Reflecting on 2020

Posted by Laura Colucci on December 31, 2020

"Let 2020 be the year that opened your eyes to see the world a little clearer." - Jennae Cecelia

On the last day of a challenging and unpredictable year, I've taken some time to reflect on what 2020 has taught me - and I am not referring to my days home schooling with my kids! I am trying to remain optimistic and look back at the good that has come from this year of turmoil and frustration.

I recently asked people in my life three simple questions to help reflect on 2020, which are listed below. It’s been so uplifting and motivating to read their responses which has led me to realize this year really has made us see the world a little clearer. What is important in our lives, what we can do without and how we can make positive change from our life experience in 2020.

What has 2020 taught you?

Embrace change, don’t be scared or resentful of it
Be grateful for everything we have, especially good health
I am way more resourceful than I thought I was
To appreciate the natural world especially as the seasons change
The beauty of the sky
Laughter is the best panacea
Our bodies need to be active every day for our physical, mental and emotional well being
To slow down, take each day as it comes. Not to plan and learn to be more flexible.
Conscious consumerism
To be grateful for the park
Grateful for friendships, marriage, family.
Importance of prioritizing fitness and how important it really is for mental health.
That actually very little was truly in my control. That no amount of planning or risk mitigation could actually prepare us for how the world as we knew it stopped one day - and that this could happen again. That every morning I had a choice to make about whether I would fight that day or decide to just move with that day, finding out soon enough that peace only came with the latter. That nothing could quite replace being home when my daughters come home from school.

What will you keep the same in 2021 (or when life finally goes back to a new normal?)

Walking!
Running with friends
Supporting local businesses
Appreciating nature
Resisting the temptation to fill my calendar with things to do and be more relaxed allowing for days to do nothing.
I will not go to the office every day and instead work from home a couple of days a week.
I will make plans to take long walks with my friends outside as opposed to only meeting up for a meal or coffee.
I will use technology more to communicate with my friends who live far away
I will read as much as I have been reading during lockdown
Online Yoga classes.
Continue to zoom with family that is afar.