The word that comes to mind when reflecting on 2020 is unbelievable. This year played out like a Hollywood script… from Kobe to COVID to the election and every moment in between.
I suppose it’s easy to be in my shoes and say that ‘the world will be in a better place with the many lessons learned in 2020’. And while that may be true to an extent, we haven’t gotten sick, lost loved ones, been laid off or lost a business. We haven’t made selfless sacrifices like so many others in the working world that are forced to prioritize a job over family, time, safety and literally everything else in their lives.
For most of us, the “sacrifices” that we find ourselves whining about aren’t really sacrifices at all compared to so many that have lost it all and gave their all. Putting yourself in others shoes might be the only way to truly put this year into perspective.
WHAT. A. YEAR.
Like it or not, 2020 deserves reflection. And this year’s blog posts read like chapters in a book with their own stages of denial, frustration, appreciation and acceptance.
Our experiences are different from many and shared by some. It was a year that somehow made us feel together and alone all in the same breath.
2020 came in like a lion and never let up, here’s how our year unfolded…
AND SO IT BEGINS
FIND YOUR SILVER LINING: This too shall pass… I think.
“The coronavirus has threatened our way of life, our freedoms, and at times, our sanity. Every day seems to be a roller coaster of facts and emotion as we attempt to navigate this new normal.”
“We can look around and truly say that at a time like this, there’s nowhere else we’d rather be. It’s that intangible peace of mind that can make you feel fortunate and guilty all at the same time.”
COPING ON THE COAST
COASTAL DISTANCING: This too shall pass last.
“The river is our highway to unexplored shorelines, waterfront restaurants for dock delivered take-out, local beaches, and so much more. The sunshine and salt air have a way of quickly restoring your sanity that’s easily lost these days.”
“With many freedoms compromised this year, choosing where and how you want to live is one of the few freedoms that has actually been given. For us and many, it’s a place where you can live outside four walls, and take life’s moments off hold.”
IN A PLACE LIKE THIS, AT A TIME LIKE THIS
CRAVE THE COAST: Ride the wave to Coastal Carolina.
“We have the option to escape to the water or the wide open spaces that surround us. To have that outlet in your backyard is truly the ultimate coping method.”
“The perspective on where to live and why has shifted… and so far, that new perspective seems to be embraced. People are seeing our craveable coast in a new light, the same light that we’ve seen in it for years.”
IT’S GOOD TO BE HOME
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: A different kind of festive.
“This year has forced us to set aside expectations and embrace a simpler season.”
“We more than welcome a fleeting 2020. But before we turn the page on this calendar year, we take time to reflect on how we’ve changed as individuals, as families, and as a community… hopefully for the better.”
TURN THE PAGE
Unexpected is now the norm and your once predictable patterns no longer exist. Maybe life is supposed to be filled with ridiculousness? I will say that not knowing what tomorrow brings tends to make you appreciate what you have today.
The vaccine, polarizing opinions aside, brings a reluctant hope that we are shifting into the healing phase of history and life will slowly return to some semblance of normalcy. Not quite sure what “normal” is anymore, but hopefully the 2021 normal will be different than the 2020 abnormal. Dare I say light at the end of the tunnel?
We usher in a new year as a jaded society, shaped forever by our environment and a series of unfortunate events. 2020 will always be tainted in the history books, and stories will be told for generations about the year of the ‘perfect storm’.
“When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person that walked in. That’s what the storm is all about.” ~ Haruki Murakami
But the question remains… is the storm passing, or are we just in the eye? 2021 be kind.
