The Year of Perspective

2020- the year that has taught me that literally ANYTHING is possible.

The year of the pandemic, the initial - and then the second and then the third -surge in cases, the wrongful murder of a Black father, the hideously embarrassing political battle that made me worry for the future of this beautiful country, the loss of so many meaningful businesses, the loss of a feminist icon, and the spread of a new, more transmissible strain of COVID-19.

But this is also the year when I really internalized that humans share common emotions. No matter what country, what cultural background, what socioeconomic background, what qualifications we had we shared the fear, uncertainty, powerlessness, and despair this pandemic evoked.

We learned to adapt, witnessed the power and potential of technology, and were reminded of the selfless side of humanity (major shoutout to healthcare workers).

Though cringeworthy, the political state of this country did bring loads of Americans together; I learned of many Americans who could agree that these were not the kind of debates, discussions, or media we wanted to watch, read, or engage in when it comes to electing the president of this country.

Within months of this novel virus, scientists began to develop ideas for vaccines, and, thanks to their sheer brilliance and sacrifice, we are ending a year of a pandemic with the distribution of MULTIPLE, FDA-approved, effective vaccines.

And perhaps one my favorite moments to witness this year were those when people of all colors came together to not only acknowledge but demand more for our Black brothers and sisters who have been wrongfully treated for years.

So, yes, anything- good or bad - really is possible.

This year proved strange for ALL of us with periods of shock followed by adaptation when grabbing your masks and sanitizing felt as second nature as putting on clothes and brushing your teeth.

We all came to not only know but feel how true it is that change is the only constant.

And so, when I started reflecting on 2020, which I do at this time every year, it was hard for me to walk away with a handful of themes and lessons.

There were big revelations, tiny ones, deeper truths I learned about myself, a growing awareness of how fragile life is, reminders to be grateful for so many things we take for granted, feelings of uncertainty I’m still learning to cope with, huge periods of growth, and an overwhelming realization that there is so much left for me to learn in this life.

So, with my scattered brain and reflection, I know I don’t have it all figured out, but I think I’ve discovered some pieces to the puzzle:

- It’s not always about having the answers to people’s qualms or problems; just listening, showing that you’re there for others, goes a long way. If you can’t relate or don’t know what to say, don’t speak just to speak. Just be there.

- You can find ways to relate to even the people you feel are wired in the complete opposite ways. Humans often share the same fears, we just express and handle them differently. Know that you’re not alone.

- Gratitude can save you from the worst or darkest times. It becomes easy to go through life with the opportunities and people and things that we do but remember that these – all of these – are gifts. Take the time to recognize them, the value they provide you, and how lucky you are to have them.

- We are extremely adaptable if we want to be. Though the pandemic was forced upon us, we found ways to cope both physically and emotionally to create a somewhat normal life. With technology and a flexible attitude, we’ve made home double as our place of work and schooling.

- There are always ways to help people. Regardless of your expertise or education, listening to someone share their struggles, complimenting someone, paying attention to those being treated unfairly or those hurting, picking up groceries, or calling people who just need to be reminded that they’re not alone are things all of us can do. You don’t have to feel stuck in a state of helplessness.

- Once you learn to accept the situation around you, other unpredictable or unfortunate situations that arise get to you or bug you less. Instead of getting caught up in your emotions – anger, fear, disappointment, frustration – you remember that you can’t control the world but only your attitude. And your attitude can change the whole way you look at your life.

- Change can pull the best of people. It can make people reevaluate, innovate, and revision. It can make you grow more than you ever knew you could.

- Life slowing down can be nice; you get time to look around you, appreciate, learn, and smell the roses.

- You can never have too much toilet paper!!

Hopefully these will appear even more true and serve as the stepping stones for more lessons and realizations next year.

We made it through this year and for that reason alone, be proud of yourself, celebrate your progress, and carry your acquired strengths and knowledge onto this ~ hopefully less insane ~ next year.