2020, The Teacher
As I look back on 2020, the most extraordinary year of our lifetime, I reflect on all of the lessons 2020 has taught or perhaps haven’t…
As I look back on 2020, the most extraordinary year of our lifetime, I reflect on all of the lessons 2020 has taught or perhaps haven’t taught us. Personally, 2020 has taught me that my relationships with family and friends, hell, even my neighbors, are far more important to me than I realized. I’ve always been pretty ok spending time by myself. I actually quite crave alone time. However, this year provided more isolation from loved ones than I could have ever thought possible. Sure I live far from my family, and yes, I sometimes flake on my friends but in the end, I know that I will eventually see and celebrate with them. I wasn’t certain of that in 2020. I didn’t truly understand how much I need my people. I need all of them, every single one. I need the laughter, the fun times, the petty arguments, the memories, I need it all and I need it in person.
Black women are strong, we know that. The question is how were you strong in 2020? What lessons have been taught by this monster of a teacher? I was curious and so I asked a few black women in my life, who couldn’t be more different, what they’ve learned this year.
2020 Is The Year Of Revelations. It Revealed My Resiliency, It Revealed The Needs To Unlearn Patterns
Monique, age 40 Fine
@moegayle
Stepped into 2020 with enthusiasm, optimism, and hope. Just to get the wind kicked out of me shortly after. I was hit with loss after loss. I have felt the pain of death, heartbreak, social injustice, social isolation, homeschooling, and working full time as a single mom. Some days were great, some days were a struggle to get out of bed and be present. Reflecting, I came to the realization that 2020 is the year of revelations. It revealed people, places, and things. It revealed my resiliency, it revealed the need to unlearn patterns. It revealed new behaviors to embody. It revealed wounds that need to heal and all that starts with self-forgiveness. I’m not perfect, I make mistakes, I get angry, I get lonely however I can’t constantly beat myself up for those things. If 2020 has taught me anything It has taught me to wake up with a grateful heart. I have so much to be thankful for in the midst of all the uncertainty around us. Loss has become our new norm. However, It’s important to be intentional with my time, protect my peace, take breaks, and hold on to the people and the experiences that feed my soul and fill my heart. Living life with faith as I know who holds my future, Jeremiah 29:11.
2020 Has Been The Year I’ve Been Waiting For!
Amanda, age 30ish
@amanda_mandii
Though I know for many 2020 has been a rough year full of loss, sorrow and isolation, I have to admit that it has been one of my best years. Maybe that’s partly because before 2020 I was claiming that this would be a great year for me- firm believer of manifesting the reality you wish to see. It feels as if this year flew by, but everything I wanted I was able to obtain. I moved out of my home state of New York and relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina in a more spacious space, I was searching for a change of scenery, pace, peace, and less anxiety. Within the first few months of being in Charlotte, I was able to secure a new job, I was fortunate and blessed not to lose any family members during this chaotic year and everyone is in great health including myself. 2020 has been the year I’ve been waiting for, I can only hope that 2021 is 10x better!
2020 Made Me Realize How Little I’ve Paid Attention To My Body
Melissa, age 30s
@melissasbest.life
This year, I fought and survived COVID19. I also had surgery to remove 3 fibroids in November. And to top off health scares, I had to go to the ER a week after surgery because of possible blood clots (none found thankfully), and now I have to go have an ultrasound for a mass found under my chin right before New Year’s. I think all these health-related concerns and challenges have taught me the value of taking care of myself. I only get to take this trip called life once, and everything that’s happened this year has made me realize how little I’ve paid attention to my body. She’s been screaming for my attention for years, and I’ve drowned out her voice with poor lifestyle choices, copious amounts of alcohol, and loud Soca music. I’ve prioritized many things over a healthier lifestyle, but 2021 brings me a fresh start to do better because this year, my body sent me a very loud message — “I can’t anymore. I need your help or else we’re both goners”.
