2020 has been the year of all years, I think everyone would agree with that. It was confusing and challenging in ways we never could have expected. I feel like I’ve experienced 5 years worth of change, grief, mistakes and learning experiences.
There is so much I would have loved to tell myself at the start of last year to help me through. So here is a letter for myself at the start of 2020 with some advice I hope to hold onto for the coming year:

Taylor,
You have every intention of this year being “different”, better than the years before. Despite what may happens in the coming weeks and months, don’t lose sight of that hope.
I would love to tell you exactly what is going to happen this year, but if I did it would change your course of action. Yes, maybe it could save you from some heartache, disappointment and loneliness, but it would also keep you from growing, learning and hopefully becoming a better you.

What I do want to say is that this year will be different from any other in ways that you can’t even imagine. You will be tested and challenged, experiencing pain like you’ve never known. This will cause you to make mistakes and doubt yourself, even doubt those closest to you. Try not to feel hopeless, try not to lose sight of what’s important to you.

While things won’t be easy, you will also discover a strength you didn’t know you had. You will strengthen current friendships and find new connections with some truly incredible women. It may take a while, but you will regain sight of your hopes and dreams. You will re-establish your hope to make changes, to make things better, and to have a better year focusing on the important things. It takes time, but you will get there. Don’t give up.

This year will challenge you, but it will also change you and help you grow. Hang in there and know that things will get better.

-Your future 2020 surviving self

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To us all, despite the road bumps 2020 has thrown our way I hope we have learned from this year and will appreciate the opportunities and adventures that 2021 brings with it.

Here’s to a better year,
Taylor