What will be new in 2021?
2020 has been a heavy year. So. Much. Has. Happened. And so much is yet to happen, too. We still have two uncertain months until 2021 arrives. Despite everything, those of us who are still blessed to be alive have pushed forward. We have continued to work, foster relationships, raise families, create memories, and keep the hope that things will get better.
Hope. It’s a word that gives life, so much so that almost everyone I know keeps talking about how much they can’t wait for 2020 to be over. They are hopeful that 2021 will be better. I actually am, too. I don’t believe we will ever go back to a pre-2020 normal, but I long to see a new normal that includes family gatherings and travel.
As we collectively hold our breath for this year to end, I think we all need to be careful not to set ourselves up for disappointment. Every time I hear someone say « I can’t wait for this year to end, » I wonder what exactly they expect will be different come January 1. Will COVID-19 be gone? Highly doubtful. Will its effects on families and the economy be less obvious? Again, I don’t think so. Will we suddenly return to the life we knew before simply because it’s a new year? Nope.
I hope that those of us wishing this year away are careful not to make it a habit. If things don’t meet expectation, people will find themselves wishing the next one away, too. When 2021 rolls around and turns out to be as bad or even worse than 2020, will we then say I can’t wait for 2022? It feels like the kind of life where one is always waiting for the other shoe to drop. While this year has successfully trained all of us to think along those terms, we should try to look beyond that.
The only time we have is now. Even though there are lots of restrictions in place to ensure our common wellbeing, we should try to live now. In November and December. If we are blessed enough to see the new year, let’s live then, too. If we keep packing our minds and hearts with the message that 2021 is when life will be good again, the chances are high that anxieties and depression will rise if it turns out differently.
I guess what I am doing, personally, is to remain cautiously optimistic. Always the optimist, but this time, I want to go with the times to ensure that my sanity remains intact. I plan to put on loud music at the end of a long day and dance until I can’t anymore. I will continue to read books with my people and listen to their never ending stories about everything. I will cook all the food, drink all the tea, and watch every Christmas movie I can fit in my schedule. It will host weekly sibling/grandchildren/cousin calls (when I don’t forget) and take daily family walks as long as the weather allows. It will not be the usual extended family holiday season, but it will be as joyful even from a distance. When 2021 comes, I will have lived 2020 to the best of my ability. I hope you do the same.
