2020 Vision: Evolve or Repeat
2020 was supposed to be the year of new vision and clarity. In spite of everything going on with COVID-19, quarantines, and social injustice-- believe it or not, it still is!
I’ve pondered on the symbolism of this year, even while sorting through my anxiety and discomfort. Trying to make sense of what 2020 means and searching for clarity. It registered to me that there are two idioms relevant to every single thing happening this year that deal with the term “2020and how it’s referenced.
"Hindsight is 20/20" means it's easier to analyze situations when we're looking back on them in the past, than when we're in the present moment. The word hindsight refers to looking back or reflecting on things in the past. This absolutely sums up what’s happening now, in real-time.
Keep reading.
There is no better time to be Black. Every single thing that our ancestors have fought for is coming to pass. The Civil Rights Movement ended decades ago and here we are still fighting for justice and equality. Laws against hate crimes are finally being passed. Confederate flags are being taken down. Statues of significant historical figures who oppressed Black people are being removed. It’s a new day all across the world.
Brands and businesses are making statements about the inclusion of Black people. It’s everywhere. #BlackLivesMatter. #BlackDadsMatter. #BlackWomenMatter. Over the last few decades, these same brands have profited from Black culture. It seems like only NOW we’re seen, heard and felt. They’re finally recognizing what we’re worth.
Publications are being outed for inequality and bigotry in the workplace. Execs are being called out for being oppressors or problematic. For not giving Black people fair opportunities or overlooking respective talent. Folks at the top are being made examples of publicly, stepping down or being fired.
The veils of white privilege and even that of other people of color are being removed.
Our idols and people with influence are canceling themselves. Their ignorance and arrogance is showing and it’s loud.
In hindsight, brands, people and everything in between are realizing that not only have they had it wrong, they’ve done it wrong. They been blind to the experiences of other people or haven’t even looked their way. It sucks that it took losing the lives of innocent people to get the world’s attention.
Why are major brands and people in our networks issuing apologies, using #BLM, crying white tears, or are just now standing in solidarity with a whole community of people? It’s because when they look back on their past, it’s clear they’ve been a part and have perpetuated a larger problem. They are scrambling to find a solution to a crack in the system that they’ve contributed to.
There’s a whole lotta coulda, shoulda, wouldas now. Being Black and our experience, both positive and negative is more than a moment. It’s a movement.
And then there’s the most common “2020” idiom. 2020 vision. In simple terms, it means you see everything clearly. Denoting vision of normal sharpness.
Every single construct that we’ve ever known is falling apart. From the government to our personal lives.
What was -- no longer works. Things as they were, won’t do and what we‘ve been doing is null and void.
This time of isolation is causing people to leave relationships that never really served them. It’s becoming more and more clear to some that they are stuck in relationships and going through the motions based on the concept of time.
Friendships that were already on thin ice are either sinking or swimming.
People are realizing that their man-made distractions are just that…..distractions. The smoke and mirrors and over consumption of things can no longer fill in the void of being unhappy, sad, depressed, destructive or toxic.
Society is realizing that less is more. Minimalism will likely be a new way of life. We’ve been so blinded by material and social things that we haven’t even taken the time to take care of ourselves or our hearts and minds. It’s our fault that we’ve put so much pressure on ourselves to acquire things that speak to our egos and not our spirits. That way of thinking is melting away.
Stillness is forcing people to see what life is REALLY about. It’s about the love and acceptance of self. It’s about peace of mind and creating a sanctuary that whispers to your soul.
The forced isolation is making folks heal from traumas and disappointment. Both inflicted from others and what they’ve inflicted on other people.
People are clearing out their space and making room for new things.
It’s like we’re cutting the fat to get to the meat and root of things.
Solitude is a gift and a curse. It's peaceful and scary. Some days it can feel like the walls are closing in on you. And for some it can set you free.
On the positive side, people are taking up new hobbies, discovering new passions or birthing hidden talents. What a time to be alive.
Our visions are clearer because we’re getting rid of everything that’s been in the way. It’s like the way we see and experience the world is being torn down and rebuilt. Nothing will be the same after this. NOTHING.
There was a quote floating around on social media that read “If you don’t come out of 2020 with a new business, knowledge or skill set, you’re lazy and you’ve wasted time.” While I agree with some of those things in terms of time, time is subjective. This year is about taking notes on what has worked in the past to provide clarity on what to do in the future.
For me personally, I’ve always been the type of woman to be on the go. I’ve wasted money on fleeting things. Always a busy body. But thanks to quarantine, I’ve slowed down. I’ve never appreciated the sun and the stars more. I’ve never appreciated my space more. I’ve never valued the people who I can call on more. I’ve never appreciated those who show up for me more. I’ve never shown up for other people more. I’ve never appreciated where I am at this very moment more. It’s like a rebirth.
Now I’m also very aware that this is probably a really difficult time for some. Financially. Spiritually. Mentally. They are stuck in spaces that are symbols of sadness and negativity. But I am certain there’s still hope.
No doubt these times are SCARY. UNCERTAIN. UNPREDICTABLE. To think we’re only half way through the year. Take the time to be kind to yourself.
2020 is WILD. It feels like an extended version of the movie “Groundhog Day.” Yet, God is still present. He’s using time and circumstance to get our attention. Even in the midst of chaos He’s here. That’s the silver lining.
All I hear for 2020 is evolve or repeat.
So which one will you choose?
Listen a new episode of One Mo Minute: “2020 Vision: Evolve or Repeat” below: