2021 Progression: Stepping Forward, Moving Upward

What a year it has been.

The year 2020 sounded awesome on paper: it was supposed to be the year of perfect vision and a time to recalibrate our focus. But how could you do just that when every single month of the past year turned out to be so shocking, confusing, or disastrous?

Aside from one emotional February morning when I sobbed hard and questioned my existence and life choices, it’s strange that I cannot even remember in detail the other challenging days of 2020. Sure, there were tons of such days last year, but my mind just cannot process all of them anymore. It’s good, though, that I documented some personal moments through blogs, journal entries, photos (lots of selfies), and some short videos. I can easily go back to those times if I want to.

But what’s the point of looking back on such a devastating 2020? Many people have clamored for 2021 to come. And now, we are already in that year!

REALITY CHECK: The turn of the calendar does not instantly and miraculously cancel the ravaging crisis.

The Colors of the Year 2021 are Ultimate Gray and Illuminating, a union that “expresses a message of positivity supported by fortitude,” according to Pantone.

I’d been contemplating how I got past 2020. Sure, there had been pivotal moments but they all led to one belief that I have lived on since early 2015, when I confronted a major career setback:

“There is no way to go but forward and upward.”

At that time, the idea of relocating to China was still a pipe dream. “Malay mo, baka doon nga ako mapunta?” (“Who knows, [China] might be my next destination?” in Filipino), I told one of my best friends who was with me during that downbeat moment. Still, I was resolute because I trusted I would be in a better place if I believe in myself and continue moving.

That very same belief has become one of the resounding reminders that I can get through hardships as long as I keep my impetus going. It is a simple statement that conveys a feeling of positive movement. It is just like fuel to propel a rocket to greater heights. Sometimes, I even wonder if that direction will lead me to Mars, because what can be higher than Earth?

But hey, that’s too far! The dream, though, became real!

The year 2020 happened to be my fifth anniversary of living in China. I had truly wanted this occasion to be momentous, eventful, and life-changing. 2020 simply did not disappoint.

Now, I understand why it is worthwhile to reflect on the past year. It is to see how far I have gone despite the uncertainties. It is to honor my younger self and how he endured, survived, and bounced forward from adversities. Because even if 2020 was tough, I was tougher. It helped that I began the year by focusing on what matters and trying to keep my inner peace.

Even if 2020 was tough, we were tougher.

It’s 2021 and to me, it sounds like a progression of some sort. I picture this year as a step higher or an increase in level, perhaps. Sure, we can count “20 — 21 — 22” and so on when we go downstairs. But we aren’t doing that this year, right?

But again, we are tougher. It is not innocent optimism, a hollow call, a toxic-positive view, or pretentious hopefulness. The circumstances of the past year did not subdue our human spirit. So even if this year turns out to be a stranger, more lethal, and more absurd sibling of 2020, we will overcome the challenges as long as we keep our impetus going.

Here’s to a year of stepping forward and moving upward together.

Happy 2021, everyone!