Within the first quarter of 2020, COVID-19 was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, and the death toll by racism continued to rise. Fast forward almost a year later, the virus and racial injustice are still a prevalent part of our lives, in addition to unprecedented chaos in our democracy.
These things have overshadowed 2020, which have made things extremely tough for some people. It’s natural to focus on what was lost or what didn’t feel good during this year, but in doing that, we tend to overlook the good.
As we reflect on the year 2020, you might be thinking it was filled with too many bad events. Yep, it was! But, there were also many positive outcomes from this year. Read on for 5!
Sense of Community
One awesome thing about 2020 is that all of us were experiencing this very unique time together. We didn’t know what to say, or what to do, or who to trust. We came together to begin figuring things out. We joined together to learn the science behind Covid-19 and protect one another in our interactions. We joined together to promote racial and social justice. We joined together to vote to create change. There is no doubt that 2020 has been unlike any other year that we’ve experienced, but through it all, we created (and continue to foster) a better sense of community.
Better Connections in Our Relationships
You might think that lockdown has destroyed relationships. Honestly, for some relationships, the lockdown highlighted struggles that were present prior, but were more manageable as we moved about life. For many, stay at home orders have strengthened our relationships. With so much racial turmoil this year, we have built stronger connections with likeminded people. The Black Lives Matter movement has brought us closer together with purpose.
We are social creatures by nature, and during this crazy year, we’ve found some amazing ways to stay connected.
From balcony music jams and socially-distanced street parties, to Zoom meetings, we’ve found some pretty creative ways to meet our social needs, including the ones in our relationships.
For many, this year has also facilitated better family life. Parents aren’t rushing off to work as much. Moms are giving themselves grace for allowing the children to eat more chicken nuggets or frozen pizzas. Families place greater value on quality time and are spending more time with one another.
Development of Better Technology
With the shelter at home orders came a demand for better technology to accommodate school, work, and other necessities like healthcare. To meet these demands, developers worked diligently to produce software that would help people adjust to the new normal.
Because of this, we have incredible new and updated attendance systems, collaboration tools, and telehealth programs, to name a few. A year ago, our practice, Isaiah Counseling & Wellness, had the capacity to offer teletherapy as needed, but never imagined in just a few short months, that it would be our primary method of supporting our clients. Advanced technology amidst this global pandemic has afforded us the ability to do that.
A Newfound Sense of Gratitude
Prior to 2020, we all occasionally took everyday things for granted. Being in the midst of such a crisis has caused people to have a newfound sense of gratitude for all the little things, down to the ability to go grab a coffee with a friend.
This has led to a renewed appreciation for both the things and people in our lives. Even though we may have experienced loss, abrupt change, illness, disconnections, loneliness, fatigue, and uncertainty, we are grateful for life, for restored relationships, change, new business ventures, health, peace of mind, and so much more.
A Better Connection with Self
Maybe the most amazing thing that’s happened as a result of 2020, is people’s improved connection with themselves! As wellness professionals and psychotherapists, we have seen firsthand the increase in people prioritizing their mental health and overall wellbeing.
We’ve had first-timers and regular therapy goers who chose to seek support to help navigate the struggles of this year, or who decided this was the year to address that childhood trauma or those relationship patterns or those feelings of depression or anxiety. Whatever the reason, this year has promoted a better connection with oneself, and we are grateful to be alongside you through your process.
As you reflect on the year 2020…
We hope these gentle reminders will help to jumpstart your list of wins that have come of it. We’re rooting for you in 2021! Make it great—by your own standards!
If you’re in North Carolina, and interested in figuring out how we may be able to support you, contact us today. We offer both in-person and telehealth sessions.
