This year has felt like it’s gone forever now, and in some ways it has. Now this isn’t going to be the standard, “we are all one people, we can get through this pandemic together!” speech. One thing that we as human beings refuse to accept is change. That maybe, the entire world will change and you want to rebel back. As much as I’ve tried to rebel against the world itself, and as much as I’ve witnessed everyone attempting to do the same, the world is going to change. 

We could push back against this change forever. Some attempt to push the change forward, good or bad. But nothing ever stays the same. Eventually places will change, people will change, the way that things work will change. 

Sure, maybe the core of something will stay the same. Iphones will always be phones, but they’ll have new features and even more overpriced accessories. New buildings will be constructed where there was once a forest. New people will attempt to join your life, good or bad. Old people will leave your life, whether for the better or worse. Change is bound to happen, no matter how painful it may be. One day you could have everything, and then next you could lose it all. 

That’s the sadder way that changes go. Most times change will be a good thing: new friends, a promotion, a new game that came out, or even just something new about yourself. If anything this year has taught us it’s that as people we are malleable. We change, we can adapt and mostly we live. 

I’m sure every single person has changed through this year. Whether it’s for the better is ultimately up to yourself. The easiest way to accept change is to not think about the change. At least not till long after. Just go with what you have. Don’t think whether it could happen, or be concerned about avoiding the change. Just cherish what you have in the moment. Whether it’s those friends who have stood by you at your lowest, or that random person who gave you their vote of confidence. 

I know I personally spend too much time dwelling on the past, and what pain I’ve experienced at the hands of others, that sometimes I push people away to deny the change. I’ve witnessed several people do the same, because change is scary. 

I mean think about this year alone, we had a pandemic, which caused mass shutdowns and we stayed isolated for most of it. On the other hand, think of all the people who picked up new hobbies, or changed their hair or even their personality. That’s a whole lot of change, and it’s not even over yet. 

Think of everyone who’s reflected on who they surround themselves with and has pushed them away. Think of everyone who decided to just be bold and do something they had 0 confidence would work. But most important, and the saddest of them all, think of everyone who’s lost someone this year. 

My heart aches for those who have gone through the pain of losing someone dear to them. It’s heartbreaking, whether it was the virus or not. Just know that there’s always going to be more to life. Even when you lose someone who you thought would be there your entire life. Now don’t get me wrong it never gets easier, it’s a hole inside you that hurts but eventually you’ll find things to make the pain bearable. Whether it be a game, or someone to be there for you in your times of need. My heart goes out to all those who have lost someone close to them this year. We have got this, and we can all make it through this change and loss together. 

As we leave 2020 behind and prepare for a new year, keep in mind that the world may change for the better or the worse, but either way make sure to surround yourself with those who care, and cherish what you have in the moment.