This has been one of the most eventful years of our lives. The pandemic brought fear and destruction beyond our comprehension. The virus took us off-guard. We were forced to maintain distance and wear masks. Business came to a standstill. Shutdown in Economies resulted in significant job losses. Poor and marginalised were unevenly impacted. We lost our near and dear ones.
In this gloom and doom, our frontline warrior, the medical staff and the sanitary workers showed grit and determination and battled the virus with patience and persistence. Available medicines were repurposed. PPE Kits and Ventilators were manufactured on the fly. Medical infrastructure was added dynamically to respond to the sudden surge in the virus.
People found purpose in life by extending a helping hand to the needy who could have otherwise perished. From free food to free shelter, to shifting migrant labourers to their home town, taking care of elderly, and continuation of the salary of domestic workers who could not show up for the work, there are countless stories of the calling of the soul. Their pain mattered.
The economy and the stock market has been on a roller coaster ride. The market timer has been not able to gauge the ferocity and the speed of the market. The long term investors have come out unscathed and are better positioned. Once again it is proven that it is not the timing but the time in the market which matters.
For us as human beings, this has been a humbling experience. We had never imagined that a virus could take us down this way. But in this chaos and devastation, we have shown resilience and we will come out stronger.
For me, this has been a year of reflection. Family and life priorities have become more important. I am getting the opportunity to be with my family members for the duration which I could have never imagined otherwise.
My professional life has become more enriching. I am getting to know people more personally from all walks of life and helping them in their financial journey. Thank you to those who have bestowed faith in me and given me the opportunity. I feel blessed.
Wishing you all a very happy Diwali. May this Diwali bring you and your family peace, prosperity and happiness.
The writer is a SEBI Registered Adviser and Founder of FinMyn (https://finmyn.com). He provides Fee-Only Financial Planning and Investment Advisory services. If you want to know more about him, click on https://finmyn.com/about/.