An annual review

 2020 has been the strangest year most of us have ever faced in our lives. Even though people seem to be exulting over its departure; the pandemic (the core element that ruined the past year) still rages on. I have no idea when the situation will return back to the normal we were so used to. Or does a new normal await us?
           Who knows? But nevertheless, I decided to take a look back at the year and remind myself of all the things I did during these weird 10 months. I guess I could call this an annual review too.

 So I came across a set of questions that can be used to write an annual review. I will just try to answer them as honestly as I possibly can. So here it goes.

If you had to teach one thing you learnt this year (that would improve one’s quality of life) what would that be?

 The one thing that I did learn this year was to keep overthinking at bay. I had been a terrible victim of unnecessary analysis more than once in the past. It obviously did not lead to anything good or productive, but instead stripped me of the possibility of enjoying the present. I am not saying that I have completely stopped analysing things, but now at least I am not an obsessive overthinker. I do believe it helped me to calm down a lot and if I can keep this up...who knows, I may even turn into a calm and collected lady one day!
                                            

I did make an active effort to worry less this year, and I think it was a good first step!

What kept you up at night with excitement this year? Was it worth it? Would you want to do more of it?

 Since I live with my rather strict mother right now; I don’t really have the luxury of staying up at night with excitement. 😞 But I do remember that once or twice I was so absorbed in playing games with my friends that I completely lost track of time. Although I did pay the price of disobeying my parents later (ouch!), when I look back at it I can only remember how much fun I had those nights. And since I was happy and enjoying myself; it was definitely worth it.
           Obviously, I would love to do more of it. Not regularly though; but sometimes I do believe having fun is necessary. Will just have to wait till I can live alone! Heh heh!! 👍

                                  

I would definitely love to hang out with my friends more!

How did you have fun differently in 2020?

 I don’t think I necessarily had fun differently in 2020. I still read books, watched movies and listened to music. I was never someone who went out a lot; so this aspect did not change a lot for me in 2020.

How did you suffer differently in 2020?

 The fact that I was not able to see my best friend for a long time was the second biggest suffering I faced in 2020. The biggest suffering was living in my family home. I absolutely detest the environment prevalent there and it was like torture for me. I was only able to move away during Christmas and so I have decided that being able to leave those horrifying living conditions behind was my Christmas present.

What things did you stop caring about in 2020?

 I am not sure if this qualifies as a good quality but I did stop caring about my "deepest desires". The fact that I cared so deeply about them always hindered me from smiling. When I say I stopped worrying, it’s not to say that I got rid of my wishes; but I probably just gave myself the freedom of looking at other things as well. I still want to make my dreams come true but worrying about them wasn’t leading me anywhere. So I have stopped worrying.
                                                         

I think I need to try to smile more too!

What new thing did you spend a lot of time on in 2020?

 I discovered the world of anime and manga in 2020 and it has attracted my complete attention and devotion ever since then!
                                               

What about you?

I hope everyone is doing well and I wish each and everybody a very happy new year! Spend it in any way that makes you feel happy. Have a great year everyone. ❤️