Properly Looking Back on 2020
As the year full of firsts, change, and many more comes to an end, looking back on 2020 may be difficult for some. This new year is not like any other that we can just reflect on and decide what we could have done better. 2020 put many individual’s paths on hold, and there was nothing to do to fix it. So as we look back at this crazy year, let’s make sure we’re doing it with the proper mindset.
As someone who has always tried to accomplish the most I can in whatever period of time, being stopped three months into my 2020 plan was a struggle. I won’t lie, I started off the year great. January through March was very kind to me, I felt like I was making progress on my mental health, overcoming past struggles, and finding people that honestly just made my life worthwhile. I thought quarantine was only going to last two weeks, boy was I wrong. Almost 10 months later, and here we are, still in isolation. Around June was when it really hit me that all the things I had planned went to shreds. With that came overthinking, setbacks on mental health, and going back to negative mindsets and habits I was attempting to overcome in the beginning of the year. Flash forward to now, yes I am still in this odd state, but I know there was nothing I could have done to change it. It is extremely frustrating as you see multiple people being irresponsible with going against COVID restrictions and living as if there isn’t a massive pandemic affecting millions of lives, but I was always told by my mother that there is no point in being upset over things you cannot control, and this has been a huge influence on my way of thinking and overall mindset. I know, easier said than done, but after a while, you start to realize that raging over other people’s decisions, will get nowhere, and focusing on yourself rather than others is the best option.
So back to reflecting over your 2020, you can clearly see, my year was not all rainbows and sunshine, nor was anybody else’s. But this is okay. It is okay to have a bad day, week, month, and of course a bad year. As much as you may feel like this sets you back on your own personal path, in the long run, it will be okay. This year was not easy for anyone, so please don’t think any less of yourself for all that you may not have been able to accomplish. If anything, while looking back, be proud of how much you tried and pushed yourself to progress and ultimately trying your best. I know at times it feels like your best is not good enough, but trust me, this year it was more than enough. It was not easy to hang in there or sit around waiting for your life to restart, but hey, you still made it here didn’t you? As long as you are here, you have everything to be proud of, as it shows just how strong you really are. Not being able to figure things out or really go through with any goals is never something to be ashamed of any year, especially this year. Not only is it important to keep these things in mind, but also reflecting on any positive of course. Even if the negatives seem to outweigh the positives, they are still something to look back on and embrace. For example, yes, I had quite a bit of lows, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t have my highs. I found that being alone with all my thoughts was extremely tough even when I am one of those people that love to be alone, however it made me realize who I am becoming as a person and finding myself more and more each month. I took up old hobbies that genuinely made me feel good about myself, and most of all, this year brought a small idea in my head for years to life, Section 9. It was never in my plans to have a global pandemic take over my life, but I am grateful for all of my loved ones health, and of course mine.
2020 was absolutely crazy and will be a year for the history books. Of course it was hectic and had moments we would never like to relive, but if anything this has just taught me that not everything has to be planned. It’s almost as if, if you set yourself up for one career and plan out your whole life based around that, you are practically a prisoner in your head. Being free with yourself and your mind allows yourself to feel less restricted, leading to less stress and a happier mindset. So finally, when you look back on your year, don’t put yourself down, don’t think you could have done more, and don’t hold yourself accountable for all the struggles 2020 has put you through. This year was full of growth and reassurance that you have the power to cope with change, even when you may not be in favor of it. I hope 2021 is filled with love, happiness, and whatever your path may give to you, as well as take you, stay safe and have a happy new year from Section 9.