Reflecting on 2020

WHAT. A. YEAR. I’m sure you are being inundated with 2020 reflection posts as we speak, but I think we can all agree that this year has had a profound and lasting impact on each and every one of us. In fact, I find it hard not to hold back tears when I really sit down to think about the impact this year has had on my growth. It’s hard to believe that we have been grappling with the pandemic for nearly ten months now—the idea of what was once our “normal” seems like a mere alternate reality.

2020 made us pause, slow down, and return to the basics. It forced us to cancel major milestones, such as weddings, funerals, birthdays, anniversaries, and other significant life events. For some of us, we were forced to spend more time alone than ever before. While I am lucky to have Seth & Chloe as roommates, I know so many others have grappled with loneliness and mental illness in a year where most of us were forced to isolate from friends, family and loved ones. The pandemic also made it difficult to turn a blind eye to the ways in which certain communities have systemically been neglected. Specifically, in Chicago, we witnessed firsthand the amplified impact of the virus on our black and brown communities. We saw our severely flawed healthcare system fail us during a once in a century global pandemic.

It awakened so many of us to the cruel ways in which our society has repeatedly failed our communities of color. It was a harsh slap in the face for those of us, including myself, who have historically been afforded the luxury of floating on in a state of blissful ignorance. We helplessly watched as we saw the soul of a living, breathing human being brutally sucked out of his physical body. We collectively grieved over the devastating loss of not just one black man’s life, but the deaths of countless other black and brown men and women in just one single year. We endured a season of racial justice protests, amidst a turbulent political landscape more divided than ever. It wore me down. At times, it even depleted me of any hope and made me question the goodness in people.

We all witnessed our elected officials fail to properly combat the spread of the virus on a catastrophic level. The failure of not only Trump, but Washington at-large, has threatened the very existence of our beloved hospitality and performing arts industries, as well as many others. As a loyal advocate of supporting small businesses, it has been gut-wrenching to watch so many of my personal favorites close, businesses that make up the very essence of our local communities. To think that there has been minimal federal aid and relief for our small businesses truly has me feeling astonished. While I am in full support of the mandated “lockdown” measures, it has been devastating to see the last-ditch efforts of businessowners simply trying to survive the worst of times with little to no federal aid or financial relief.

And how could I forget? We just so happened to live through the most grueling election year of our lifetime. One that revealed some of our ugliest traits and tested our strength. It’s obviously no secret I was not a fan of Trump and his despicable policies. While defeating him was a major milestone and one of the best memories in 2020, I urge you to keep showing up and fighting.

On a personal level, I experienced more work-related stress than ever before due to demanding client workload amidst all of the uncertainty this year brought forth. I found myself ill with some type of bug (thankfully, not COVID-related) earlier this year that truly knocked me out for nearly two weeks. I coped with the disappointment of having to push back our wedding to next year, only to remind myself that this was the best decision for our loved ones and their safety and well-being. I also experienced several severe stress-induced eczema flare-ups, something I had not really experienced since childhood.

Despite how microscopic these personal struggles may seem, I hope you understand that I struggled right along with you this year. It goes without saying that I appreciate each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart. You stuck with me as I pivoted in my content strategy. You supported me as I continued to share more and more of my personal life with you. You cheered me on as I celebrated every small win this year.

While I do not necessarily long for a return to normal in the new year, I do hope we continue to heal, grow and reflect together in 2021. Manifesting all of the good vibes, health, and positive energy to you all as we kick off this new year.

XO,

Sarah