20/20 vision is a term used to express the clarity and sharpness of vision measured from a distance of 20 feet. Before it came, we declared 2020, the year of clarity when everything would be revealed. When it arrived, we felt confusion, cautious optimism followed by dashed hope, despair, and bewilderment. Nothing appeared resolved. Perhaps, we should look again. 2020 has brought clarity on what is important and valuable. It has given us a vision of what matters:

• Community: Yes, we are social beings. Even the most introverted of us, felt some loneliness during lockdown. In our yearning for community, some gathered in crowds heedless of the consequences while others connected virtually in safety. A few even managed to make new friends – virtually.
• Where there’s a will, there’s a way: Need a doctor, go online. Need a teacher, online. This was the year of the virtual everything. People’s ingenuity in recreating physical experiences virtually defies description. I just watched a virtual fashion show on YouTube and enjoyed it very much. Kudos, #Afromaha!
• Heroes and Angels walk amongst us daily: Janitors, transportation workers, teachers, nurses, doctors, research scientists and others in critical professions served tirelessly to prevent an apocalypse. They rose to the occasion and shined through. Unfortunately, many saved others at the cost of their lives.
• Time is a limited resource: While extending birthday wishes, Sister Titi said, “I like the way you and your friends went to Dubai last year. You got together and had fun regardless of what was going well or not well in your lives.” Hmm, if we’d deferred that trip as we’d done in previous years… My takeaway? Don’t waste this precious commodity – time. Be intentional in everything you do.
• Everything rises and falls on leadership – John Maxwell: Clear as daylight on the equator, we saw the impact of a leader’s words on the governed. We could literally measure the impact of the pandemic by how seriously leaders regarded COVID-19. Populace whose leaders took the pandemic seriously, faired relatively better. Reckless leaders cost millions their lives. Unfortunately, people typically do as a leader bids without checking with their brains first.
• Flexibility owns the future: If we learned anything this year, it is how to be flexible. Daily, we tracked the level of COVID in our locality. Social-distancing, lockdown, mask-mandate, virtual consultation, and other phrases capture new experiences. We’ve realized no one is too old to learn new things and when things don’t go as you wish, wish new things.

What comes after clarity? Action. In 2021, be resourceful. Dream, dreams, make plans, but above all, be flexible. If things don’t not work out the way you planned, change your plans. Here’s to a glorious 2021!