The year of 2020 has taught me some life changing lessons that will stay with me forever. As I said goodbye to 2020, like every other year, I was reflective. I think about the year I am gratefully saying goodbye to and welcoming the new year with enthusiasm and optimism. However, this year, this time, it was a little different, and I say a little completely downplaying just how different.
2020 for most of us was a gruesome year. We were pretty much all in a state of survival or as some would phrase it, the survival of the fittest. I think many of us greeted New Year’s Eve with great relief that it was over. I also felt the energy of gratitude that “we made it” (I can’t tell you how many people I spoke to that exclaimed “We made it” as if that was an uncertainty. and that is precisely how everyone felt. uncertain, as if there was this impending doom. There was also the optimism of new possibilities for 2021. I believe the previous year taught us how resilient and strong we are and how we can come out on top in the face of adversity.
In a sense, 2020 put things into perspective for me. It inspired and motivated me to take the leap of faith and no longer allowing the fear of failing to stop or hinder me from living my dream. And I don’t think I am alone in that. I believe quarantine and social distancing gave us all an opportunity to self-reflect and reconnect with ourselves in a way we hadn’t done in a long time.
2021 is going to be a year of transformation, shifts, and healing for humanity. We will see more unity, love, humility, self-love, and love of thy neighbor.
For me personally, I was reminded of my mortality. I was reminded that every moment we have is beyond precious. I started the quarantine almost feeling as if I was developing PTSD. (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder) though, I think a good portion of this country shared in that sentiment. However, after a lot of prayers, meditation, and reflection, That PTSD that was developing, became PTSG – Post-Traumatic stress Growth. Which in short, is basically, shifting the negative connotation and turning it into a positive via growth, personal development, and empowerment.