Happy (not so happy) New Year?

Happy New Year to all our readers around the world and in Seychelles! We have got this far, let's not give up now!

2020 was a difficult year for many reasons, we are all aware of the headlines and rhetoric, the fears and the woes; but in many ways also 2020 was a time for reflection and change. Whether it was a personal goal achieved or something which had a fruitful impact on others, 2020 was an opportunity to be grateful for what we have and what we can do.

Personally, I think 2020 taught me a lot about self-belief, endurance and humanity; that I had the tools and repertoire to be robust during difficult and relatively traumatic times and to value and recognise the kindness and selflessness of others.

Having lost my grandfather, papa, and my gran, mama, in 2016 and 2019, the tail end of 2020 allowed me to begin to process what that loss has meant.

I lived with my grandparents for much of my childhood and formative years, they spoiled me and loved me unconditionally, which is saying something as I myself remember what a brat I was in my teens. Their memory is indelible and so is their influence. I often laugh after telling my other half to get his house clothes on after coming in from work and to put on his savat before he gets sick or describing someone by saying they don't know how to live because these are the instructions and expressions I heard from them.

I suppose I live my life and respond to experiences in the way that I do because, and as a consequence, of my observations of them growing up. One thing I can say is that they had incredible integrity, they were principled and they lived by an old school moral code which I have not witnessed in all humans, thus in that way they were distinct.

2021 brings new uncertainties and challenges but like 2020 it will also bring new opportunities to reflect, rework ideas and practices and reimagine the future. I came across a definition of what it means to be a leader this week and it struck me as I had never really thought about the word in great detail; for me there had been an unconscious understanding, an assumed meaning.

The definition of a good leader, as was presented to me, is 'a person who creates an inspiring vision of the future, motivates and inspires people to engage with the vision and manages delivery of the vision'. I know that my grandparents were leaders because they projected a positive vision and led me by example. They taught me how to live.

I will hold that sentiment with me as I move forward in 2021 and for the rest of my life.

Happy New Year Everyone!