Oh, 2020
Do you even count?
When I think about this year, I think about how mostly, I’ve been in a privileged place in my life and how much more can be done. But this isn’t about that and I am a huge believer of not parading my good deeds. Instead, I want to share my thoughts and lessons for the year as I always do every year.
On Being on Lockdown
Lockdown forced me to stick with who I was and eventually discover parts of me I had yet to know. It’s kind of like being someone else when I travel — I am a version of me who can’t travel so much, not even outside of the region, and at one point, barangay. It’s been something I would’ve wonderfully welcomed for a month but not extended periods of time. Some people call it a form of cleansing — and to some degree I can’t help but agree, but when I think about the jobs and livelihoods lost — it’s heartbreaking.
Luckily for me, I am locked down with my wonderful baby boys and my partner, who has been supportive and caring all throughout. I joke that he’s probably the happiest man on lockdown, as he’s been someone who doesn’t leave the house and is happily at home all (save for very rare few) days.
Being on quarantine gave me so many wonderful things I am never taking for granted ever again such as waking up 15 minutes before my first meeting and spending all those extra hours in bed with my boys. I will always be so grateful that it has allowed for us to have our families and loved ones spend every waking moment together. I used to think all the time in the world was not enough and guess what, now we have it. That is the gift of this quarantine. I of course recognize that not all have this privilege as some may experience huge losses, grief, other unpleasant experiences or are struggling to be alone. It hasn’t been easy.
On Finally Having Lots of TV time
Again, not to say this year has been the best but we all have to look for the bright side in all of this and for me, for the most part of 2020, I finally had enough time to watch everything I wanted to watch on TV. I used to lose so many hours on the road due to the horrendous traffic in Manila so I’m truly glad I’ve had the chance (just like everyone else) to catch up. See my favorite 2020 shows here.
On Finally Having More Time with My boys
My best memory of 2020 would be that I get to spend every hour I can with my two little boys including working and being on Zoom. I love it so much I’m grateful I can be afforded this luxury!
On Being with a Partner During Quarantine
Some 3 months into the quarantine, I have had friends who asked me what it’s like to be with a partner at a time like this and for the most part, I’m lucky that my partner is someone who is comfortable at home and is not bothered by not being able to go out at all. The advantage for us has been that we have been able to communicate more than ever — in turn addressing issues that have been needing some attention, and spent quality time (chores included!). Like any other couple, we do have squabbles especially if we’re left without househelp for too long. All in all — very good!
2020 was definitely not the best of years and could very well be the worst of this generation’s — but all is not lost and we can always choose to pivot and adapt and that’s a very important thing.
Happy New Year!