2020 Still Counts

How many times have you said this year, “2020 is such a write off, can 2021 hurry up," or "this year doesn’t count, let’s just ignore it and start again next year.”

The average person lives 30,000 days. It doesn’t sound like much, does it?

And whether we like it or not, this year has taken our remaining number down by 366 (forgot it was a leap year, didn't you). We can’t pretend it never happened, and we can’t reverse the clock like the odometer on Ferris Bueller's dad's car.

Forgive me for sounding morbid, but I’m hoping to put this year into perspective for you. It may have been strange, disruptive and depressing at times, but it was still your life. We all made a choice whether to make the most out of it or let the pandemic become an excuse to put everything on hold.

We have 4 days remaining. What will you chose to do with these last 4 days?

This year, there were some days that I wished would end as soon as they started. But somehow, every single one of those days turned into a special memory, or something wonderful happened or I learnt something new about myself.

I wouldn't give up any of my 366 days this year. Of course, it's normal to feel lost and hopeless. But isn't it just incredible how everything always works out for the best in the end?

Come New Year’s Eve, go into 2021 not with relief but with celebration for the memories you made, the love you shared and the challenges you overcame. A pandemic may not be a normal part of everyday life, but it is simply another challenge, another experience – something to shake up monotony.

A year doesn't have to be filled with overseas travel and big celebration parties to be an enjoyable year. Of course, travelling and catching up with loved ones are two of my favourite things. But the good things in life are also walking in nature, bike riding, cooking meals, swimming in the ocean, reading fiction, sitting with a cup of tea - and I've done plenty of them this year. None of those days have been a 'waste.'

So before we enter the final countdown, reflect on how you have changed this year.

What have you lost and what have you gained?

Despite disruptions, you might have received an unexpected gift or now have a new outlook on your life path.

What have you learnt?

Maybe it was to take more breaks or that the more grateful you are, the happier you are.

What opportunities have presented themselves?

Something happened for me during the pandemic year that could never have happened otherwise – a new job position opened up in my dream field (food law and policy). What was yours?

As you realise what 2020 has taught you, can you feel a sense of gladness that you’ve found something of real value on this unexpected journey?

So to make 2020 really mean something, spend your final days before the New Year celebrating and reflecting on how far you've come. And when we move into 2021, we can take this new wisdom and decide how we want our life to look.

Maybe your resolution is to eat better, move more, be kinder to yourself, get out of your comfort zone more often, or treat the planet with better care.

But, remember to not strive for perfection. Start every day afresh with the intention to meet towards your resolution (and keep in mind that new habits take 21 days to form). Remember that a New World starts with us changing as individuals, not by trying to change the world. The power is in your hands.

Each of our days this year have counted towards something: making ourselves into better, happier people, or strengthening friendships, or moving in the direction of our goals. Rather than see 2020 as one big failure, break it down into a collection of memories, experiences and lessons. I hope you now realise just how many meaningful things happened.

Nothing is a waste if you appreciate the meaning of it. Make 2020 count.

Let me know your thoughts below!