It was a year ago when I had the idea to write a blog series entitled, “Living with Contradictions”. Little did I know at the time, that this year would bring a pandemic, and along with it anxiety, panic, anger and frustration—dividing friends, families and communities along many different lines.
Words like lockdown, quarantine, social distancing have become part of our daily vernacular. The ugly reality of racism, divisive politics and the struggling economy have all been in the media spotlight this year.
I think most of us would agree, we are ready to move on from 2020, and step into a new year with hope for better days ahead.
Yet, in keeping with my theme of “living with contradictions”, I think there is value in pausing to balance our narrative of 2020. Yes, this was a difficult, unprecedented year. We have all been impacted in some way by COVID-19. Some have been impacted more deeply than others, because of personal situations: grief, depression, anxiety, domestic violence, sickness, relationship challenges etc.
As a mental health professional, I have witnessed the depths of pain and challenge this year has brought to so many. As a human, my heart breaks and I grieve with you.
I see you.
Yet, when life becomes challenging and overwhelming, it’s easy to focus on everything that isn’t going well. It becomes a discipline to remember the gifts this year has also brought us, perhaps in the form of family, friends, neighbours or maybe nature.
When we lean into our challenges and struggle and fight for hope and health, we will find that our greatest strengths and resiliencies are born out of our areas of deepest struggle.
Sometimes these changes happen slowly, which is why it’s important to look back so we can see how far we have come.
I would encourage you to take a moment with a pen and paper and reflect on 2020 using some of the following questions as a guide:
What was your favourite moment?
What did you learn about yourself this year?
Who were the people you drew strength from?
If you could go back to the beginning of 2020, what advice would you give yourself for the year ahead?
What energized you? What drained your energy?
These are just a few questions to get you started. You don’t have to be a great writer to jot down these thoughts. The purpose is just to take a moment or two to balance your perspective on the year.
I’m confident you are more resilient, courageous and strong then you might realize.
Happy journaling, and cheers to 2021!