The Year 2020
‘2020’ was a monster year, full of anxiety and fear, one that no one wants to remember. A year that took away so much and all we wanted was for it to pass soon. A year that has given us things that we hardly cherish and still have to make them our new normal. Despite all the bad it could bring, somewhere, it has also given us the chance to pause, introspect, and reconsider everything.
Back then, I was preparing myself to fly in 2020, following astrology and hoping that this year would bring some luck. Contrary to that, January came with disappointment as I didn’t qualify for the exam to which I had dedicated so much time. Losing hope in it I started looking up for jobs and planned to move out. But life has its way and doesn’t like working according to your plans.
The coronavirus pandemic changed all our lives in 2020
In March, while I was packing my bags to leave home, some invisible force kept stopping me. It kept telling me to stay. After a few days news came out that coronavirus was declared as a pandemic. Schools got shut, movement got restricted and soon lockdown was declared. I cried all night that day unable to figure out and accept what had just happened. Realizing later, how God saved me from getting stuck in the worst situation. At least I was home with my family when the lockdown happened.
Now when all the doors for me were closed I had no other option but to grow within these confines. Amidst the pandemic, as everything went virtual, I got the opportunity to learn and earn from home. 2020 has taught me, how this life is full of uncertainties. None of us had imagined what this year was coming with while we were partying and welcoming it.
During this phase of life, I learned that even when you are stuck you can still grow. This year I finally took up learning yoga, guitar, and practiced writing that I had been procrastinating for a long time.
But this journey wasn’t as smooth as it sounds, there were a lot of downs too. As my monkey mind doesn’t like staying calm and at peace, it often jumped towards the reality I was trying to ignore, an uncertain future that lay ahead. An unclear path and everything that got blurred in front of my eyes as I couldn’t see a way out of it.
Those were the days when ‘hope’ was dead leaving me disillusioned. But I kept reminding myself that I wasn’t alone, the whole world was fighting the same battle. Giving up wasn’t an option, all we needed was to adapt to this situation, making it our new normal. Discovering opportunities wherever we got stuck, not letting us be the victim of this situation. Reading, writing, dancing, and connecting with people virtually. That’s how I was able to get through this year of anxiety with a smile.
Musings From My Journal
“Dear 2020,
We had so many hopes from you, while we stood beneath the sparkling sky welcoming you with our arms wide open. Expecting to weave a fairytale, unaware of the nightmare you would turn out to be.
I was ready to fly into the world of my dreams, the dreams you crushed and locked me in. Staying stuck, helplessly I cried while you laughed and rejoiced.
Gradually I recollected my broken self, from the dark I decided to move towards the light. Great stories were written in the confines, reminding myself I let the fire in me ignite.
I picked up my pen and a feeling like a warrior with his sword rushed through me. I did what should have been done years ago and realized that you are a blessing in disguise.
As life stops for none so each one of us found our ways, we learned unlearned the lessons you taught. We made ourselves strong to not distraught.
Some lost all they had and some got new strings attached. Some were grateful and some despised you.
This was a bumpy ride that we did not much enjoy. Now the time has come we had been waiting for so long, Time to bid you goodbye.”