2021: From annus horribilis to annus mirabilis

It was the year that kept us indoors, harvested deaths and left us gasping for air. It is that year we all wished did not turn out that way. We were all hopeful in 2020 and it started well then it ended up being our collective Annus horribilis, a horrible year. We look back and are still thankful because we know so many people who did not make it. We are thankful for the gift of life and the glowing memories of our friends and family who have passed. We are thankful for in everything we must give thanks. So, let us put everything behind us, our lost businesses, our financial burst, our many challenges and like Chinese billionaire Jack Ma accept that our profit is surviving 2020.

Let us open our arms wide and embrace a minted new year, 2021 with hope and faith and declare it our Annus Mirabilis, our year of magical wonder, our notable year, our remarkable year, our wonderful year, our miraculous year. Let us tell ourselves that it is possible to turn everything around and live again. Let us consider 2021 our year of lifting and so shall it be. Speak positives. Believe in humanity, your friends and family, believe in yourself, your skill sets, your ability and gift yourself happiness and give yourself permission to declare 2021 your Annus Mirabilis. As young people would say; E GO BE. I believe but I also trust in God. So here are your tips for living your annus mirabilis.

Today, life is fragile as the pandemic sweeps through countries and persons. It has killed persons we know and thousands we do not know.

1) Send away all Toxic friends by evading them and exiting them from your life. Even if the person is your betrothed, man or woman, it is time to cut them off. Life is too short. Surround yourself with people who make you happy. Happiness is the new profit. Don’t stay in a relationship that makes you miserable. It is not worth it. If they did not change in the last two years, they are never going to change. It will hurt and maybe easier said than done. Give yourself a grace period till Valentine’s day. Tell them, and if they do not change, throw them out. Do not hang around. The earth recognises people in pain, good people who have suffered enough. It will send you a good person. You’ll see. Don’t forget to pray.

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2) So, you are in a job you do not enjoy but it pays very well. In fact, your boss is an idiot. Is it not time to move on? You go to work with trepidation. What sense does it make? Plan ahead. Rent, investments, new job that pays okay or work for yourself. Ensure you have the bills for six months settled. Then take a leap into a new world that makes you happy. You will feel the relief and ask yourself what you have been doing there for years. Invest wisely. If you think you do not have enough, give it one year and plan strategically to be ready to move this time next year having given your office the mandatory three months. Watch yourself breathe a sigh of relief.

3) When last did you get a massage? Spoil yourself. Take a break. There are many hidden retreat centres in Nigeria. Find the closest to you and give yourself four days of peace and quiet; it is a gift to yourself. Be kind to yourself. Take yourself to Lunch. Walk through a garden bare foot. Smell the coffee. Own the blue skies. Look up and see the wonder. Start the year stress free.

4) In the seventies and eighties, the large trucks and buses that plied our roads had many writings at the side or the back of their vehicles. One of my favourites written in bold artistic cursive writing was “Caution! Many have gone”. This was the signage that warned you of over speeding and reckless driving. Today, life is fragile as the pandemic sweeps through countries and persons. It has killed persons we know and thousands we do not know. Our own caution is to observe the COVID-19 protocol and insist that those around us do same. Be careful… Many have gone! Don’t begin to cultivate super spreader events without caution. It’s not wise. Not with the new strain which has the capacity to spread faster than the previous one identified in Nigeria. We have to be more careful. Believe in self-preservation.

5) You have put off that school for five years now. Take the bull by the horn. Do it!

6) Speak gentler. Be kinder. We have all been through a lot. Make someone happy. Be charitable.

7) Check your health. Know who you are, what you should cut out. Read the book “Everything heals” by one of Nigeria’s leading wellness experts, Doctor Susan Adams. Highly recommended. Thank me later.

8) Go window shopping. It is very cathartic and liberating. Buy one item that will remind you of this day. Something you have always wanted. Reward yourself. You earned it. You worked hard in spite of the challenges. You deserve it. If you are still looking for a job, buy something not so expensive to say I made it into the year. For memories. For thankfulness or buy oranges from the orange seller next door. Give happiness to get happiness. You will find yourself mushy happy from the inside. Good for you.

9) Make up with those you have had a fight with for years because you are the bigger person even if they were in the wrong. Shock them, say hello. Send a basket of fruits. Free yourself and see yourself soar.

10) Hold unto God. Your faith will anchor you. Say thank you to God. Have a thanksgiving. Donate to a church or mosque. It is your Annus Mirabilis. Be thankful.

Happy new year to you all, full of joy, happiness and great joy with good health. Welcome to 2021, your Annus Mirabilis. Believe!