Positive vibes: 10 things evident in the world in 2020

Positive vibes in 2020 – how is this possible?

Positive vibes has been a somewhat alien concept for the first half of 2020.

In fact, it’s safe to say that 2020 hasn’t so far gone at all to plan. Social distancing, self isolation and quarantine weren’t concepts on our radar, let alone practices that we could have imagined would become commonplace. But here we are.

First we have to say a huge ‘thank you’ to all the key workers that many of us have or are depending on. Supermarket staff keeping our kitchen cupboards stocked. Hospital workers on the front-line. Everyone in between. Without you, there would be little to feel positive about today. We recognise what you are doing and can’t express our gratitude enough.

But – among the sadness, loss, fear and chaos there have been glimmers of light and hope so here’s to a little 2020 positivity. As we hit the pause button, words like community, support, togetherness, reverse climate change and future have come in to play.

We take a look at some the positive vibes and other things that are evident in the world in 2020.

– By Bethany Silcox

BORDERS ARE MANMADE

Sadly closing borders has become a hot topic in recent years. Brexit and the US/Mexico ‘wall’ spring to mind. But the fast flow of coronavirus and resulting global pandemic shows us that we really are all in this together.

WE’VE NEVER FELT FURTHER APART OR CLOSER TOGETHER

As many countries stay in lockdown, in-person interaction is no longer an option. For the majority that means no social contact with friends or family. As flights are cancelled the world feels bigger now than it did before. But with thanks to social media we are all still connected. If you sift through the initial scaremongering you’ll get to the good stuff; uplifting messages, virtual fitness classes, shared e-learning resources for kids and adults alike, and of course the real MVP ‘Houseparty’.

OUR SUSTAINABLE CHANGES REALLY CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Our world, the earth, is having a much needed break. Some reports say Coronavirus has saved 77,000 lives in China by reducing pollution. Ecowatch notes a decline in nitrogen dioxide over Italy. And it’s the smaller things, too. Venetians are sharing photos of fish returning to clearer canals. Some times it’s hard to see what difference individual efforts can make but this shows that collectively, we can reverse some of the damage that’s been done and make a difference for the future. Let’s use this as a lesson in awareness to do what we can to reduce, reuse and to keep our world – our home – healthy.

COMMUNITY SPIRIT IS ALIVE AND WELL

Seeing people come together during times of adversity brings joy. From Italian’s singing on their balconies – vino in hand – to Spaniards working out on their rooftops, and Brits putting polite notes through their neighbours doors. The revival of community spirit has warmed our hearts.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESSES

As the global economy looks set to take a big hit, small businesses are likely to come off worst. Supporting them now is more important than ever. Here are 3 of our favourites:

WANDERLUX

A travel & concierge service delivering luxury, experiential and elite servicing to a portfolio of clients. Wanderlux is personal, well-connected, and highly regarded as a leading travel assistance service. They partner with high-end hotels, deliver immersive encounters, provide VIP access ,and experiential expeditions. 

SERENDIPITY PILATES RETREATS

Sister duo, Laura Baynes and Hannah Balfour offer a rejuvenating & rebalancing pilates retreat in the beautiful setting of Sri Lanka. Pilates is led by certified instructor and chartered physiotherapist, Laura, while Hannah – who has lived in Sri Lanka since 2010 – shares the best that the country has to offer as host of the retreat.

DOCK & BAY

Innovative and sustainable brand Dock & Bay are known for their reinvented cabana striped towels. Quick drying, sand repellent and compact, a must on every travellers packing list. Five years into business they’ve expanded their range to include swim shorts made from recycled plastic bottles, ponchos for kids and sports towels for fitness fanatics. They’re committed to making trading more sustainable and contribute 5% of their profits to charitable partners Whale and Dolphin Conservation and One Tree Planted.

THE BENEFIT OF EATING LOCAL PRODUCE

Stockpiling and food shortages have reminded us of just how high our ‘foodprint’ is. Supermarkets have been required to supply for an increased demand which is no mean feat when much of what we see in the aisles is imported. As a result, communities have looked to their local butcher, greengrocer and farm shop. Our foodprint’s contribution to GHG emissions during storage, transportation and cooking, as well as resulting methane emissions, are high. Moving forward, eating locally sourced produce -both at home and on our travels -can dramatically help reduce resultant waste, pollution and support local communities.

OUR HEALTH IS OUR WEALTH

Travel, money, work and material possessions often take priority in modern society. But without health, we have nothing. It’s time to switch things up. Focus on your health first and allow the rest to follow.

WANDERLUST IS REAL

We may not be able to travel at the moment but there’s never been a better time to gather your thoughts and regroup. It’s a good opportunity to create a vision board and think about your future travels. Where do you want to see in the world? Head over to our Pinterest boards for bucketlist inspiration.

IF YOU CAN SELF ISOLATE YOU CAN SOLO TRAVEL

Being asked to self isolate has been a hard task for many. Perhaps it’s a result of the great freedom afforded to those in parts of the world or the lack of social interaction that plays on the mind. But ultimately, for the greater good it’s what has been required. People have learnt new ways to occupy themselves, ways to interact, and also how to sit with themselves. Apply these skills to life on the road and solo travel doesn’t seem so scary after all.

WE CAN WORK FROM HOME (OR ABROAD!) AFTER ALL

For years many companies and industries have resisted the concept of working from home. As technologies have advanced, corporate resistance has left workplaces in the dark ages. But as it turns out many more of us could work from home than we would have been allowed to believe. This gives hope for a more digital future and gives rise to the potential of becoming a digital nomad. Get one step ahead of the game with the remote working tools required to check in to your laptop from anywhere.

By Bethany Silcox