So it’s come to that time again when we are entering a New Year; where we set New Year resolutions and dwell on all the things that we have accomplished throughout the last 12 months. As we look back on 2011 we recognise that it was an extraordinary period; from the Japan earthquake to the Arab Spring, 2011 has flooded us with a series of events, many of which were unfortunate.
With the story of the Tunisian protestor setting himself on fire due to a high percentage of unemployment and other government downfalls wide-spreading the news, we had quite a negative start to the year. This particular story line was talked about for months and lead to a franchise of protests, riots and other similar events across the Middle East and Northern Africa all through 2011, including the killing of Colonel Gadaffi.
Followed by the start of the Arab spring, was the Northern Japan earth quake with the magnitude of 9.0 along with a tsunami at a shallow depth of 20 miles underneath the surface of the Pacific Ocean. According to the National Police Agency of Japan a total of 15,842 people have died, 5,890 were injured, and 3,485 are still missing. This data was collected in September 2011.
However, April brought us a more positive vibe with Prince William and Princess Catherine’s wedding taking place on the 29th. This was a special day for both the couple and the congregation as people all over the world watched the process of them exchanging vows and becoming one. This wonderful event was celebrated through street parties and a day off work!
A few months later in July, the tragic death of Amy Winehouse occurred, leaving many people in shock and saddened, whilst others were pessimistic towards the news. In the same month the international phone hacking scandal accusation, involving the news of the world and other British tabloid newspapers took place. This was another trial that shadowed over a long period and is most likely not to be forgotten.
August was probably the most eventful month of the year. With many innocent people being made homeless and countless stores being looted, London was almost comparable to a war zone. These events were so critical that it lead to prisons becoming full and provoked David Cameron to make a resentful speech about the topic. Fortunately by September the riots had calmed down and there were no more buildings getting damaged or looted.
However, despite the unfortunate events that have took place this year, we have made it! We have left 2011 and as we approach the new year despite the ‘end of the world’ rumours, I strongly urge you to look at high hope for 2012 and if you have any new years resolutions try your best to keep up with them, so that around this time next year you can proudly say you have fulfilled them.
Happy New Year and God bless!
Blessed&Inspired
All things are possible!
