From the 2020 me

2020 has been a very different year. Never would I have imagined a global pandemic to hit us and change our everyday lives.

What are some big lessons from this year? I learned how to keep my good friends and family close to me in different ways. I learned how to make a new place my home. I learned how to adult, even if it’s just a tiny bit.

This year has been pretty shit, to say the least. I guess it was a pretty good year for dogs (owners stayed home all the time, tons of dogs getting adopted because people are working from home). But yeah in general, pretty shitty – people got sick, people died, people cannot be with people they want to be with or go to places they want to go to.

I am lucky and grateful that the pandemic has not affected me too negatively. I still have my job, family, friends and I still got to have fun this year. I got to go surfing in Tofino. I got to go snowboarding and hiking. I went to restaurants and ate delicious food. I played a lot of board games, video games, slept in, and made wonderful memories with my friends and family.

I know having to quarantine/social distance/social isolate is not always easy. Doing it for a long time can also take a toll on us. We feel lonely and depressed. It’s hard not to see other people. It’s hard to be alone.

I think what this year has really taught me is how to enjoy my life in different ways. We have found new ways to be there for someone, whether it’s fun zoom calls or dropping off gifts in front of someone’s door. We have found new ways to help others, whether it’s picking up groceries for a neighbour or supporting a local business.

I still don’t think anything can beat actually spending time with someone, but I have always felt like many people look down on virtual ways to connect. Social media can be toxic and it’s not good to always be on your phone, but I hope we can remember that it’s about how we use technology, not the technology itself. Social media can help us feel connected, can spread happiness and positive messages. A funny meme can brighten our day. A text message conversation can result in the deepening of a friendship. In a time when we are unable to physically meet in person and spend quality time with each other, technology can help us.

As the 2020 Loewe, I want to say that this year has been challenging for everyone but look at us… WE MADE IT. Of course, going into 2021 is not going to automatically make everything good again, but I truly believe that all our efforts should not go unrecognized. For all the times you and I have followed the rules, cheered someone up, phoned a friend, hosted a virtual meeting, adopted a pet, donated, washed your hands, wore a mask, or got out of bed even though we feel depressed and low-energy – WE MADE IT.

In the midst of pain, panic, anxiety and just bad things happening in the world, it always amazes me how hope, love, care and passion pulls through. In dark times, I feel we shine the most.

I hope all of us stay safe and healthy for 2021 and I hope the new year brings us all more joy even if it’s in different ways. As always, in case no one has told you this at all this year: I am glad you’re here. Thanks for reading.

Sincerely, Loewe



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