Acknowledging the Resilience: A Look Back at 2020
By: Madison Estrella
Tags: Mental Wellbeing, New Year, Mental Toughness, Resilience, 2020

Acknowledging the Resilience: A Look Back at 2020

The ups and downs of 2020 and what we can gather from it

Photo by Long Truong on Unsplash

Let’s be honest– the year 2020 was an emotional rollercoaster. Now, as it comes to an end, we can look back on how the obstacles presented to us have challenged us, emotionally socially and physically. Although our time in quarantine was stressful and full of unknowns, we must also acknowledge how much it has shaped and taught us.

Last year, many of us looked to 2020 as a good omen that would hopefully live up to its optometric namesake and let us live with the clarity of 20/20 vision. In the early months of 2020, we were out and about, spending time with our loved ones, commuting nonchalantly, and going about our everyday lives like we always have– it was simply our normal.

Then, one-by-one schools and workplaces began to close due to COVID-19. All in-person events and activities were suddenly thrust into the world of Zoom where we were devoid of touch and the physical presence of our peers. We had to wait in worry for our loved ones who were saving lives on the front lines and for those who fell ill. As human beings who crave connections to others, we have managed to tread through these tough times.

Everyone has their own pandemic story; the events of 2020 have affected each and every one of us in unique ways. For many of us, we spent the first few months in quarantine trying to grasp a sense of stability upon being thrust into this remote world. We struggled to foster connections with those near and far, we had to become accustomed to maks and and social distancing, and we grappled with the fear of losing loved ones and falling sick. And let us not forget the flood of emotions us and our peers have experienced witnessing the racism that has been unmasked especially in this past year.

Amidst all this chaos it’s easy to forget the simplest thing- that you got through it. Despite all the unfavorable things that have happened this year, you deserve to be proud of yourself for getting through it. You survived the crazy year that is 2020. You kept going with the sources of motivation and support that were available to you.You deserve to recognize all the hard work and effort you have put into surviving this year. Maybe you found a creative way to keep yourself engaged in your work. Or maybe you and your friends and family have adapted to Zoom-oriented get togethers and game nights. Perhaps you found yourself a new hobby or two, or brought a new life into your family.

Regardless to all the downsides of 2020, you made it through. Out of all the things that have happened this year, I’m sure it gave you an opportunity to evaluate your emotional and physical needs (if not, please take a moment now to do so). With those needs, goals, and aspirations in mind, check out the 21 big ideas for 2021 that we here at Curio have proposed to help you make a plan for yourself for the new year. We hope to check back in with you in 2021 and help you achieve some of those goals with our neurological training programs for mental wellness!

Hope you enjoy the holidays and happy new year from our team to yours!