If you've seen that show 'The Movies That Made Us' (it's a behind the scenes show that tells the story behind some iconic movies of the 80s and 90s), then you will agree that 2020 has one hell of a story behind it. Whether you had the most amazing year of your life or one of the worst, most can agree that 2020 was a year we will never forget.
As per usual, 2020 started off with the typical bang (like fireworks you might say) and out came the usual clichés of "new year, new me" and "this is my year". Little did any of us know, what lay in store for us all.
From the Australian bushfires to the loss of the legendary Kobe Bryant, his daughter and seven others in a helicopter crash - the month of January was the prologue to the story of 2020.
This is where our main villain protagonist enters the story - the COVID-19 pandemic aka coronavirus. When the World Health Organization first announced this virus from Wuhan, China in January - I don't think anyone had the tiniest inkling of how big of a villain we were actually dealing with.
As COVID-19 took over the globe, the changes and restrictions to life as we knew it changed dramatically, even forcing many countries to go into lockdown. The term 'social distancing' became our new way of life and we had no choice but to adapt (seriously who would've thought that toilet paper would be a hot commodity, that we wouldn't be allowed to dance in public venues and that we'd have a rise of the 'Karens').
Although this new way of life brought on some of the lowest of lows for many, it is a beautiful thing to see when people overcome hardships or when people find ingenious ways around the restrictions imposed on us. It was a time for many to reflect, to enjoy time with family and friends or to find their purpose in life.
Another key plot point for 2020 was the Black Lives Matter protests. Police brutality and racial injustices coming forward as the driving force behind protests and riots across the world, sparked from police-involved killings. This was a real eye opener for many especially the awareness it brought to our own backyard, with the injustices Indigenous Australians face at the hands of our justice system. Let's hope the reason behind this movement stays with us long after the hype is gone and we stay committed to the fight for equality (especially with Australia Day coming up soon - that's a story to come).
To be completely honest the story of 2020 could go on for about 7 volumes with the amount of twists and turns that occurred this year. I think the important thing is to acknowledge that you made it through a really tough year. Some people will have achieved a lot and some not so much. If you think about the person you were at the beginning of this year and who you are now, you can undoubtedly guarantee one thing - growth!
“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.” ―Charles Darwin
Fast forward to the end of our story and we have reached the last day of 2020 - we made it! Enjoy it and savour the last moments of an unforgettable year, even if you are ready to throw this year in the bin (probably not the recycle bin).
Here's to the next 365 days - change is constant so with hearts full of gratitude and kindness, let's walk into 2021 with open arms (actually keep your arms to yourself, Queensland health authorities have already said no kissing or cuddling strangers on New Year's Eve).
......aaaaaaaand thats a wrap on The Year That Made Us - goodbye 2020, see you next year!