Dear 2020

Dear 2020,

I had always envisioned something big happening in 2020, the way your number rolled off the tongue, I felt like something epic was going to materialise, it was just a matter of time.  You were a year I had been looking forward to for many a reason.

It quickly became apparent that you were a year that no one across the world would ever forgot and will go down in history along side any major war. 

2020 you came and turned the world on its head and brought us all to our knees,  we saw borders close, you caused people to hoard toilet paper, as though that would save them. We saw shops run empty, the world stand still! Through that we clapped for our heroes like clock work, we saw the largest Black Lives Movement, in my life time, you gave so many a voice, we saw the UK leave the EU, the less said about that the better.

2020 you presented me with my hardest challenge of my life and presented me with a real shit show. That came in the form of isolating from the people I love most in this world, you turned my home into my fortress, my office, my gym and my everything. 2020 you put me through the fire, nine months later and I am still shielding, time I will never get back. I spent so much time alone and living life through a screen, you were relentless. 

But through the fire I evolved in ways I never saw coming, I am grateful for the lessons you taught me, you taught me not to take things for granted and not to be complacent because things can change in a heartbeat. You taught me to appreciate all the little things, from the sun hitting my skin, to a well timed phone call when you think you are about to give up. You taught me to celebrate all the small wins and to be kinder to myself. You have been teaching me how to strive for more and not to be afraid to go after the things I want. You taught me that I am stronger than I think, you got me thinking more creatively you taught me to believe in myself more and more, you taught me to trust in my abilities and how to put myself first and be unapologetic for it.

2020 despite the hardships you gave me the time to grow, reprioritise, develop and to try new things and push myself and do things I never thought I could. You brought all sorts of people into my life some that were temporary and some that turned into incredible friends. 2020 I am grateful for all the opportunities, the friendships. But most of all, 2020 I am beyond grateful for having my loved ones alive, well and walking into 2020 with me. I'm  thankful for you equipping me with what I needed to survive this year mentally and physically. 

2020, you hit the reset button on the world, you made the Himalayas visible again, you showed us the stars, you regenerated ecosystems, you showed us the beauty that can come out of hardship. 2020 you reminded me that nothing material in this world will ever supersede the love I have for my Tribe, you reminded me of what truly matters at the end of the day. I may not have achieved all I wanted, but just to make it through the year is an achievement on its own, because at times I didn’t think I would. 

I am reminded that we only have this one beautiful life to lead and its up to us what we do with it.