New day, new month, new year...

Today marks the start of a new year. 2021 is gone. It had its share of bad moments and events, COVID being around still amongst others. But most importantly it had its load of nice times as well.

While we sit and reflect on how the year gone has affected us, what changes it brought and what impact these had on ourselves and others, let us not forget that we are still luckier than some. They didn't have the chance to be here to sit and reflect.

We should thus keep in mind that we are lucky, in some way, to still be here. As difficult as a situation might be, we should remind ourselves that things could be worse. We should say thanks and show gratitude, leaving behind our usual complaints and grievances and keeping in mind how "lucky" we are. We should strive to find some joy in the little things that we can still do and that so many others can't.

Here's a quote that might help us remember this:

"A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all other virtues.
As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them."
– Marcus Tullius Cicero

Goodbye 2021... and let's say hello to 2022, with hopes of better times ahead...