2020 in a (yummy) nutshell

2020 has been a whopping mess for most of us. It seems like this past year has exacerbated all the latent tensions that have been developing in society for years. Lack of healthcare, Lack of job security, racial discrimination, political corruption, plain old human selfishness, fake news, police brutality. Trust me - THE LIST GOES ON. 2020 seems to keep throwing those punches…

But as an avid Disney fan, the wise words of the Emperor of Disney’s 1998 Mulan has been a subtle but powerful motivator through this time.

“The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.”

Truer words have never been spoken. To that end, I’ve decided to compile a list of just a few of the flowers that have bloomed this year. In tragic times, thankfulness and positivity are more valuable than any of us can fully conceptualise, so I’m excited to share some of the good news I’ve found.

More Lonely Animals are getting homes - Animal shelters internationally are reporting that more people are fostering animals during this time. With more people at home, dealing with confinement, people have been turning to animals to help take their minds off of world events. So basically, adorable little pups and kitties who would have been either euthanised or inhumanly caged are being adopted into loving families all over the world.

We’ve seen the best in each other - Companies, who’s main goals have been profit, have come together to provide services for those in need. Apple has gathered resources to create masks at cheap prices. Perfume companies and Distilleries like Givenchy and Old Fourth Distillery have began making hand sanitisers due to the international shortage. On top of that, over 80k employers in the Uk have actually returned their Furlough Scheme payments due to the fact that…they just didn’t need it and they didn’t want to further drain the economy.

Drive in theatres are making a comeback - My city has housed a large dilapidated Drive in theatre when I was growing up. It had initially closed some time in the 90’s for renovation and just never re-opened. I would fondly stare at the dilapidated theatre and sigh dramatically as we drove past. As a millennial myself I feel like I just completely missed the Drive In date era. The idea of clutching to my Dany Zuko in a top down convertible while we watch some tragically outdated horror flick has always been one of my secret fantasies. Now I finally have the chance to clinch my waistline, done a tailored petticoat and exaggerate my two left feet with a shocking rendition of the Jitterbug.

The way we work is changing - For years differently abled people have been passed off for jobs due to the ‘impracticality’ of working from home. We’ve all seen now, that’s not true. Quarantine has forced us to learn that work can be done in a variety of different ways, by different types of people. No one needs to meet the general 9/5 work week model. Additionally, third world countries are being forced to enter a more technically advanced age. Many have adopted new methods of schooling, working and communication - that may not have happened so soon otherwise. We’re literally been forced to progress.

Companies are releasing secret recipes- I’ll just admit it upfront, when I watch Disney movies I’m always craving the animated meals they depict. So when I saw that Disney released Tiana’s famous beignets from The Princess and the frog I was hyped. Not only that, McDonalds, Pret A Manger and Taco Bell have all released or endorsed recipe alternatives for those of us who have been stuck at home. A bit cheeky, but I’m keen to be able to make these for like half the price in my own kitchen.

People of Colour are being more socially included - Even if in just trivial ways, any progress is progress. Crayola launched a box of ‘skin colour’ crayons with the hope that kids can ‘accurately colour themselves in the world’. BandAid is releasing a range of lighter and darker coloured bandages. During Quarentine books like “How to be an Antiracist” have topped USA Today’s best selling list for weeks, showing the general public’s urge to be inclusive. And more personally, my local SuperDrug stopped placing the black hair products are the bottom level in displays.

Bras and pants are optional now - Well, only for those of us who aren’t essential. I can tell you with 100% honestly that I’ve not worn a pair of pants in any of the Zoom calls I’ve been part of. Quick suggestion, turn your camera away before you stand up because it’s better for everyone if we can still pretend we’re being professionals.

People have become more empathetic to the other - I’m not denying we’ve seen a rise in the opposite, but sometimes you just have to let the pendulum swing to find it’s centre. Protestors of every shape, size, race, age have been out to use their voice for the better even when they’re not necessarily standing up for themselves. We’re moving away from division and the idea of us against them, even if it’s taking a while. Even the celebrity, who tends to stay away from controversial debate, has made more effort to use her voices for what she believes in (good or bad).

We’re holding each other accountable - Cancel culture is toxic, but unending influencer/politician cuddling and turning blind eyes to wrong doings is immoral. There’s been a massive cry for transparency, truth and justice in 2020. Youtubers are being finally held accountable for years of blatant racism, world leaders are being outed by social media outlets when they bend the truth and I just know that a lot of racist grandparents were very uncomfortable by the conversation at the thanksgiving table this year. Cheers!

It’s almost Christmas - Whether you’re zooming, going to meet family or just hanging out with your pets this Christmas - remember to fully embody the moment and be thankful for the good in it. If this year has thought me anything, it’s to acknowledge the good before it disappears.

The world will always have it’s pain points. Remember, like the great Aaron Burr (Leslie Odom Jr) so eloquently put in the Hamilton musical, you’re the one thing in live you can controool. Keep your heads up and there’ll always be more flowers blooming. Remember, you create your reality. Happy Holidays!