Dear 2020,
2020. Where do I start? You were jinxed from the very beginning. Everyone thought you were going to be great. I will admit, your name worked for some perfect New Years Eve Instagram captions, like “2020 vision” and “The roaring 20’s”. However, no one could have expected how you would turn out. Since the beginning, you’ve brought on one storm after another. It seems that every time the sky starts to clear you bring back the clouds and rain. You’ve really made the world and everyone in it feel so insignificant and weak. And I’m tired of it, we all are. We are tired of the bad news, tired of hurting, and tired of being scared. So now let me tell you what I really want to say.
First off, I know I am writing about this early. We still have about two months left, which leaves time for you to make many more things go wrong. However, I am feeling empowered. 2020, you have knocked me down, quite a few times actually, but every time I have gotten back up. And every time I know I am stronger than before. I have become aware of who is really there for me and what is really important to me. I have learned that it is okay to not be okay all the time. I have truly experienced that “even the darkest nights will end and the sun will rise” (Victor Hugo). I have learned to take it one day at a time and to constantly recognize my blessings. I am writing to you now in light of the fact that I refuse to be scared for what is to come. I know who I am and I know what I am capable of; therefore, you have no power over me.
Sincerely,
Erin Palermo
P.S. 2021, I really hope you are better, for everyone’s sake. But even if you aren’t, I am confident I will make it through any challenge you throw at me.