These past 12 months have made it clear as water that life is this marvelous yet fragile concept – something we have the chance to experiment with every day. Everything seriously changed in a second and became a period of endless lessons. 

We exchanged hugs for 2 meters of distance while balconies and front porches in every neighborhood became homemade stages for spontaneous ‘concerts’ and FaceTime moments. Some of us tried out new recipes from TikTok, and us lucky ones even got to crack into grandma’s vintage cookbook. I also learned that experiencing feelings is more powerful than repressing them, and planning is not the epitome of happiness. 

Many of us also got to know real pain in all of its shapes and colors face-to-face. Some of us might never recover from it. There are now countless stars in the dark night that shine as representations of those ones that are no longer with us today. Let us remember our fallen and honor their memories.

I like to believe that the stars truly shine for them. 

I also like to believe that this year taught me that self-sufficiency doesn't mean I can't accept a helpful hand when I need it. The future is already a labyrinth to navigate, and the events that have unfolded over the past year have made it even more blurred and uncertain. 

And COVID-19 wasn't the only battle we had to face.

We experienced how everyone struggles differently, but also the many ways we took care of the people around us (and ourselves!). Empathy and kindness have become even more of a universal mantra during this pandemic. A sense of community has emerged, and I hope it will stay like this for the rest of 2021.

I cannot say goodbye to 2020 without shouting out endless thanks to medical personnel and social workers for their invaluable efforts. I also acknowledge and commend every person who fought every single day to bring meals home for their families and who struggled with the overwhelming punches of life. 

Now that it has been almost two months into the new year, I can look back on 2020 in its entirety and take away a valuable lesson: I’m still here today, sensitive and courageously bulletproof all at once. I accomplished deep personal growth and learned how to fly – all while in my small room with my roots firmly grounded at home.

By Luisana Rodríguez

Psychology student, learning enthusiast who loves the contraries of doing nothing and being productive, Virgo reader girl