How 2020 Changed my Life

What a year was 2020. When we were welcoming it, I don’t think we had ever imagined that 2020 would have been such a raw and exhausting journey. From the pandemic, to social justice issues, the election and everything in between, the year was nothing short of a chaotic nightmare.

But in that chaos, I think maybe redemption resides

However, horrible this year has been, it taught me many lessons. It taught me that life is precious and ever so fragile. We must cherish it because in a second everything can change. It taught me to say “I love you” a little more often to the ones I hold dear. It pulled me closer to my family and whatever cracks existed in that bond, is no longer, but became indestructible.

There were moments in which time stood still and I was forced to analyze life, my own life. I was never one to take anything for granted, but the pandemic made me appreciate even more, everything in my life and everyone in it. This year confirmed once again that family is everything. I thank the universe for giving me such wonderful people that I can call mine. I live more intently and take myself out of my own way to get what I want.

I have learned to not waste time but to take my time and enjoy life

I relish more precious moments, without feeling guilty for not being more productive. I decided to declutter my life; stay away from disingenuous people who are overly judgmental because of a false sense of superiority and whose agenda is to demean, but disguised themselves as friends who are speaking “the truth”. And, I have learned to hold the ones who have always been there, uplifting me, while remaining honest, a little closer, because these people are my family that I have chosen. Quality over quantity, always.

I don’t know what the new year will bring. But, I hope it will be better because I will be applying all the invaluable lessons that this strange year had taught me. I especially hope that this new year will teach us to be a little more understanding toward each other. Listen to each other with more empathy. Be more gentle. And I hope, above all else, we spread more love this upcoming year.

Happy New Year to you all,

Xoxo, JP