Guyanese set sights on better health, new skills and mindfulness

-among 2022 new year’s goals ‘If COVID has reiterated anything for me, it’s that this life of ours cannot be taken for granted. Live while you can and when you can have become my daily mantra’

As we usher in a new year, we asked persons what they were looking forward to for 2022, and whether they had achieved any of the goals they may have set themselves for the past year.

Sarah Ibrahim, Businesswoman: In 2021, I made the usual resolutions – lose weight, save money, learn a new language. But life threw me a few curveballs and although I didn’t achieve those goals, I gained something better. I learned to love myself, to accept my faults, and appreciate the virtue of patience and understanding. This year has taught me to slow down and really see the worth of what I have – my life, my family, and a few dear friends who have stuck by my side while things weren’t rosy.

For 2022, I hope to continue along that path – appreciating all that I am blessed with, people, things, and opportunities. I hope to learn to swim, maybe get fit. But, most importantly, I want to live in the moment. I want to have NO bad days. I want to smile and exude kindness and love wherever I may go. And I hope to inspire others to do the same.

Kayla Schultz, 19, Student: What I’m looking forward to in the new year is graduating with my Bachelor’s [Degree] in Social Work and starting the process to serve my community and country to the best of my ability. While there was no official new year’s resolution for 2021, I did want to improve my mental health and focus on personal growth and I achieved that to an extent.

Denica Henry, Influencer/Youth Advocate:

Last New Year’s Eve, I was honestly hoping that COVID19 would have been like the regular seasonal flu and I would have been able to return to my normal life. Now, my new normal is way different than I could have ever anticipated. Going forward, I’m simply praying for the continued good health of myself, my family, and my friends. I believe once we all have good health. We’re going to make it through everything else. In 2021, I was able to get an enriching job in a field I’m very passionate about, grow beyond my limitations, launch my business as an Events Host and Coordinator, learn several new rewarding skills, and work along with some amazing people to create positive changes throughout various communities in Berbice. However, three things I didn’t get to do this year though: learn how to swim well, drive a car properly so I can get my license, and master horse riding. Those I’ll try to complete as early as possible.

If COVID has reiterated anything for me, it’s that this life of ours cannot be taken for granted. Live while you can and when you can have become my daily mantra. I hope others make the most of whatever time they have left to live a full and soul-satisfying life. Sending love and light out to everyone for 2022 and beyond.

Fawaz

Supervisor: In 2022, I look forward to greater development for our nation. I believe that despite the circumstances, we owe it to ourselves as well as our country to be optimistic. I’m not a believer in resolutions, I believe striving to become better human beings should be continuous and not just restricted to the beginning of a new year. I believe in setting goals, and equally important, setting a timeline in achieving these goals. In 2021, I endeavored to advance in my career, and through dedication and hard work, I was promoted. I also set out to eat healthier and be overall more fit and I was also able to make significant headway in this regard.

Harry, Sales

Shanaz

Housewife/Mother: My new year’s resolutions will always revolve around my kids. I have done a few courses and plan to do more so that if there are any job openings I can get an opportunity to gain employment. I do hope more jobs become available in the new year for people living in the Skeldon area. This has been a struggle since I moved here 11 years ago.

I am a family-oriented person. Once my family is happy, so am I. I also hope we can get COVID under control so that we can move on with our lives in the new year.

Ram,

Radika De Freitas, Businesswoman: 2021 has been a year of learning, growth, and gratitude. From a business point of view, being the owner of an online shopping business The Coco Sugar Company – this year gave me a front seat view of what creating a brand and growing that brand means. At the beginning of 2021, I set out with the goal of growth, and thankfully I was able to achieve this with collaborations in Berbice and Georgetown. I was also able to grow my reach to thousands of persons within the country via the company’s Facebook page.

On a personal note, 2021 had its challenges. It has been a ride of ups and downs but to have made it to the end with a