The New Millenium is Turning 21 – A Personal Review
In retrospect, the 2000’s have taken their toll on many, but it’s been like life, a mixed bag. Personally, from being stuck on a runway at Kennedy Airport in NY with a 7 month old and an almost 4 year old for hours (she is now 21, and he is 24) to starting a new life (twice); getting back into the church, then leaving the church permanently; finally exiting domestic violence for the last time; starting three businesses; losing my dad; earning both my bachelors and masters degrees at two different institutions; let’s just say it has been a full coming of age 21 years.
The 2000’s Turns 21
Most people look forward to 21 so they can drink legally, but 2021 has earned us all a drink, even if its non-alcoholic. I wrote my blog post for NYE 2019 the same night, I posted it this week, it’s just been that kind of a year. Between health challenges, then contracting COVID-19 and the months it took to finally overcome that hurdle, it has not been an easy time for me, just like many of you. At the same time, I have had some small victories, and some of you did too, big ones even.
Celebrate: Though it Feels Awkward
I want to celebrate that, because despite a very difficult and tumultuous year, some people actually enjoyed success: found lasting love, had a long-awaited baby, found their dream job, bought their dream home, and a host of other “dreams come true”. After this year, with the number of deaths, loss of relationships, and political turmoil, you could feel guilty at your good fortune.
You must not however, because the road to that victory, whatever it is, is yours alone and you have every right to enjoy it and expect others to celebrate with you. While that may not be the case, and you may find other see your success as a slap in the face; you simply cannot go there with them. Let them grieve their losses, empathize with them, but do not lay yourself down as the sacrificial lamb on the altar of guilt. Find folks who can revel in your good fortune, who despite their own challenges are excited for you and wish you well.
While it can be difficult to create space for your own joy in the midst of other’s pain, you owe it to yourself and the people who are here to acknowledge you and your journey; those who elect to honor your success and celebrate it as their own. As a community we have to sometimes take the big picture view, realizing that as a Jamaican saying goes (translated), “Today for you, tomorrow for me”.
So, if and when your today arrives (even in the midst of a pandemic), you can and should rejoice. Do not feel bad or ashamed for feeling euphoria in the midst of trials, because this is when and where the universe has blessed you, be thankful and journey on. This is your moment, embrace it, live it, and invite your hurting folk to, if they can, join you. It will be good for them, and maybe help them find hope in the midst of despair.
Happy New Year all! Let us celebrate with those who had a spectacular 2020, even as we mourn with those who did not. We are multi-faceted; we can do both.