2020
Dear 2020,
The year that brought the whole world into a lockdown, the year that people can't travel as freely as they used to and the year that families from different countries can't gather for special occasions and funerals. The year that I learned so much myself and discovered what I really want in my life.
2020 for me started with the end of my exchange semester where I spent the best 5 months of my life in Europe. Then coming back to Singapore for my final semester in University. It went by like a blink of an eye. With no graduation ceremony which I was looking forward to that I even got a dress for it. (but now my fashion taste have changed and probably won't wear that dress anymore).
2020 was the year that I decided to clear my wardrobe, as I learnt from exchange I can live with fewer clothings. Now I only wear neutrals (black, white, beige, grey, browns) and sometimes a little pastel pink and blue. How I went to wanting every color of clothes/ shawl to only having less than 10 colors.
2020 was the year I try to be more minimal and intentional with what I purchase and bring into my life. Every time I want to buy something new, I put it in the cart/ my wishlist for at least 2-4 weeks before purchasing them or just don't need to buy them anymore.
2020 was the year I try to be more environmentally conscious. Not buying fast fashion and avoiding brands that aren't sustainable or practising fair workplace ethics. I try to avoid one time use plastics and bringing my tumbler almost everywhere, especially if I want to get coffee.
2020 was the year that I educated myself on personal finance and having financial goals. So that I can be more prepared for the future and achieve the life goals that I set.
2020 was the year that I find myself spending too much of my time on instagram (especially at the start of quarantine). It was to the extend my fingers automatically open instagram when I open my phone when I was bored. From then on, I tried my best to stay away from instagram by practising frequent deactivation of my account, unless I really have something I want to share. I have more control over my "addiction" and find that staying away from Instagram makes me feel a lot better. I used to feel like I want to be updated with my friends' lives through stories everyday, but I learnt that it was more meaningful when I talk to my friends personally either through text or when we meet up physically. It creates a more genuine connection I have with them.
With the extra time that I had on hand, I managed to learn a few skills that I didn't thought I would do/ enjoy. I learnt to edit videos, picked up on python again (though still struggling through the course) and read more books.
2020 was the year that I started journalling and taking mindfulness on a deeper level. I learnt how journalling can be good for the brain since I'm always either thinking too much or overthinking stuffs that I said or did in the past. Writing it all out is just healthier for my brain and reduce the overwhelming thoughts that I have. I also started meditation at least for 5 minutes in the morning or at night just to clear my head before going through or ending my day.
This year the quote “They plan, and Allah plans. Surely, Allah is the Best of planners.” – [Quran, 8:30] was probably the most apt. I planned trips and how I wanted this year to go like, but surprisingly Allah replace it with perhaps something that's better for me.
I would say I came out of 2020 a better me and I hope to always be improving and learning throughout 2021 as well. Thank you 2020. Goodbye
xx