There is no denying that 2020 was a year of loss. Millions of people are dead as a result of COVID-19. Many more were left to feel the effects. So many dismal things happened in 2020 it would be impossible to list them all.

My personal journey through 2020 was a challenging one. There were days when I wondered what else could possibly go wrong. So many sad things happened in my own life, including the death of someone I loved dearly.

In December, I tested positive for COVID-19. One morning, I truly thought I was going to die. It was scary. COVID-19 is real, even if people still think it is a conspiracy.

For the first time in my life, I experienced mental health issues. COVID brain is real. The phenomenon occurs after someone contracts COVID-19 and experiences an onslaught of mental fogginess, fatigue and lots of anxiety, among a slew of other things.

Sadly, I know I am not alone in this. Others have had worse years, worse anxiety and made more sacrifices than I did when my world seemed to be falling apart.

COVID-19 put life into perspective for me. It really made me ask myself, “if we lack happiness, what is the point of living?”

Find something you love doing, and just do it. Do something that brings you peace every day. Make time for yourself. Taking care of your mental health should be your number one priority.

Conversely, I have also come to this realization: it is okay not to be okay. We all need to cry sometimes, or disappear or log out of social media. Life happens, and sometimes it is just plain hard.

For months I have whispered to myself, “this too shall pass,” and it surely will. Yes, 2020 was a bad year. Yes, 2021 had a rocky start. However, we have to do the best we can with the time we are given, in the circumstances we have.

This can still be your year; go out and make the most of it. I know I am.