Dear friends,
Today is the last day of 2020 and I am delighted to reach out to all of you to reconnect and also to conclude this year together. No matter where you are living right now, my thoughts are with you during this unprecedented time and I hope you are all settling into the “new normal”, staying safe and well.
This year has been a trying year for many of us as our lives have been affected in many ways by the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic. However, I believe some of you are still able to make progress in whatever you are doing in your life. I am also hoping that things will become better soon for those who are struggling with this difficult situation.
The pandemic has caused sudden changes in the way we live, work, travel, and interact with each other. It has also been adding stress and uncertainty to our daily life. However, despite the challenges, we can also see plenty of lessons and opportunities from which we can learn and benefit.
2020 has given me some time to slow down and refocus on myself. It is also a year of learning for me as I have been able to acquire some new skills and to concentrate on the things that help to level up my personal and professional growth. The isolation has also forced me to reflect on what really matters and to refine my life’s goals and to set up an action plan to accomplish them.
This year is also a great reminder that we should always be grateful for what we have. We should not take anything for granted as it can be taken away from us at any moment. We should also appreciate our blessings even the small ones. Most importantly, we all should be more compassionate to one another by giving each other more of our attention, love, care, and kindness.
I am thankful that I am still healthy and employed as well as my family and many of my friends are well. I am also grateful that I still have a few close friends with whom I could share my frustration and cherish each other even we are thousands of miles apart, also friends whom I could manage to meet in person. Those are my blessings in 2020 and I am sure you also have a list of things that you are grateful for.
I would also like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to those who are at the frontline fighting the deadly viruses, especially healthcare professionals who have been working relentlessly to keep us safe.
Lastly, as we are waiting to welcome the new year together, I am optimistic that 2021 will be a better year for all of us, the year that will bring us hope and more opportunities. As a Khmer proverb says: “After the rain, the sky will be clear.” So, let’s stay positive, and let’s look forward to brighter days ahead.I wish you all a healthy and happy new year! 
B
P.S. I would also love to hear from you how your 2020 was like and the things that you are grateful for:)
