2021; Hoping for less procrastination

It was the end of another decade and the beginning of a new one. A decade is a long time to recall. However, from A/L in 2010 till MD Part 1 in 2020, it was more a decade devoted for medical education. A decade where procrastination was gradually practiced towards the latter part of the decade. This is a note on the year passed by for my reference in future.

2020 stared as a usual year. No much celebrations or expectations. As it evolved, it turned out to be quite a strange and challenging year. But interestingly, it really had been a career defining year too. At the start of the year, we got visitors coming from Australia; who turned out to be a Doctor at the end of the year. It was indeed a great pleasure to catch up with the greatest opponent, project partner and importantly the best friend at the start of a year after a lapse of many years [ though the advanced technology made it like meeting a friend for a daily chat]

Time passed by and at the start of the year, the place that nurtured me to be a medical practitioner turned 150 years which really was a series of grand celebrations to witness, which I already made a blog entry about.

In relation to Kingswood matters; Kingswood Medicos came in to existence – in a challenging slow phase at it was expected. Got the opportunity to work with amazing seniors and the juniors which in deed was a pleasure. We evolved slowly but steadily and I am sure, the process will accelerate as the world starts to accelerate in the days to come.

In the midst of everything, much less cared [by myself] family also evolved and the annoying nephew turned 5 years and is on the verge of being a gentleman of Kingswood or a bloody Trinitian.

2020 being a leap year also brought luck to Dahaya batch from MFC. We met for a get-together, first time after graduation. Some Mr, Miss , Mrs and some as mothers. We have evolved as people and as professionals in a matter of few years and the transition is amazing to see. With the initiation, Dahaya also came in to existence as an official batch; which I am sure will continue to meet in the time to come.

Then came March, the evil month. And it appears as if since March to December it has been just a single topic, COVID 19 – but I only realized when compiling this blog that many things have really evolved over the months; although it was not evident. Covid in March also provided a grand opportunity to have more free time and hence a lot of Netflix and entertainment. The art work of the year that felt closest to heart and was a reflection of our lives itself had been the master piece by Roshan Ravindra. I wouldn’t say the entire script was relevant, but the school life definitely was.

And then I really don’t recall much happening for a few months. Worked under a great mentor at Cardiology ICU, who made us feel relevant in the world of medicine.

The time was also consumed by the lot that helped me prepare for exams that at one point in my life I thought was one of the few things I will never do in life [ this doesn’t mean that I have an understanding why I did the exam anyway]

Times evolved and came the month of most awaited Parliamentary election. I was fortunate enough to sit for and get through examinations I never expected to sit in the first place. Examinations always treat me very well than I deserve, and hopefully it will continue at least for another 3 years minimum.

We also witnessed the brilliance of great senior role models at the exams, with flying colours – but not a surprise at all. It was more an expected result. We celebrated our own achievements in our own ways.

In 2020, met the next generation of the most beloved Dehigama family [as a scout] from school. Collaborations attempted and failed, but hopefully we shall be able to utilize the IT talents of the young computer master mind from college in the time to come.

Cousins also come on and off and cross our lives here and there. Some decide to marry while some suffer the agony of break-ups. It is a sweet memory to grow up with most of your cousins throughout your lives. After many years, we really could get together and take a day off and plan on a quick trip – which really made a little difference.

With new results and new posts also come new places and new people. Sometimes the life feels as if it is falling on our heads – but with time we realize the reality is not bad as expected. This phrase can also be turned upside down if not for meeting seniors and colleague who would support you, particularly when we are in trouble. The greatest treasure I had in my short medical career so far had been the amazing colleagues to work with. And working with this man at a new unit with new set of responsibilities surely made life much easier and smoother.

Although 2020 was described a dull year – it was also the year where I decided to shift from health service to the world of academics. Pros and cons: too early to conclude and too late to reverse. Life is dull if not for those episodic adventurous decisions. It was a pleasure and a privilege to be serving the place I would love most after my college. 2020 was a big welcome to the prestigious Pharmacology department, and to its amazing and understanding seniors. Big burden on the shoulders – fingers crossed.

Life is like a roller coaster. We are at the top of our game at one point and immediately after at the bottom of it. World falls apart and sometimes hopes bloom. Magical days happen and so are the dark days. On and off you need something to remind you of what you are worth and to help you appreciate what you have achieved. Being a registrar to a house officer that expects the same academic achievements in few years is a good way of reminding what you have in life and to appreciate what is there and to discard what is lacking in life. This is that person who reminds of such achievements and helps in preparing for the A game in future.

It was quite a year to revise. Although it appears dull, it was full of events. Career defining exams, career changes, new work places, new responsibilities etc .

A year that started with meeting the best friend in January should not be wasted without a good friends’ gathering at the end of it. 31^st night; though is a usual night like all others, was [strangely] well spent with one life time friend and one friend since medical school who continues to be a colleague at the same department. There isn’t a better time than being with good friends – whatever the time of the year.

2020 ended just like that and suddenly came 2021. This time while walking to the quarters. Just a single resolution for the new year or the decade – less / no procrastination. Hence the note at 2.30 am before postponing till next day though I am sleepy like hell.

So 2021 – bring it on !!!

[PC -  to all the photographers of the original photoes]