An Invernessian in America By Diane Knox: Positivity is key – we have to be optimistic that normality will be restored
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The closing of the door on 2021 feels eerily similar to how it felt 365 days ago. Actually, it maybe feels a little worse but with every New Year comes hope, and now it seems more vital than ever.
There’s no doubt that 2020 was a rough year for everyone; the world changed. Covid-19, masks, lockdown, restrictions; we thought, or rather hoped, they’d stay locked in 2020. But 2021 began, and while we were offered a vaccine followed by a booster, Omicron is shoving us back into a state of isolation, uncertainty and depression with a new set of challenges ahead.
With the reinstatement of social distancing in all hospitality and indoor leisure venues, panto runs were forced to come to a premature end, football began a ‘winter break’ and nightclubs are being closed days before they were planning to pop the corks and ring in the bells. Christmas may not have been cancelled, but Hogmanay sure is.
I feel such a sense of guilt as I write this, because life is very, very normal in Florida. However, it really shouldn’t be. Cases are surging, and last week the state saw the largest single-day increase of newly reported cases since the pandemic began.
The lines for Covid test sites are, once again, long and winding but there are no restrictions here whatsoever. The only place we’re ever asked to wear a mask, outwith hospitals and airports, is at our vet!
Months ago, my friend from Glasgow booked a trip to come to New York next week with the plan for us to meet up in the Big Apple. With Omicron and the renewed threat of the virus, she called to cancel her flights and was told they were non-refundable. Then, she tested positive.
So for Christmas week she was cooped up in her flat, with her boyfriend and a very different Christmas celebration. But with the virus comes the antibodies, so she’s kept her booking and, fingers crossed, we’re still going to meet up next week.
Now, NYC is a whole different kettle of fish compared to Florida. Of all the states, it’s one of the strictest with proof of vaccination required to go pretty much anywhere, and masks are compulsory. But the thought of seeing my friend, after almost two-and-a-half years apart, is amazing. Surreal, and amazing.
Ending 2021 on a positive note seems key. We have to remain positive; we have to have optimism that normality of the world will be restored and better days are right around the corner.
Tonight, I’ll definitely be taking some time to reflect on the life-changing year I had – we got a puppy, sold our house, started building our new home, got engaged and got married. Wow, typing it seems surreal.
I still can’t believe we pulled off a secret wedding with only five weeks of planning. I ticked off some boxes professionally too – working at the Ryder Cup, starting this column and launching a new weekly golf show in just a few weeks, with some other exciting projects in the pipeline.
Life is good, but it’ll get better, and we’re all going to thrive in 2022.
