As Individuals

Perhaps one of the biggest collective realisations we've had is the degree to which we took things for granted. Simple things like sharing a meal with a friend, receiving a hug from a coworker, or even spending a Friday night out at the movies seem so far removed from reality. Even just seeing people's faces out on the street now seems unfathomable, scary even (especially for the handful of us who are as wary as ever of anti-maskers). 

Unfortunately, the negatives have also been amplified to most of us this year. Those of us who've had time to process what we've gone through now have a deeper understanding of the things we want to change, within ourselves and our communities. There's also the constant awareness of how important health and safety is; that maybe the rising popularity of home gym equipment and obsessive self-care is not at all for nought. 

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But thankfully, there have also been realisations of gratitude throughout the year. While we might not have enjoyed our usual slew of vacations and parties, some of us have been lucky enough to enjoy the security of having three meals a day, and that in itself is quite a blessing. Suddenly, the smaller things began to matter more. People have had no choice but to stop and smell the roses, sometimes because the roses were the only things left to be enjoyed. But a deeper appreciation for nature and its little wonders — be it in a sunset, a birdsong, or a simple panorama of greenery outside a window — is a rewarding insight and an important one too. 

As a Global Community

Realisations have also been made on a global scale. Perhaps one of the most significant is the realisation of our own power as a collective population. All around the world, people are protesting for what they believe in despite the restrictive and (oftentimes dangerous) circumstances. This can be seen in the thirty Supreme Court petitions now filed decrying the local Anti-Terror law, in the massive farmers' protests in India, and even the pro-abortion rallies in Poland. In the United States, its recently concluded election brought about a record number of votes, more than in any other US election in history. Ironically enough, people have begun to stand up for what they believe while living amidst (arguably) disempowering circumstances. It's a step in the right direction, and a true testament to the human will. 

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But perhaps one of the most powerful realisations that 2020 had afforded us is one that concerns the environment, and just how important it is. When the pandemic first started, people began trying to piece together when and how it started. This brought the illegal wildlife trade onto the global spotlight, highlighting the need for transformative action in such a risky industry. But it wasn't just that — the Philippines, which has fallen victim to an onslaught of multiple typhoons a couple of months ago, is now also contemplating the declaration of a national climate emergency. Global brands are also shifting to eco-friendly packaging, vegan ingredients, and are overall trying to lessen or offset their carbon footprint. It's a promising start for a decade that aims to be greener, friendlier, and much more sustainable.

Needless to say, it's been an overwhelming year for everyone. It's come with a lot of insight, lessons learned, some action. As it is with every year, we've come to learn a lot from the experiences we've gained. And while the pandemic doesn't end at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve, the New Year does bring with it its own symbolic welcome for better days ahead. I just hope that if there's anything that 2020 has taught us or made us realise, it's how to make 2021 better.