My 2019 recap ended with this: BRING ON 2020!!

Two exclamation marks and all caps. 😬

Sure, there’s no way I could’ve really known 2020 would be such a dumpster fire for so many people across the globe. 🤷‍♀️

I’d like to be able to say that despite the challenges of 2020 that I came out unscathed. But that would be a flat out lie.

I am someone that battles depression. 2020, with all of its madness, got real dark for me more than a couple times. I managed through it with some help – professional and personal. The restrictions brought on by an uncontrolled virus in this country were tough for me to handle. I’m a generally reserved person and in many ways an introvert. That said, there are key social activities important to me that I now know are vital to my well-being. Having those activities limited or stripped away entirely has been incredibly difficult.

To be clear, I will say that I know, in no uncertain terms, that I am extremely fortunate in many ways. I was able to keep working and keep a roof over my head and food on my table. And I didn’t catch the damn coronavirus. Thousands and thousands of people can’t say the same.

As I write this, I’m struggling on the decision to continue with the few things I have to say at the end of every year. On the one hand, despite my struggles, I want to highlight whatever good came out of a not-so-good year. On the other hand, does it matter given how so many countless others have fared?

I’m not sure what the right direction is. So with that in mind, I’ll just say this: though I’m still working through things, I’ve learned a lot, both personally and professionally. I hope for a much better 2021. Because I want to feel better and I want to be able to hug my friends again.

☮️