2020 vision

'“I'll never get used to anything. Anybody that does, they might as well be dead.”' 

Snap, crackle, pop - no, I'm not referring to Rice Krispies. The roaring twenties have kicked off with a magnificent bang and it's time to rein in the new decade Gatsby style!

In what feels to have been a truly dystopian decade of technology, politics and protests, it would be useful to do what just about every other journalist appears to be doing right now: to reflect on the decade. So what have the 2010's taught us? 

A slightly better graduation picture?

Some interesting school pictures...

In what I had hoped would be a humbling moment of gratitude, I decided to participate in the 'ten year challenge' photos everyone has been uploading to Instagram. Amongst the funny (yet fearful) photos of my full fringe, side fringe and funky fashion choices, it made me realise condensing ten years worth of activity is a challenge in itself.

The last decade has seen me through the start of secondary school all the way to sixth form, my undergraduate degree and, now, to my master's degree. That's a lot of time for physical growth, as well as mental growth, and I have a lot to be thankful for.

So what are my big takeaways from the 2010's?**

I think it's fair to say the following lessons have been learnt: 

1. Privileged people have the potential to use their power for better or for worse 
2. Social media isn't always social 
3. We should never underestimate the possibility of flared jeans making a comeback 
4. Our climate is in a more precarious position than we predicted. 

(Oh, yes. 5. And that my bangs won't be making a return any time soon.)

On the theme of self-awareness, it would be fair to say I'm often caught in a constant battle of worrying too much about what other people think, focusing on the future rather than appreciating the present, or comparing myself to someone else. 

Yes, it would be great to say I'm going to cull these habits for the next decade, but I'm pretty sure these are all commonplace for your average 12-22 year old. Perhaps even just for your average human. 

It got me thinking about my 2020 vision.

Yeah, it would be great if we could all have this perfect year - with perfect plans, perfect places and perfect people. That's 2020 vision, right? 

But to me, that seems a little unrealistic for your everyday Joe. 2020 for me is not about a perfect vision. It's about balance, perspective and hindsight. About finding the silver lining in every hurdle I face.

As your typical cheesy blogger, it seems a little cliché to admit I made 12 resolutions - one for each month of the year. Amongst some larger goals - like running the Great North Run (yikes!) - I've weaved in some grounding resolutions like avoiding pessimism by practicing gratitude. (Wow, I am corny.)

I realise it's not always easy to look on the bright side, so I'm open to someone giving me a little nudge when I lose sight of my 2020 vision. I encourage you to do the same with others. After all, there seems to be so much negativity in the world that it would be nice to be reminded of the simple pleasures in life. Right?

**Mum has just informed me that my only takeaways have been pizzas and Chinese takeaways lol. Some things never change.