Dear 2020,
Tags: Growth, Life Lessons, New Year, Life, 2020

There aren’t many years that have had a big impact on my life like this year. I think it’s safe to say that it was probably the majority of our experiences. Whether good or bad, this year has changed our lives one way or another. It’s a year we’ll remember for the rest of our lives. I know I certainly will.

I’m thankful for this year. I’ve had experiences I wouldn’t have had otherwise. I got bit by a dog, I quit sugar, and I witnessed my dreams come true. I’ve picked up new hobbies, let go of bad habits, and picked up good ones. I cried for George Floyd. I raised my fists with Black Lives Matter. I prayed for the world and those suffering from this disease and the implications it brought with it.

I got heartbroken by the ones closest to me than any human on this planet–more than once. I experienced betrayal of the worst kind from the one whose duty was to protect me. It was a year I was forced to see them for who they truly are, and the reality still saddens me deep to my core. But I’m thankful that I know.

I built a stronger relationship with my siblings. I’ve cried and laughed more than I can recall. 2020 was the year I held my book I’ve been working on for the past 5 years in my hands. It was also the year I sold that book. It was the year my sisters and I decided to build an empire. It was the year we actualized our dreams.

It was a year that has brought momentous change to my life. It was a year full of miracles and blessings. It was a year where doors opened up for me that I didn’t believe was possible. It was a year that has impacted my life for the better. It was a year that has shifted my paradigm on everything I thought I knew. It was a year full of healing and mending old relationships.

10 months of quarantine and self-isolation forced me to look at myself free of distractions and do the work I would not have been able to do otherwise. 2020 was the hardest year of my life, but it was also the best year of my life, and I am thankful for every second of it. I thank Allah (swt) for the blessings He has bestowed upon me. I’m thankful for my security and my health. I’m thankful for my family, and I’m thankful for my life.

I would not change a single thing that has happened to me this year. Every moment of hardship taught me valuable lessons, I would have never learned otherwise. When I think back to January Aisha, I can’t even recognize her as me. I have transformed in every way imaginable. I have lost more weight than the past 5 years I’ve been desperately trying combined. I’m mentally stronger, wiser, smarter. I’m spiritually more connected to Allah (swt). I’m healthier than I’ve ever been. I’ve become the person I’ve always wanted to become. I’m the happiest and the most comfortable with myself. I love myself more than I’ve ever had.

I recognize my experience wasn’t like most people's. I recognize how incredibly privileged I am. I recognize the blessings and opportunities I have been given, and for that, I’m incredibly thankful to Allah (swt).

I don’t know what 2021 will bring, but 2020, despite all the hardships, is a year I am thankful for. I’m alive. I’m healthy. I’m surrounded by those I love. I’m in a warm home, and there is absolutely nothing more I can ask for.

(swt)- subhanahu wa ta’ala means The Most Glorified/Perfect, The Most High