That’s patently not the case. The only thing that will make things better is something we all have personal control over – our willingness to observe the public health measures we have all been asked to observe. Wear a mask. Stay away from other people. Stay home as much as we are able to.
By all means, take a holiday as the year turns, by all means use this artificial transition to reflect on the past and plan for the future. Celebrate your blessings, eat a lot of food, do charitable good works. But for the love of all that is light and bright this festive season, stay safe and sane and sensible.
My first post of 2021 is scheduled for January 21 – see you then, when things will be no different from the way they are now unless we all behave like caring human beings.
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Main picture: My light-loving summer solstice celebration table.