2020 Vision
They say hindsight is 2020; like the vision, perfect and clear. And, I think that's what the song, Auld Lang Syne is really about.
Famous Scotsman Robbie Burns wrote the ever-famous song, Auld Lang Syne, which has become the traditional New Year’s Eve song, sung at the ringing in of each new year. Originally written as a poem, in early Lowland Scots Germanic language, and translated into English later. The title, itself means, “for old time’s sake”, or “once upon a time”, as is known to be the traditional way of beginning fairy tales. “Once upon a time”, meaning, “one time in the past”. When broken down this way, it’s easy to interpret Burns’ poem as saying goodbye to one year and welcoming in a new one. But I think it’s more than that.
I think it’s about an exercise in starting over; about letting go of the things that no longer fit you and opening up to the concept of change. About allowing yourself, like a tree in autumn, to let go of the old to make room for the new. In this poem Burns writes, “we’ve wandered many a weary foot”, and “there’s a hand my trusty friend. And give me a hand o’thine”; which to me, suggests that he is saying, we’ve been through a lot and it’s been hard but we’ve got each other and we’ll be okay. Here’s a hand for you and give me yours in return. Let’s let go of the past, start anew and, while attempting to do so, let’s have each other’s back. Basically, my whole life’s mantra summed up in a poem written centuries ago by a fellow Scot.
It talks about having knowledge of what we need to survive; letting go of what no longer suits our lives and ourselves, and holding onto what matters. Keeping what we need; friendship and love. In true Scottish form, Burns’ poem illustrates what 2020 vision really looks like; how we learn from our experiences and grow stronger, wiser and more compassionate, as a result. It is often said, that hindsight is 2020; like 2020 vision, perfect and clear. My vision has become the same this year.
I’ve penned in earlier posts, that my mother was adopted, and until I found her paternal family, I didn’t know anything about our Scottish heritage. Despite that lack of knowledge, I was always fascinated; some would say obsessed, with Scotland, the Scots and all things Scottish. When I first set foot on Scottish soil, my first trip there, I felt more at home on lands across the ocean from my “homeland”, then I’d ever felt anywhere in my life. Finding out that I was Scottish was part of my 2020 vision; the last piece of the puzzle that finally revealed the big picture of who I was and why. Seeing me suddenly realizing why I was, the way I was and finally being able to be the person I’d always thought I’d become. My “hindsight” was clear as could be, and helped me move forward.
This was just one of several revelations and epiphanies that struck me this year but was definitely one of the biggest ones. Like Burns, I’ve always ‘thought like a Scot’; with the belief in love and friendship, family and community. This year, I finally found my true tribe and my actual Scottish Clan. I’ve also, always believed in in letting go of things that either don’t help, or hurt me. This year, I did just that. This year, my vision is finally 2020. This year, I’m living like the true Scottish lassie that I now know for certain that I am; from the heart. I hope you'll all do the same.