Inevitably, you came along without anyone knowing what to expect. Your initial stance against the world was “the calm before the storm” – silent but deadly. I approached you with new ambition and a burning desire to challenge you in the realm of the unknown. However, your poison slowly clouded my trajectory and that of others. Many have lost their lives, suffocated by your firm grip, consumed with fear. On the contrary, others have survived and gained new momentum in a different direction, despite your continuous strain.

The Matrix

What have I learned? I take less for granted and have a greater appreciation of such times when one could engage with others, naturally, and without restrictions. My new lifestyle is balancing working from home, new hobbies and speaking to friends and family online (my virtual social life). Old and new friendships have blossomed. You have shown me the value of true friendship during testing times. I have also learned that a loving and grateful attitude influences a positive mindset. From a health perspective, my diet and commitment to physical exercise have improved. You have taught me the greatest lesson of all, which is to nurture one’s mental health.

Russian Roulette

Life has slowed down as the world of retail, entertainment and hospitality disintegrate into stillness. The NHS is overwhelmed by your omnipresence. The world as a whole and the global economy have surrendered to your unprecedented force of nature. As such – further financial, mental and physical restraints are on the rise. The “new different” is to live behind a protected screen, shield or mask as a survival matter. If I travel on public transport without a face covering, I play Russian roulette with my life and others’ lives. When will the nightmare end? I wait patiently for a happy ending, albeit reality is a fact, not fiction. As the new year approaches, however, I remain hopeful for better days ahead.

New Wisdom

There are elements of my old lifestyle that I miss immensely. However, you have pushed me beyond my comfort zone and to new heights of creativity. The entire world has experienced an enormous shift from individual solipsism to global reconciliation and environmental awareness amidst BLM, Brexit, the US presidential election and a pandemic. You have been a tornado of a year, with many a twist and turn. However, I have become resilient and wiser in more ways than one.

Written by @StyleIconNat | Farewell 2020!