Lets be real: scrolling through my Twitter (or any feed) in 2020 felt like willingly diving into a pit of bad news. Sure, there were sparks of hope—some inspirational leadership quotes and feel-good stories—but they were buried under a mountain of chaos.

It’s okay to say it out loud: 2020 sucked.

The World Felt Like It Was Falling Apart

I’ve never lived through a world war, famine, or global conflict before—but COVID-19 pandemic gave us all a taste of how vulnerable we really are. And while it’s not the same as war, this pandemic was a massive, world-shaking event in its own right.

For many of us, just surviving felt like an achievement. Our sense of safety was upended, and suddenly, everyday decisions—like going outside—came with real risks. The virus didn’t just attack our health; it hit our collective mindset hard.

We saw human resilience on full display—nurses, doctors, and essential workers showing what true strength looks like. But we also saw how fragile our systems are. Something as simple as wearing a mask became political. And fear? It turned a lot of level-headed people into panic-driven keyboard warriors.

How the Pandemic Took Over Everything

You couldn’t escape it. News headlines, blog posts, tweets, even memes—everything had “COVID-19” stamped on it. From toilet paper shortages to rising unemployment, the pandemic forced us to adapt in ways we never expected.

And while adaptation is great, let’s not sugarcoat it: 2020 brought pain, uncertainty, and a mountain of “I wish things were different.”

What We Wish We Could Fix

Everyone had their version of the “I wish” list:

I wish I could make it all go away.

I wish I could ease people’s suffering.

I wish I could magically grow everyone’s savings account.

I wish racism would just disappear.

I wish I could make a vaccine with whatever’s in my fridge.

We’ve all dreamed of waking up to a better world. A reset button. A do-over. But wishing doesn’t fix anything if we don’t act.

Small Actions Still Matter

You might not end the pandemic yourself, but you can definitely slow it down. Here’s how:

  • Wash your hands regularly
  • Wear a face mask in public
  • Avoid crowded places
  • Keep your distance
  • Stay home whenever possible

Oh—and please, don’t spread conspiracy theories. Misinformation is as dangerous as the virus itself.

Job Security Is a Real Concern

Maybe you’re lucky enough to still have a job or to work remotely. But if 2020 taught us anything, it’s this: no job is 100% safe.

Take time to:

  • Update your resume
  • Reconnect with your professional network
  • Learn something new or strengthen a skill
  • Save money when you can

Think like a Boy Scout—always be prepared.

Are We There Yet

The hits just kept coming in 2020. Just when you thought it couldn’t get worse—boom—another headline, another disaster.

Some people were already looking past 2020 by August. And while hope for 2021 was strong, let’s be honest—it didn’t magically fix everything. The “new normal” might stick around longer than we thought.

But sitting around and worrying? That won’t help. You can’t control everything, but you can control how you respond.

So What Can You Do Now?

  • Focus on what you can change
  • Check in on your mental health (and others’)
  • Take care of your body—eat well, sleep enough, move daily
  • Create something, learn something, connect with someone

Even if it’s just one small thing a day, those actions add up.

Final Thought: Let’s Make What’s Left Count

2020 may have been a mess, but it also taught us what matters most—resilience, kindness, preparation, and perspective. Whether you’re navigating mental health during the pandemic or trying to stay afloat financially, just know this:

You’re not alone. And even when the world feels like it’s falling apart, you can always do something.

Let’s make what’s next better than what was.

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