Good Things That Happened in 2020

For the past 5 months, all that we have been able to talk about (myself included) is the wrestling match that we seem to be losing with the year 2020.

The year that was supposed to consist of telepathy, shapeshifting and flying cars has been polluted with a global pandemic, a surge in depression and suicide rates, and political and racial divides.

Now, I completely understand why these are issues that are constantly talked about and need to be talked about. However, it can be easy to get lost in the swarm of news and media, and feel drained of all energy.

This is completely understandable. Every other minute we receive a phone call or read another news article about someone we love dying.

So, I’ve decided to compile a list of good things that have happened this year, to relieve you of some of the stress of dealing with the terrible times we are living in right now. I hope this post at the very least distracts you for a few minutes, because I had fun writing it.

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Pollution at Peace

One benefit of the world shutting down, is that pollution levels dropped significantly and air quality levels improved drastically.

Greenhouse gas emissions in New Delhi reduced by an average of 45% within just the first week of lockdown.

I’m also sure that we all saw those memes about the improving water quality in the Venice canals which resulted in clearer streams and visible wildlife and fish. 

Seldomly Scarce Sweatpants

We all got to just let ourselves be. We all stopped working out as much.

(okay, maybe that’s just me).

Personally, in the 5 months that I’ve been at home, I can count the number of times I’ve left my sweatpants, on one hand, and I’m not upset about that.

I think that most of us didn’t realise how fast paced our lives were until we were literally forced to stop everything and start paying attention. It’s only now that I’m aware of just how much I had taken for granted- meeting friends at a cafe, or even that I didn’t have to check that I had my mask, gloves, and hand sanitiser with me before I left the house. 

Contemporary Creativity 

We have been forced to become more creative. Whether we like it or not, we have all had to occupy a lot more time than we know what to do with. From writing, to painting, to cooking, almost everybody has created beauty that would otherwise not exist. Some people have even started their own businesses from home, showing an extremely impressive mixture of creativity and enterprise. 

A Digital Revolution

Although I’m sure that none of us truly want to sit at home all day and communicate through a digital screen, it’s been amazing to see how we have adapted to this situation. We now see previously technologically stunted teachers learning how to use Zoom and Google Meet to conduct online classes. Our main mode of communication is now through video calls and online games.

Companies have had to find ways to conduct business online. It’s also amazing to see how companies have changed and evolved to accommodate new changes. Those who could adapt did, and those who couldn’t, well…

Forbes went to the extent of creating a regularly updated “Coronavirus Bankruptcy Tracker,” which features a regularly updated list of companies that have filed for bankruptcy during the lockdown.

If you want to read the full list (sadist), check out the whole Forbes article here.

Older folks are also finally learning how to operate their phones- that video of that one old woman trying to use Zoom made my day.

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So, basically what we can conclude is that although we have been through some truly horrifying times during 2020, there have been some positive impacts!

Alright, you can go back to reading that news article that says we’re all going to die!

Check out my last few posts!

The Confessions of the Oven and Me

An Open Letter to My Fellow Android Users

Book Review- The Woman in the Window

Thank you for reading.

Until Next Time.