An Unpopular Reflection on 2020

I received a giffy on New Year’s Eve that said, “Does anyone else feel troubled by the fact that the name of next year is literally ‘2020 Won?’”

I like that, it’s clever, but there are a lot of 2020 haters out there and I guess I see it a bit differently.

I think there was a lot to be grateful for in 2020. Many gained a new perspective on the concept of time, we were forced to face our priorities, many engaged in new modalities for familial closeness, and to some degree we joined in a (more) united politic that successfully ousted a dangerous regime.

Personally I read more than usual, learned how to cook (kinda-sorta), I spent more time in the yard and outside on long walks, we saved money (lack of theatre, travel, dining out), I recaptured my good health and my spouse lost over 50# and continues to work towards his goal weight.

And I wrote!! Finally! And I found other amazing writers who inspire me!

There’s a lot we feel we missed in 2020 and a lot of unfairness and obvious tragedy, but every year has that.

I believe many of us will look back on 2020 as a wake up call, a course correction, and it will give a new appreciation when we return to old privileges we took for granted. 2020 may have “won” this round, but it takes many games, and not all of them are winners, to become the ultimate champions of our lives.

I wish you all profound and resolute joy as we begin another spin. Happy 2021!!

Ding!!