Goodbye 2020

             As I get ready to bid this year goodbye, I start to reflect about it. What a year! It was not an easy period for anyone. I feel for those who have lost a loved one – almost 200,000 just here in Brazil. I feel for those who caught the virus and battled their way through the pain and distress. I feel for those who have gotten sick due to depression, anxiety and other illnesses that this year is leaving them with due to the fear of catching covid-19.

Despite all this sadness and fear, 2020 did bring along lots of valuable lessons, some of which are that we are not in control. Life takes its course whether we agree with it or not. Money does not buy you health. It really does not matter how wealthy you may be, when it comes to a pandemic, your money will not buy you life. Hugs are so important. I have not hugged anyone since March (confession, my little sister hugged me today to wish me a happy new year. It was so spontaneous and from the heart and boy did it feel amazing! I needed it). Family and friends are important and those little get togethers like a cup of coffee at a coffeeshop are certainly missed.

We needed to learn how to live with ourselves and take better care of ourselves. We were forced to relearn how to be cleaner. Basic hygiene is number one for you to have a healthy life. I personally learned how to use my time wiser. If I felt like painting, I did. If a story came to my head, I wrote it down. If I felt like dancing, I did. If I felt like wearing pajamas all day long, I did. If I felt tired, I slept. If I felt like eating something, I cooked it. Nonetheless, I feel that I should have exercised more. I cannot forget Netflix and my computer. I was nominated the queen of Netflix by a dear friend. I watched so many series and it was one after the other, taking advantage of mt tv time – something I did not have time nor energy for prior to the pandemic. My computer was my work tool and mind you, teaching online was not an easy task and it was something that all teachers needed to learn overnight.  (My thank you goes out to all those who helped me in times of technological difficulties).

 I learned so many things this year that ends in a few hours. However, a very valuable lesson is to read people with masks on. I learned to see their smiles and frowns through their eyes. True feelings appeared in the looks that people gave me.

In short, 2020 was a year of learning. I am grateful that I have made it to here.

I hope that 2021 brings us mainly health and peace.

Happy New Year!

Written: December 31, 2020

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