This year hasn’t gone as any of us would have predicted. On December 31st, 2019 I was in Wanaka, New Zealand and one of the the first people on the planet to experience 2020. I wrote then:
“I hope your 2020 is full of laughter, living dreams, and fun adventures! And, I wish it to be filled with hope, perseverance, and awesome supporters when it’s not.”
I remember intentionally including the second line in there to acknowledge that every year is full of its own challenges, and what message I would want to tell myself when those times inevitably arrive. It is unrealistic to expect that a New Year is a clean slate, free of the challenges we have faced in previous years. And, sure enough – it wasn’t. But, 2020 brought with it some valuable lessons. Here are some of the important take-aways that the year taught me:
The value of being able to get real with real friends.
This year, we really found out who our real friends are. Those who reached out to us – or whom we reached out to – in the absence of the circumstances and environments that typically thrust us altogether. I have been so impressed with and appreciative of how forthcoming friends have been about sharing their anxieties and struggles during this strange time. It helped me feel not so alone with mine when the down periods inevitably sprung up throughout the year. Towards the end of 2020, I made a resolution to reach out to people with a quick message whenever they came into my mind, and check-in with how they were doing. This led to some amazing, spontaneous discussions that really connected us, particularly through our vulnerabilities.
That getting outside for 30 minutes is everything.
I’m so glad I made conscious choices to get outside – even when I didn’t feel like it. Fighting the desire to continuously “rotisserate” by the fire wasn’t always easy, but getting out into nature was so crucial to maintaining – or rebooting – my mental wellness. I ran more consistently than I have for years, and on the days that I didn’t, I tried to go for a walk for 30 minutes. I’ve always joked about the British attitude for any ailment being “Just get out in the fresh air”, but sh*t, if they weren’t actually onto something.
How to be kind and compassionate to yourself.
Moving through times of uncertainty meant acknowledging and accepting periods of depression, lethargy, and anxiety. Realizing that these feelings would pass, and understanding and experiencing how each day brings opportunities for things to improve, change, and become less boring, was a worthy lesson.
That animals and tiny humans are the antidote.
Sometimes, all any of us needs is a distraction. And, there was no better one than furry friends and tiny humans who were blissfully ignorant (for the most part) of these unusual times. As the Globe and Mail said, “2020 was the year that dogs rescued us.” Hat-tip to Basil, Harley, Pedro, and Hensley for always being able to brighten up my day.
That TV is truly wonderful.
This year, I watched more new shows than I have since I was a teenager. And, thankfully there was a lot of good stuff on. TV provided the ultimate escape and was what most of this blog ended being dedicated to during “COVID-times.” Here’s a list of some of my favourite shows from 2020.
The importance of reflecting on and appreciating the good times.
Staying put, with a fairly static environment, meant plenty of time to sift through the ol’ memory box. While, I’m very fortunate to live in such a beautiful part of the world, I did drift off into memories of international travel, and truly appreciated having had those experiences. (Particularly, completing my dream trip to New Zealand just before this started.) Reflecting on and appreciating what you’ve experienced provided much-needed respite from present day.
Understanding what matters most.
Even one FaceTime with a friend – or a long series of increasingly hilarious Whatsapp voice messages – really improved my mood, and helped me to feel connected to others. Getting outside drew me out of my headspace and grounded me in the rhythms of the natural world. Sometimes the highlight of the day was making a nice meal or watching a new show. My life got simpler and I zeroed in on the things that were critical to my happiness, and cut the things that didn’t.
While this year has been different, I can’t say it’s been bad. In many ways, it has been profoundly healing for me. I hope this year has had some positive take-aways for you too, even though it may have been a struggle. I wish you a year ahead of good health, strong connections to those you care about, and outdoor adventures. And, as with last year, a whole lot of hope, perseverance, and supporters when it’s not.
What did 2020 teach you?
