Finally! The End of 2020
I think all of us will struggle to forget the year 2020; a global pandemic, a presidential election, too many deaths of both celebrities and peers, protests and social justice movements, isolation and quarantine, and a multitude of canceled plans. It feels like we’re all holding our breaths until 2021 comes, yearning for the conclusion of what was undoubtedly a difficult year for the entire world. Although we know things won’t change overnight, I think there will be a sense of relief knowing that we survived 2020.
While the weight of the hardships of this year can feel almost unbearable, I implore you to reflect on the lessons that the earth practically forced on us. I am sharing the lessons I learned in hopes of inspiring you.
2020’s Lessons
We must always be flexible and willing to adapt when unexpected events occur.
People need social connections and love to survive.
The world is changing, and we must grow with it. There is no room for social injustice, racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and any other forms of discrimination and oppression.
There is value in public events and social gatherings that has never been so clear.
We should never take things for granted.
We could all benefit from more empathy.
If we can’t come together as a population during a global pandemic that is affecting us all, then there is still significant work that needs to be done in recognizing that we are all one.
Meaning in life is not found in material and tangible things.
We dictate our own lives, and we should do what brings us happiness and peace.
We must appreciate every moment we have.
I have immense respect for the resilience of people and high hopes for the future. I truly believe the world will never be the same for the better as we move past 2020. I have such faith in the younger generations in achieving equality and acceptance of all individuals and a shift in the country’s mindset that work must be hard and demanding.
Even if 2021 is not the breath of fresh air we all desperately need, we will be more prepared for its hardships and challenges because of 2020. It can feel trite and frustrating to be told to look at the positives, but with the immense pile of negatives we all have regarding this year, it has never been so important to be optimistic. I believe in you. I am proud of you. And on the 31st I will toast my champagne to each one of you and the strength you hold.
I wish you a happy new year with lots of love,
Andrea
