Your 2020 Vision

I don’t have 20/20 vision. In fact, I’m blind as a bat, and even with glasses, it’ll never be 20/20. I’ve learned to get along with what I have, making the most of it, and happy it doesn’t change too much from year to year.

This year, like my eyesight, has been anything but normal for what we envisioned back in January. Raise your hand if you started the year off thinking it was going to be just another year. Or maybe you had big plans to get married, or graduate, or start a new job. Chances are, you still did some of those things, but I know it turned out far different than when you first imagined it. My old coaching motto of the reality doesn’t fit the image explains a lot about 2020.

The thing is, everyone of us—no matter what your eyesight is like—has a case of 2020 vision. It is impossible to have gone through this year and still see life the same way you did way back in 2019. The never-ending disappointments, cancellation of life events, the job loss, the isolation, the illness, and the massive loss of so many loved ones.

Not to mention the constant confusion of what’s real, what’s fake, and who you can trust. We have been pushed to the very brink of our own sanity, and what do we have to show for it? For some, it’s a new hobby, and for others it might be a few extra pounds. Some enjoyed the challenge of puzzles, and others got a puppy. Some found solace in at home workouts, while others binged on every episode of West Wing, Shitt’s Creek, and The Great British Bake-off.

Remember, this is a no-judgement zone :)

One lesson we learned was there isn’t a guidebook to social distancing or how to quarantine properly. When life threw lemons at us, we had to figure out our own special recipe for lemonade. From what I’ve seen—even with my faulty, limited eyesight—this year gave us more hardship than we ever thought possible, but I’ve also seen things like compassion, generosity, and growth. I guarantee we have all changed and are better humans because of this year. We simply can’t go through a year like this unaffected. Again…it’s impossible.

December always makes me hopeful for the upcoming year. I love a fresh start, a new calendar, and a fresh perspective, but it’s always good to look back to see what we know now that we didn’t twelve months ago.

This year, I learned there’s no replacement for the power of a hug and human connection.

I learned that laughter through tears is still my favorite emotion.

I learned—like many people—we can do great work from home.

I’ve seen friends who had to become school teachers for their kids. Teachers who had to keep students engaged and organized.

I learned that compassion has to start with your self first, and only then can you have it for someone else.

I’ve learned that any change has to start from the inside first. I finally get it when I hear Ghandi’s words, ‘Be the change you wish to see in the world.’

I learned that even in a year that was as difficult and challenging as this one, we still can find gratitude for the little things: coffee, text messages, friendship, and leggings. But only a year like this can make us drop to our knees in praise of toilet paper, sanitizer, masks, and curbside delivery.

Honestly… who knew in January we’d be grateful for a role of Charmin? Not I.

And here we are, at the end of this historic point in time. It will surely go down in the record books for horrific statistics of illness and loss, but I’m going to try and keep my heart moving towards 2021, figuring out what this year meant to me. Everyone will carry with them a different memory and meaning, and that’s okay. We are all different, and brave, and dealing with life the best we can.

I had to learn that too.

My wish for you to find peace, comfort, and joy in your daily life. Saving it for tomorrow is so 2020. Let’s learn to live with it today….right here, right now.

Until next time, read something fabulous.

xo, Mo