Mamma Mia, here we go again: 2021
You’ll have to forgive me for the bad musical theatre reference, but it was too good an opportunity not to.
Welcome to Jumanji level 2.
2021 you have arrived and after just a few days you’ve given test backlogs, extended school holidays, and record-high COVID cases (we asked Corona to stay in 2020, I don’t think she got the message).
The New Year is supposed to be full of fresh starts and positivity. Then why do I feel like I’m living in some crappy real-life re-enactment of Groundhog Day?
New Year, Same Me
It was a bit naive of me to think that 2021 would buy into the whole “New Year, New Me” thing, she said no before New Year’s Day was even over.
I’m not one for resolutions or goals for the year, I always feel like when I plan to do big things, I never find the motivation to do them. When my sister asked about my goals, I told her I wanted to get through the year alive. Which I think is a very fair aim.
I also cannot abide the forced positivity people have at the beginning of the year, I guess you could call me a New Year’s scrooge.
Surviving 2021
Even though 2020 was a disaster of mythic proportions, there were certainly some things that I have learned, that going into 2021 that I will be holding onto for dear life.
Treasure the time you have with the people you love
We don’t know how many birthdays or Christmases any of us have left. So why bother waiting till those occasions to pick up the phone and call someone you love? Why wait for a celebration? Celebrate life and the people you love, don’t wait till it’s too late.
Find the things that you love
That you really love and ignore anyone who says it’s weird or unusual. The things that you love got you through 2020. Whether that be crocheting like me or singing or painting or building lego. Find something that brings you joy. You can’t watch Netflix forever so find something that makes you happy and let it do its job. As you being happy is the most important thing.
If people care they will call. If they don’t, they won’t
There is nothing more to it. Fill your life with people who see your brilliance, talent, and worth. Don’t bother with people who make you wait around for them to call or who’ll drop you when something better comes around. It’s a waste of time, energy, and tears. Find your tribe and stick with them. They are your people.
Bad days are okay
There were more bad days in 2020 than good and that’s okay. If getting up and getting dressed is all you managed to do today. Well done, you did it and that’s all that matters. You faced a global pandemic, online school, and a complete shift in reality all in the space of nine months. Bad days are a regular occurrence, so don’t be hard on yourself just because today wasn’t your day. Maybe tomorrow will be and if it’s not, that’s okay too.
After Making It Through 2020 You Can Do Anything
You survived 2020. At a couple of points, it did feel like the end of the world. But it wasn’t. We have changed immensely in the last twelve months and I can assure you that it’s for the better. Many of us have lost family and friends, maybe even battled COVID ourselves.
So, don’t start 2021 reflecting on the apocalyptic events of the last year. Look forward, even if you hate resolutions as I do. Look forward and decide that this year no matter if I’m stuck in lockdown or seeing my loved ones from behind a mask, that this year I’ll make the most of it. Whether that be self-improvement, better grades, a more positive outlook or just to get through it alive.
You can do it. Welcome to 2021, may the odds be ever in your favour.