Here’s to 2021
At this time of year I often look back and reflect upon the year just gone. Ordinarily I would have called this post “Looking back at 2020” but I think we all need to look forward to better times.
This year has seen me doing as much DNA related consulting as what is becoming more frequently referred to now as “traditional genealogy”. Next year I can foresee my research work being split around 50:50 between the two. I’m also planning a major overhaul of the Professional Family History website and there will be some tips on getting started with DNA.
The big change for me this year, however, occurred in June 2020 when I became the owner and Managing Director of Pharos Teaching and Tutoring Ltd. As a result, much of the year has been focused on the Pharos business and teaching. We’ve had some great feedback on our recent Student Survey and I’m looking forward to making some announcements about new tutors and courses in 2021.
From a personal perspective I’ve been so very lucky compared to others. My family, friends, colleagues and students have been relatively unscathed by the virus itself. It’s the impact of the virus on other things that I’ve seen the most this year. The saddest personal impact was that, when my two uncles died in April and May, we weren’t able to go to their funerals.
What I’ve seen the most has been the effects of covid on mental health, whether it’s been those with current issues getting worse, those who’ve not suffered for years having a revisit from anxiety and / or depression or those suffering for the first time. What has saddened me the most is the impact on young people. So many parents of teenagers I know have children who are suffering.
I can speak with experience as I have suffered mental health issues myself. I know this is said so often now it’s almost a cliché but it’s true: it’s OK to not be OK. Take a day off as a care day; take long walks, curl up with a book, whatever you need to do. That’s OK.
So what are the positives? For us, the lockdowns and periods of home schooling have enabled us to all spend more time together as a family and that’s had me reevaluating what’s important and what really is not.
A family history positive: Yesterday, looking for something different to do for a change, I dragged them out to a couple of local graveyards. Hey, it’s a great place for a little exercise and I guarantee you there won’t be crowds! 😊
The photo below is the previously unseen by me grave of my 5 x great grandparents, John and Mary Goodchild, buried at Kedington, Suffolk.
So here’s to 2021 everyone. Let the end be in sight. Wishing you all peace, health and happiness.
