Holy Sh*t - Notes on 2020, Vol. 13

For such a careful year as far as being around people, I’ve certainly lived with quite a few in 2020. Some of whom I’ve never lived with before, some I haven’t in a number of years, most related to me.

I’d be willing to bet a lot of you could say the same. It seems to me several have been distancing alongside parents and siblings and that’s a pretty bold move for a lot of us. We’ve all grown accustomed to lifestyles specific to ourselves, and in a lot of cases, we lead very different lives than our fathers, mothers, sisters, and brothers. Not that we don’t love them, or haven’t largely enjoyed the time bonding with them. (At least I hope that’s the case. If you elected to distance and live with family members you don’t like, I really don’t know what to do for you.)

No one would call me a homebody, yet this is the type of lifestyle I’ve inadvertently acquired living with parents and relatives. And with national conditions remaining what they are I’ve found several ways to enjoy and distract myself while staying at home. Home in 2020 has meant New York City, as well as a few locations in Jersey, and while at each I’ve binge-watched some very worthwhile shows, read some great books, re-established my running routine, began writing a novel, and even started meditation. 

As you can see, 2020 for me has meant self-enrichment within the areas of mental stimulation and enlightenment. While it may not be the year I wanted, 2020 could very well be the one I needed. For anyone currently undergoing an identity crisis, suffering depression, navigating through unemployment, dealing with a breakup, or perhaps all of these: I wholeheartedly endorse a similar attention to self care.

I don’t want be the redundant mouthpiece that serves to say ‘Focus on yourself, take care of yourself.’ Such an expression at a tough time doesn’t work for shit. But if you ever had a relationship with anything creative, I suggest you revisit it. Buy that paintbrush and easel. Write the poem. Rent that cabin in the Catskills and start a Thoreau-esque odyssey through nature and grow a beard down to your nipples. Whatever it is, this is the year to just fucking do it. 2020 doled out some pretty weak cards this year for a lot of us, but it doesn’t mean you can’t play them to your advantage!