2020 was truly one of the toughest, weirdest years – and with the year coming to a close, it’s so easy to leave it behind, and only look ahead at what’s to come.
Like I said, that would be easy.
I don’t wish a year like 2020 on anyone, but I do feel that with all of the trials we have been put against – moving into 2021 and the years beyond, we will be better for it.
I hope 2020 makes us kinder human beings. I hope it makes us a little more empathetic and understanding. I hope we all appreciate the lives that are placed on this earth while they are still here. I hope we recognize the tiniest day-to-day activities that fill our hearts with joy. The day will come where thousands of people can fill an entire stadium and sing Piano Man at the top of their lungs at a Billy Joel concert. The day will come where we can hop on a plane and enjoy a trip without the dread of getting tested or quarantining. The day will come where we can hug our loved ones so tight without worrying about if we might be unintentionally getting them sick. These beautiful, care free days are coming.
So yes, let’s leave 2020 behind, but let’s not forget when this is all over, how we got here. There is no change without discomfort, and this year has been anything but comfortable.
Personally speaking, I faced my own setbacks this year that I am overcoming. It’s easy to lose sight of your own values and happiness when life isn’t exactly going as you planned. It’s easy to become selfish and take for granted those most important in your life when you feel bad for yourself. It’s far from glamorous, and nothing anyone wants to post on social media, but personal lows have given me a new outlook, and more of an opportunity to become that better version of myself.
I’m changing the narrative. I am not a victim of the year 2020. It may be the opportunist in me – but with this year coming to a close, I am so damn grateful.
Grateful for the opportunity to be better. A better sister, daughter, friend. Grateful for my career. Grateful for my health and the health of loved ones. Grateful for music to get me through and friends to call. Grateful that each day the sun will rise (whether we see it or not). Grateful to step back, take a deep breath, and put it all into perspective.
I encourage anyone reading this to reflect on everything they overcame this year – covid/non-covid related.
You survived the year 2020. You are a badass.
In a year of Australian bushfires, a basketball legend and his daughter tragically passing, a global pandemic, racial injustice, riots, and wildfires, what are you grateful for?
Natalie Christina 