2020 Has Confirmed That I Am Grateful, Thankful And Blessed
Audrey, age Grown, Grown, Woman
I imagine if asked the question “What 2020 has taught me”, no two people would have the same answer. Some people lost loves ones, jobs, homes, or even their own lives. Some benefited financially from the great demand for certain products required during the pandemic. Some learned life lessons they would never have learned if they were not forced to stay put. Some used the time wisely to set positive future plans in motion. For me, 2020 was a year of lessons. As a Christian, I saw God at work showing just how powerful he is. This was not just a virus that attacked Americans but attacked the World. No country was spared. I have always believed that no matter how solid we believe our plans are, we really don’t have much, if any, effect on the final outcome. This belief was definitely confirmed in 2020. I often felt helpless and anxious. The combination of the health effects of the Covid 19 virus, rising racial tensions, and inadequate political leadership was the perfect storm for disaster. My faith was tested, I was humbled and my outlook on life has changed. 2020 was a draining year. It seemed like there was always a fire to put out. There has been little time to regroup. 2020 taught me to be ever more thankful each day when I rise healthy and strong, with a roof over my head, food on my table, a job, and family and friends! 2020 has confirmed that I am Grateful, Thankful, and Blessed.
2020 Taught Me To Never Give Up No Matter How Hard Life Gets
Tiara, age 25ish
The greatest lesson that 2020 taught me this year was to never give up no matter how hard life gets. Generally, this year has had way more downs than ups and by the grace of God, I am still here and healthy. 2020 was a year of resilience, courage, and realizing that life is truly not always promised. Any desire you have should be fulfilled- no need to wait. Anything that is out of your control- don’t stress about it. Being committed to your growth, being true to who you are, and making the necessary actions to change what you can, ought to be the objective of enhancing personal happiness and the fulfillment of life.
I Discovered The Power Of Showering Myself With Words Of Affirmation And Being Gentle With Myself
Erin, age 30ish
@artactivist_ekh
2020 was a year of many blessings for my family, (including a new job, new home and first year of marriage), and it had me deal with imposter syndrome. Amidst all going on in the world I struggled with expectations on myself in business and as a wife. Who was I to desire for more at work and set boundaries? Who did I want to be in my marriage as a partner, lover and friend? I found myself often dreading moments alone and then craving space away from Zoom to collect my eyesight and thoughts. Adjusting to a new life partner, moving and dealing with a pandemic were not a recipe for a smooth transition, and it taught me to care for myself. I discovered the power of showering myself with words of affirmation and being gentle with myself. It has truly made a difference in my relationship with others, especially my husband, and placed me in a position to acknowledge my vulnerability, grow in faith and communicate with my village.
2020 Has Allowed Me To Stop, Look And Listen
Karen, age 50s & Fabulous
@kabes06
2020 has allowed me to stop, look, and listen. I was forced to take it slow, to review my life to embrace my core household and miss our friends. Missing my friend’s weighed very heavily on me. I did not realize how much being in the physical presence of my friends is so important for my well-being. The lesson taught and learned by TEACHER 2020.
Other lessons from the Teacher that 2020 has become:
1. Family is more than just important — it is my lifeline
2. Quiet time of reflection is necessary.
3. Marriage requires uninterrupted time
4. 2020 showed me that the important people in our society are our essential workers; we literally can’t survive without them. And i have one in my inner circle Thank you, Jenny, my heart is filled with pride that you are a part of my inner circle. Thank you TEACHER 2020.
5. Our elders are important & essential– we need to protect them
6. The value of leadership that has a heart is imperative — Thank you 2020
7. Racism is alive and well but help is truly on the way — Thanks 2020
…And an honorable mention goes to Facetime (thank you facetime for my endless contact with my daughter, grandchildren, mom, sisters, and friends) and I actually can’t forget ZOOM for which I have both a love and hate relationship. As I go into 2021, I creep carefully and look back with a cautious eye on 2020 and hope that as 2020 is in the rearview that I always remember with 2020 vision
2020 Taught Me To Be Patient, To Be Courageous, And To Make Wise Decisions
Ina, age 25ish
So many things come to mind when I think of 2020. I’m automatically filled with sadness, confusion, and anger, especially when I think about the unlimited number of trips to the refrigerator and 15 pounds I’ve gained. Although 2020 has been challenging and traumatic for most, I’ve learned to appreciate this year and find the beauty in it. Though 2020 has come with many lessons, I believe it’s taught me to be patient, to be courageous, and to make wise decisions. One of my most memorable moments of this year was participating in the protests against police brutality and systemic racism. Sad to say, but I believe if I was not forced to sit home day after day, I might have been more worried about meeting my girls for brunch and scrolled right past the injustice. This year has taught me to be grateful for what I have and not what I wish I had. My family, my health, all things I once took for granted now are the only things that truly matter to me. So, I thank 2020 not only for refocusing my lenses to see what’s important but for allowing me to sit still and appreciate what I took for granted all this time.
What has 2020 taught you?