Hindsight is 2020…

My reflections on the past year and hopes for 2021 and beyond

They say that hindsight is 2020, meaning that it’s easier to analyse and evaluate situations when we’re looking back on them than when they are happening. As we say goodbye to the trials and tribulations of 2020, I wanted to share what I’ve learnt from this unforgettable year and think about how these lessons will help me in 2021 and years to come.

Clearly 2020 was dominated by the pandemic and the devastating global tragedy that we saw unfolding daily before our eyes. My heart goes out to those who lost loved ones to the terrible Covid-19 disease and I am in complete awe of the medics and frontline workers who put their lives on the line to help others. Yet, in the midst of the first lockdown in Spring, when we were all hiding away, it was heartwarming to see that we started to look out for each other. We called up people we’d fallen out of touch with and asked them how they were ‘really’ feeling. And they in turn opened up. It became ok to say that you weren’t coping well and to share our fears and anxieties and let other help. We were kinder to each other and we all benefitted.

Despite the worst circumstances, we saw the best of human nature, with millions helping their neighbours, volunteering and showing gratitude to the NHS. Before a vaccine was anywhere near ready, we’d started to cure each other. With national hero Captain Tom showing us that at the tender age of 100, it’s never too late to make a profound difference.

Then of course there were the global protests at the death of George Floyd. When I heard of his murder, and that of Ahmaud Arbery at around the same time, I remember feeling dismay at how little had changed since Rodney King’s near fatal beating at the hands of police nearly 30 years ago. Innocent black men are still being assaulted and killed and are often denied justice too. But then, suddenly, this time things started to feel different.

The horrific and public nature of George Floyd’s death provoked global demands that things MUST change. As a result, it became acceptable to talk about race. So for the first time ever, I opened up and talked to friends and colleagues about how racism had affected me. Some were difficult conversations with those who I felt had unconscious biases. And it might be surprising to hear that some of my conversations were with people of colour. Racism, like all systems of oppression, is complex and all too often its victims are complicit in its perpetuation. But things are improving, slowly. Real change will, of course, take time, after all, it took hundreds of years for the world to become so messed up, so it may take generations to really see meaningful change. However, it does feel like in 2020 we took a very important step.

In French, they say that 2020 was ‘une année jumelle’ which means ‘a twin year’, and that as such strange things are to be expected. 2020 saw both deep tragedy and tremendous opportunity. I learnt that only by taking care of ourselves and one another and by being open and authentic can we really change the world. These lessons will guide me in 2021, not only personally but professionally too. In my personal life, I’ve battled with periods of profound sadness and feelings of inadequacy because my life hasn’t worked out the way that I’d hoped. This year, I’ll endeavour to be more open about my struggles and mental health and to prioritise self-care.

And professionally, the EduKit wellbeing mobile app we developed with our schools will empower children to improve their wellbeing and to be friends and allies to their peers. Via the app, they’ll be able to tell their stories and speak out about causes that are important to them. We’ll give children a voice and the means to be heard.

I am sure that most of us are happy to see the back of 2020, however we shouldn’t lose sight of the good that we saw and the progress that we made. Here’s to a 2021 where we can truly reach new heights….together.