Many of us will be delighted that this year is finally over. However, there are many valuable lessons that this year has taught us.
2020 has brought a series of overwhelming, uncertain and unsettling events, the after-effects of which will stay in our hearts for a long time. We have felt loss, grief, yet also aspects of joy during a year that has taught us so much, with many things to leave behind but also elements to carry forward into the new year.
Despite the hardships, it is important to relinquish our negative feelings and turn to the next chapter of our lives, taking forward vital lessons from this unpredictable year.
It is important to slow down:
If 2020 has given us anything, it is the abundance of time, the ability to slow down and finally do what we’ve always wanted to do, or not do anything at all. It is important to normalise breaks as facilitators of future productivity.
The first lockdown came as a shock to many but allowed people across the world to catch up on life, read that book they’ve always wanted, have time with family or start a new hobby. Time felt paused, as if we were trapped in March but it was time we needed, accepted and will most likely not get to experience again.
Sometimes the most productive thing we can do is rest; it is so important to take a break until you feel more like you again. Life truly is about the simple things; self-care is a priority, not a privilege.
Mental health should not be ignored:
The pandemic has undoubtedly had detrimental effects on the mental health of many and this should not be ignored. It is absurd that in 2020, mental health is taboo and often overlooked.
2020 has taught us all that mental health is so important and has enabled many people to reach out to others and be open about their feelings. With several lockdowns, uncertainty in the news and the lack of support from the government, many people are constantly suffering.
People have been affected by the pandemic in many ways. Whether that be losing a loved one, losing their job, financial concerns or feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Let’s no longer be passive to the issues around us:
The pandemic has brought tragedy upon us however, we cannot invalidate or overlook other global issues. This is the first time I have seen so many people educating themselves, sharing posts on social media, protesting, signing petitions and wanting to make a difference. We must keep fighting, making a difference and speaking out. Change starts with us.
From saving the planet, to helping those that are less fortunate than us and speaking out on racism, we can’t just stop. Enough is enough. We are the generation to make a significant change in this world and I hope this is something we carry forward into 2021.
There have been many pivotal moments during 2020 that show that there is hope, passion and energy that we can achieve to fight injustice when we come together.
Don’t take anything for granted:
This year has taught us that we should make time for our loved ones. Although social media has helped us through the pandemic keeping us connected, it can never replace real connection. Many of us have not been able to see loved ones this year and this has helped us to appreciate those around us and how precious they are.
Simple things like meeting up with friends or a hug have become things that we should cherish more often because we never know when or if they will be taken away from us again. We have finally learnt to appreciate the importance of human interaction and when this is over, when we finally hug those closest to us, it will be more meaningful than ever.
Patience and perseverance are key:
Quite possibly the hardest year of our lives, but we survived and made it to the end. If you didn’t achieve everything that you wanted this year, it does not mean that you are a failure.
Many of us will be thankful the year is over and excited for the next chapter. 2020 may seem like the year of cancelled plans but is also the year where the world paused, and we finally looked around. We realised all of the broken things in the world which, as we enter 2021, we must continue to work on mending.
In particular this year, I send love to those who have lost a loved one, are alone or isolated from family and those who have tirelessly worked during this pandemic.
Although we are bringing some of the hardships of 2020 into the new year, we must persevere as, deep down, we know we can. I hope we carry forward everything we have learnt, to keep fighting out battles. This has been a year of survival but the wisdom, heartache, and yearning for normality have nevertheless helped us develop as a global community.
In 2020 we experienced darkness and 2021 is time for love and light – the time for balance. Joy, love, peace and abundance is coming.
Thank you 2020 for allowing us to grow together in ways we couldn’t have ever imagined.
