As we near the end of the hell year that is 2020, I’m beginning to feel a spark in my chest. It feels like it could disappear if I even acknowledge it, but it is there. While truly horrific things have happened over the last twelve months, and many of us have been tested like never before, I feel the embers of hope within me. It is a strange thing to hope after witnessing so many tragedies in a year. Social media has made it possible for us to experience more current events in the span of an hour than our ancestors did in months. I don’t know about you, but it has been difficult to absorb so much bad news in such a concentrated and prolonged way. Between global protests, injustices, letdowns from those in power, and financial challenges, it feels as though there has been a constant barrage of reasons to give up or retreat into a cottage in the woods.
However, there is only so much news, good or bad, that a person can absorb at once.
I am aware that injustices and betrayals occurred even before this year; it has been freeing and harrowing to watch as many people come to realise them. Being at home has provided people who are usually too busy some time to pause and consider things. Consider their actions, absorb others’ struggles, and critically observe their nation’s decisions. I look at these realisations with the hope that they will encourage people to take further action and accountability. However, there is only so much news, good or bad, that a person can absorb at once.
When things become too much, it is easy to despair. I want to encourage you to turn to other things to settle your mind. Whether that is journaling, mindfulness practices, meditation, or even just switching off your devices for an hour and doing a puzzle, I want to inspire you to try and make room for what matters to you. Take a step back and listen to what you need in any given moment. Once you know what you need, take steps to ensure that you get it - or are at least one step closer to it.
By removing what does not serve me positively, I can make room for this spark to grow into a warm flame.
In a year that has felt like a decade, there have been glimpses of good. While I am more disconnected from my loved ones than ever, I truly cherish every phone call, every socially distanced walk, and every meme. While work has been difficult, I am excited at the prospect of a world more open to working from home and flexible working hours. While there have been seemingly endless waves of negativity, people are making conscious efforts to check in with others and make positive changes in their lives.
2021, while it may not magically solve all of our problems on January 1st, gives us a reason to hope. One of humanity’s many talents is its ability to move forward. I will be continuing to reassess my life. By removing what does not serve me positively, I can make room for this spark to grow into a warm flame. If we can all make room for this flame, perhaps we will be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
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