2020 has changed everything.
Take heart. The madness of 2020 is coming to an end. 2020 has radically change almost everything we do: how we work, socialize, exercise, study, shop, manage our health, educate our kids, take care of family members. With this disruption occurrence, it’s the start of a completely different way of life.
Covid-19 has changed everything. I have to confess that I have learned a lot from this uncontrollable pandemic.
It had taught me that nothing is ever guaranteed and what we thought we can never lose can be lost in the blink of an eye. For example, the surge in Covid-19 cases revealed Singapore’s blind spots over migrant workers. The poor and dense living conditions at dormitories became a big loophole that all of us were left heedless of attracting the highly contagious nature of the coronavirus. Dormitories were placed on locked down. It was really a wake-up call we all needed that we cannot remain the same. It is teaching us to take a closer look at everything around you and realize that there is some inequality going on. Maybe it’s time to strengthen our ‘gratitude muscle’ to stop and show appreciation for and return any kindness to anyone we met.
It had taught me that we have to adapt when things aren’t going in our favour. It’s an unpredictable ride. As a result, we oftentimes end up feeling overwhelmed when we feel off. But really, feeling off is just a part of being intrinsically human and aware of how we are feeling at that moment. They are what make you real. A human with a beating heart. Maybe it’s time to start thinking that life can be easy, simple, and rewarding by just going with the flow.
It had taught me that some things can’t be waited and the real issues in our lives won’t go away on their own unless we find a solution. 2020 was the year we all realized that to keep on living, we must learn how to survive the unexpected changes in our lives and survive the most challenging and troubling feelings we go through. Giving up on the carefree vibe became seemingly inexorable, leaving behind those grandiose expectations and accepting the harsh reality. Responsibilities change, passions fluctuate, the pressure to be a certain person arises, and this alright. You might not achieve what you want all of the time. By swallowing down my pride, I have to rediscover myself, close whatever desires, and fathom up the courage to create my own new ending.
It had taught me that life is very fragile and unpredictable. These string of shocking and heartbreaking deaths of notable individuals occurred in 2020. For example, the NBA legend (Kobe Bryant) and his daughter was killed when the helicopter crashed into the side of a mountain. The Black Panther star (Chadwick Boseman) passed away after a very private four-year battle with colon cancer. The Taiwanese singer-host (Alien Huang) was found dead at his home and his autopsy report concluded that he died from cardiovascular complications. They may be gone but they are definitely not forgotten. None of us can stop life from being fragile. What we can guarantee is our here and now. You have no idea what is awaiting you tomorrow, so you should try your hardest to make the most out of today. No matter how tired you are, we should appreciate what we already have. It’s easy to get caught up in the continuous cycle of work, sleep, and more work. Our body and mind are the most valuable assets. To get through each day both need to be kept in good shape. Remember, we need to give ourselves a tune up every day by spending more time with your family, not with your home office. Limit distractions by resisting the urge to check email. Participate in hobbies or activities that you enjoy. Scheduling time for yourself and your mind and body will thank you.
Sometimes we aren’t supposed to make sense out of the chaos. Sometimes, the chaos is meant to help us make sense out of ourselves. All of us, we will have to adapt to a new way of living, working, and forging relationships. But with all changes, there will be some who lose more than most, and they will be some who have lost far too much already. Everyone wants to be safe, secure and accepted. No year is ever perfect. No matter good or bad, mistakes happen first, and learning tends to achingly follow.
In 2021, I hope that I will surround myself with people who appreciate how hard I feel and how much I care. Ditch the people who believe my big heart is a shortcoming rather than a virtue. I hope to carry the openness for new things to happen, for better things to become. This is your time to let go and only take with me what’s meant for me. I will push myself forward with radiant momentum to rebuild a better self. As long as I remember to listen to the inner child and find peace with it, I will always have a piece of magic within me.
“Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.” – Joshua J. Marine”