2020 has been an eventful year, a year which will be engraved in our hearts and minds forever. We were and still are a part of a global pandemic. This is something which some of us had never encountered in our lifetime. Therefore, a reflection of 2020 was much needed for us and has to be documented.
If anyone would ask me to describe 2020 in 3 adjectives, they would be CHAOTIC, PERSEVERANCE and TRANSFORMATIVE.
CHAOTIC
The first few months of the year were so uncertain and chaotic. COVID-19 came to all of us as a huge blow. Back in March 2020 it was impossible to lay your hands on essentials like food, toilet paper, hand wash, etc. This later followed by many people losing their friends and family members to the virus. Back then was the time that most of us had experienced a lockdown for the first time ever. Something very new to most of us!
This was followed by racial discrimination in May 2020. There were protests in most parts of the world. Many people faced poor mental health. Anxiety was common and rose tremendously amongst people who’d lost their jobs, who were living with uncertainty about the future, who were isolating alone and were unable to see their families or meet any friends for months.
We did work towards building a normal life but knowing at the back of our minds that this new normal is different and might never return to the way it used to be before. As we write this blog post today, the UK has had the largest rise in cases ever since the beginning of the pandemic. We are still in a lockdown 3.0 and with Brexit it has been more chaotic than ever.
But we persevered.
PERSEVERANCE
Besides this year being one of anguish and fear of the unknown we still stood strong. We fought battles within us and emerged victoriously. We supported our healthcare system by staying indoors and clapped for the NHS carers every Thursday evening during lockdown 1.0. Many of us lost our jobs, lost people in our lives. Many of our relationships couldn’t survive the growing tension. But this did not break us. We were strong, we are strong and we will always be.
We helped one another to grow and live symbiotically. The pandemic forced us to find new ways to make our lives happy and fulfilling. It was a time when we could sit still from the regular chaos and fast paced life. It was a time for us to rewind and renew our lives.
2020 has been transformative for many of us.
TRANSFORMATIVE
2020 taught us to keep going. Even if the path ahead seemed difficult it has taught us to find new and innovative ways to move forward in life.
This year was the year that gave me that push I needed and clarity of what I want to do in the future with blogging as a career. It has taught me not to wait but to get my act together and progress by working hard and focussing on what I want to do.
We gave importance to self-care and mental health. Personally, this year has given me more clarity and responsibility to act in a very moral, ethical and spiritual way. And, this is something I am carrying with me into the New Year 2021.
A THOROUGH REFLECTION OF 2020
WE LET THE EARTH HEAL
Admiring nature 
The time when we could get a picture with the huge tree in Covent Garden 
The paths and roads we explored
During the lockdown 1.0, planet earth got a chance to heal and replenish. There was a reduce in air pollution. The flora and fauna got a chance to survive and grow. Places like Venice in Italy saw the waters clearing out and fishes and birds returning. In some parts of Punjab, India people could see the Himalayas covered in snow miles away which otherwise wasn’t visible to the naked eye because of excessive pollution. The arctic ozone layer healed itself.
Going out for a walk in nature made us appreciate the little things this earth has to offer for us. We became plant parents for the first time ever and even grew our own organic fruits and veggies.
Nature can be healing and soothing too. This year we’ve learnt to appreciate nature even more. It has helped better our mood and make us feel good from within.
WE BUILT STRONGER RELATIONSHIPS AND LET GO OF WEAKER ONES
This past year has brought us closer to our family and friends. We’ve kept in touch, checked on each other, had virtual parties and lunches, and so much more. We’ve called and messaged people who normally would be too busy with their lives and not really interact or have a conversation with.
But then, there were some relationships which just didn’t survive. There were misunderstandings and confusions which never got cleared. Those relationships just drifted apart and we let go of them without regrets.
LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO REGRET
Forgive and forget whatever has happened in the past. If you’ve said or done anything hurtful to anyone apologise and make things right. Life is too short to sit with grudges and later to regret it. Make that phone call today and say sorry. If you can meet up then do that and hug that person. A hug can heal all pain.
Anyway, knowing that life is too short you wouldn’t want to probably go one day saying something hurtful to someone. Those would be your last words to that person. Only if you’re close to someone and love them then you’ll fight and that’s normal but don’t let that be your last conversation. Fix relationships which mean something to you today.
