The turn of the year to 2021 was undoubtedly a mix of emotions. Every New Year’s Eve is a time when we bid farewell to one year in search of renewal in the next. This was no different, but it is worth remembering what feelings were at play.
In Brazil, in the United States, and around the world, restrictions on gatherings affected everyone’s feelings. How could one not unite with family or dear friends at a moment when, throughout their life, they have always done so? With restrictions, how could one not celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year’s Eve?
The answer is simple. Calm, patience, focus. Fortunately, even with different vaccination calendars and flows, the whole world began the process for everyone to recover from the effects caused by COVID-19 contamination.
The moment is to think that all plans, all parties, were not interrupted and prohibited for the sake of global health, but rather because we will soon celebrate each of them twice.
Photo: Marcos Vasconcelos/Arquivo BR Day NY
The marks and losses are irreparable. Therefore, it is better to postpone moments of joy and gatherings to avoid deaths. However, as the world gets vaccinated, we will gradually be able to dispel this ghost that haunts us.
No family has gone unscathed by the pandemic. We were all affected, to a greater or lesser extent, but we were. We changed our routines, increased our relationships with others via the internet, and began to work and study remotely. At the same time, we were hit, especially on the psychological side, with the loss of loved ones or the lack of in-person socialization. Brazilians, in particular, are known for their hugs and kisses, for their warmth.
Reinforcing: it is time to postpone projects or adapt them, to do them better as soon as we can, safely, without giving up on realizing them.
Gathering family in smaller numbers, connecting with others via videoconference, is a care, a kindness, and respect for others. All so that soon we can see Times Square packed, Avenida Paulista filled with people, the São Silvestre happening and being broadcast to the whole world on December 31 (the forecast is that last year’s edition will take place on July 11 of this year), jumping waves on the Copacabana beach while watching a beautiful fireworks show on New Year’s Eve… and Brazilian Day NY will fill 46th Street with 5th Avenue. Soon we will be able to celebrate Carnival at the Sambódromo da Sapucaí or Anhembi and take the blocks to the streets… See the Galo da Madrugada leave at dawn or feel again the energy of the Cordão da Bola Preta,
Photo: Marcos Vasconcelos/Arquivo BR Day NY
as well as the blocks on the beach in Salvador.
Now is a moment of waiting, of calm, of vaccination. The smiles hidden behind masks enhance our eyes, which have become the main form of contact with others… Eyes that can show truth, express feelings. This will pass, in the hope that those same eyes will be misty with tears of relief, so that we can say: “it’s over.” Wait a little longer, take care of yourself thinking of you and those you love. In this new year of 2021, postpone, but do not give up on your plans and projects. It is time to be like butterflies, which from the cocoon to the great wings, need a lot of transformation. May 2021 be a year to be grateful that we are still here, stronger and more hopeful for a future that is showing its first signs, with the vaccine rollout. Postpone, do not give up. Invent, do not block yourself. The world is there to show us that the limit is beyond what you thought it was, but with necessary restrictions that are meant to protect us all… and continue. Every crisis is followed by a lasting and prosperous time. May it be so, in every sense. Happy new year, happy new life.
ELMO FRANCFORT
Writer & Coordinator of Memória Abert
elmo@francfort.com.br