2020 In Retrospect 

 

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Let my musing thoughts be an avenue to stay connected as we close the year. For those who are still mentally active and not in "dementia" mode, it is wise to cultivate a continuous learning attitude.  Some of our  former AIA colleagues are still in contact through my journal thought postings on LinkedIn. 

Let me reflect on some random thoughts before we end the year. 

Christmas is a season to remind us the importance of having peace, joy and love.  Besides the bitter cold weather in some areas, the year 2020 will go down in history, as the worst virus pandemic we have experienced in our generation on a worldwide scale. Unexpected in retrospect and uncertain going forward. 

 Economies are so advanced and so smart but still unable to contain or eradicate an invisible enemy! 

 We are forced to ponder on the more meaningful issues of life:

• Is wealth more important than health? 
• Is power more important than peace? 
• Is fame more important than family and friends? 

The choice could be either or!  Sometimes a balance can be achieved but with some compromise! 

On the lighter side of life, the measures taken to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, have taken away the many expressions of smiles from our faces. The mask veils have hidden the smiles!  Our hugs have been limited to a mere touch! Even the new babies have fewer cuddle contacts! Living in a world of untouchables! 

2020 will be a significant milestone in the history of mankind!  The results of the battle against covid-19; the global trade wars; the undertaking of climate change; the disruption in work and play; the health challenge at its peak.  We seem to be at the peak of human ingenuity and knowledge, but  unable to resolve the virus pandemic and human unrest! 

 I find the following description a bit ironical and also amusing:

"The human intellect was like peacock feathers. It's an extravagant display intended to attract a mate. All of art, literature, a bit of Mozart, William Shakespeare, Michelangelo, and the Empire State building... just an elaborate mating ritual. Maybe it doesn't matter that we have accomplished so much for the basest of reasons. The peacock can barely fly. It lives in the dirt, pecking insects out of the muck, consoling itself with its great beauty.”

At this moment in time, we are at an inflexion point. A crossroad of decision and choice to determine the path to tread and life to live. The past where we thought that we are the "master of our destiny" may be a pipe dream in the new normal of life. 

The new reality presents uncertainty and unpredictability!  An era that marks its peak and an attempt to relive another zenith experience!  The human nature is complex and sometimes confusing!  Some have reached their "actualization" stage but have been dragged down to the "survival" mode due to health or wealth downturn. 

Life is a mystery!  Developed countries are spending billions of dollars to explore the outer planets when our earthly planet are plaque down with poverty and famine? 

Many have been shipwrecked by the storms of life; some have been able to stay afloat; others have managed to sail through without much trouble!  In troubled times, we begin to understand the value of family and friends relationships. The helping hand extended; the words of encouragement; or the wise counsel, will provide the source of support to minimize the pain and soften the sufferings. 

As we end the year, it is a good time to reflect and consider what we have done and whether we can adjust and make changes to our values, beliefs, and lifestyles? 

In life's journey, there must be a compass to guide us, an anchor to provide security and stability, and a hope to assure that our destination is not in vain. 

To sum up, 2020 is an exceptional and unique year!  We are all taken by surprises.  The weak will be vulnerable and shaken. The strong will need renewed strength and courage to face an uncertain future. 

I began my musing with the thought regarding Christmas  and will end with it. Christmas not only reminds us of the close of the year, but signals the dawn of a brand new year. There is always hope and assurance for a new beginning in our lives, even when we are at the end chapters of our life's story. 

May you experience the joy in living and a heart of gratitude for the blessings in your life. 

Let me close on a positive note by wishing you and your family "A Merry Christmas and Happy & Successful New Year!" 

 God Bless, 

Douglas Cho

December 22, 2020