WE HAD A LOT OF TIME AT OUR DISPOSAL
The pandemic followed by lockdown gave us more time to spend with family, find our side hustles, work on ourselves, etc. Mental health and wellbeing was given utmost importance. We spent more time meditating, journaling, having an effective routine, focusing on our spirituality, etc.
We had a lot of time at our disposal to be more social with others. Most of us became great conversationalists. We missed being present physically for weddings, birthdays, funerals, etc. but we still had enough time to be present virtually.
We gave time to some of our childhood hobbies and enjoyed every bit of it.
DON’T LIVE YOUR LIFE ACCORDING TO WHAT YOU SEE ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Social media influencers. celebrities, film stars, etc. showed their vulnerable sides on social media during this year. Earlier people used to blindly follow them and everything they do but as we got a gist of their real lives it all became more real. It made us realise that like us they are simple human beings too. They have their flaws and not everything they show on social media must be followed.
Through YouTube videos, Instagram reels, TikTok videos, etc. we were able to get to know them closely and understand that what we see is a well curated piece of content.
SLOW DOWN, TAKE A BREAK, RESET
It has become important more than ever to slow down, take a break and reset. This year we made a conscious effort to do just that.
With extra time at our disposal, it was a good year to reflect on our lives. Normally, we would be in a rat race and never stop. But this year being the year that it is, it was a great time to just slow down. Focus on what is really important.
REACHING OUT TO THOSE IN NEED
We learnt that it is important to reach out. You would never know what someone else is going through unless you ask them. Being compassionate and showing empathy were key to this year.
You could be the reasin to save someones life. Maybe all they needed was an ear to hear them out and you were that someone for them who gave them a purpose to live and rebuilt their lives.
IT IS OKAY TO BE VULNERABLE
This year has also taught us to reach out for help if we need it. It is okay to be vulnerable and seek for help. Seeking therapy isn’t a taboo anymore.
If you need help, seek it and help yourself.
HOWEVER DIFFICULT TIMES GET, NEVER GIVE UP
This year was difficult but we didn’t give up. We kept moving forward with a positive outlook. We had our tough days but we emerged stronger.
Never quit because you might be very close to your end goal.
PRACTICE GRATITUDE
Being grateful and kind is something which we learnt and practiced. We were grateful for the little joys in life which otherwise would go unnoticed.
We were grateful for good health and strong immunity. This years festivals and holidays were mostly spent at home with loved ones instead of working through the season. Normally, I work during Christmas but this year I was able to enjoy a quiet and relaxing Christmas at home for which I am grateful.
GOOD FOOD CAN BE COOKED OR BAKED AT HOME
This year we cooked more at home. We focused on immunity building foods and drinks. We baked our own bread and failed but still tried again until we mastered the art of baking.
Good food can be cooked or baked at home is something we realised by working our magic in the kitchen. This pandemic has made us kitchen ninjas.
LEARNING NEW THINGS
In 2020, we were able to pick out our side hustles and work more on them. We were able to work on projects at that we are compassionate about. We took up various course and build our knowledge on different subjects of our interest.
Apps like Skillshare, Youtube became our virtual teachers.
THE START OF SOMETHING NEW
Now that we are doing this reflection of 2020, I have to mention that one of our major wins this year was starting this blog Truly Soulfully and growing our first blog Delicious Cravings at Vania’s Kitchen even more.
Overall, this year has been quite an eventful year for us. I’m sure next year will be no different but this year is definitely going to be memorable in its own way.
TRUSTING YOUR OWN INSTINCTS
It is mandatory to trust your instincts and that is something we learnt this year. If you think something isn’t right and your inner voice tells you so, pay attention and take the necessary steps.
This year we moved out and now rent a place for just the two of us. That was one of the best decisions of 2020.
HAVING CLARITY TOWARDS YOUR GOALS FOR THE FUTURE
We got enough time this year to clarify our goals and focus on working towards achieving them. The journey won’t be easy but at least we know what we want to achieve. Buying a place of our own is a priority too and it will eventually happen.
We learnt to manage our finances well and be prepared for this ongoing recession.
That is all for our reflection of 2020. We will reassess every quarter of the year from now on.
Stay tuned for our next post for 2021.
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