Experiences of Positive Moments in the Year 2020
In 2020, amidst global challenges, several positive events emerged, offering glimmers of hope and resilience.
One of the most inspiring stories came from Captain Tom Moore, a 99-year-old veteran from Yorkshire. Capturing the nation's heart, he embarked on a fundraising mission by walking laps in his garden, initially aiming to complete 100 laps. His determination went beyond the target, raising an impressive £28.5 million for NHS charities [1]. Although subsequent investigations raised questions about the financial aspects of the Captain Tom Foundation, the initial fundraising success maintained public trust in charities, with doctors receiving the highest trust rating [2].
Simultaneously, scientific communities achieved unprecedented speeds in developing effective COVID-19 vaccines, marking a major scientific breakthrough that provided hope and a path towards controlling the pandemic. The global lockdowns also led to temporary reductions in pollution and carbon emissions, highlighting the positive environmental effects of decreased human activity.
The trend of working from home may result in reduced emissions from commuting in the future. Meanwhile, many businesses embraced innovation, adopting digital tools, remote work, and new service models to sustain operations and connect with customers amid restrictions.
Beautiful photos of local exploration filled social media during the summer as families ventured out to discover local parks they hadn't visited before. Dalgona coffee, a popular Korean drink, also gained popularity among coffee lovers.
In Italy, people performed on their balconies, while in the UK, people painted rocks and left them on trails for no-touch scavenger hunts. Many families also explored new skills such as knitting, sewing, or reading long-neglected books. The art of making sourdough bread at home also saw a significant resurgence.
Amidst these bright spots, it's important to remember the front line workers, including medical professionals, who risked their safety to care for others during the pandemic. The return of wildlife to urban areas during lockdowns was another notable event, offering a reminder of nature's resilience.
Banksy, the renowned street artist, created a special piece of art dedicated to first responders, further highlighting the community spirit during these challenging times. Some businesses also offered their services free of charge to help those at home feel connected and engaged.
Candy was delivered through chutes at Halloween, ensuring the tradition could continue in a safe and socially distanced manner. As we look back on 2020, these events collectively represent resilience, community spirit, and progress despite extraordinary challenges.
References: [1] The Guardian. (2020, May 27). Captain Tom Moore: 100-year-old veteran raises £21m for NHS charities. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/may/27/captain-tom-moore-100-year-old-veteran-raises-21m-for-nhs-charities
[2] The National Council for Voluntary Organisations. (2020). NCVO Coronavirus Hub. Retrieved from https://ncvo.org.uk/coronavirus-hub/trust-and-confidence-in-charities-during-covid-19
- The inspiring story of Captain Tom Moore, a 99-year-old veteran, encouraged the public to support home-and-garden-based fundraising initiatives, demonstrating resilience and hope during the challenging year.
- as families embraced outdoor-living by exploring local parks and engaging in activities like knitting, sewing, reading, and even making sourdough bread at home, they fostered personal-growth and family-dynamics while staying connected amidst restrictions.
- The wave of innovation in relationships and education-and-self-development became evident, as businesses adopted digital tools for remote work and educational institutions shifted to online learning platforms, allowing for more flexible lifestyles.
- Nature also displayed signs of environmental recovery during the global lockdowns, with the temporary reduction in pollution offering a glimpse into potential lifestyle changes that could contribute to sustainability and environmental protection in the future.
