No, we’re not kidding. There really was some great stuff that came out of 2020. And we’re not saying that just because our glasses are always half-full. If there’s a year for perspective and a reset, this was it. You have lived through it, and if you’re reading this, you have survived. And with all the messages we have received from you this year, it’s apparent that many of you have thrived. During the last few days of 2020, let’s take a look at all the best of this memorable, unique year.
No, we’re not kidding. There really was some great stuff that came out of 2020. And we’re not saying that just because our glasses are always half-full. If there’s a year for perspective and a reset, this was it. You have lived through it, and if you’re reading this, you have survived. And with all the messages we have received from you this year, it’s apparent that many of you have thrived. During the last few days of 2020, let’s take a look at all the best of this memorable, unique year.
- Work has changed, maybe forever.
Zoom just rocked it this year. It may have taken a bit to get a system down to work from home, but it is sure nice not to have to commute every day. This 2020 has proven that you can effectively work out of the office, and non-value added face time is not necessary. Yes of course we are creatively better together and this year was about keeping lights on versus breaking new boundaries, but you may not need to report everyday in person, even when we are on the other side of this.
- Cleaner air. At least temporarily.
Air travel was down up to 80% at points this year and lockdowns had factory closures, less cars on the road and all the culprits of air pollution temporarily reduced. harmful nitrogen dioxide emmissons were down. In Delhi, which has some of the most polluted air in the world, emmissions were reduced 70% by the strict lockdowns. The earth had a chance to regenerate.
- U.S. elections.
Regardless of where you are on the political spectrum in the US, a historic number of voters – over 155 million people – voted this year. And while it looked a little touch and go there for a few days, and even with this ongoing silliness that has been given the reduced airtime it deserves,, our democracy has held. It may be a little bruised, but our country will heal and come back stronger than ever.
- Frontline workers – here’s to you.
We will never forget the nurses, doctors, teachers, Amazon workers, grocery delivery, restaurant workers and all those who went to work everyday to fill our 150+ online orders this year. You are the heroes of this pandemic. It still brings a tear to the eye to think of the first time we heard the clanging of pots and pans every 7pm to honor you.
- Artists gave concerts online.
A huge shout out to Chris Martin, John Legend, the cast of Hamilton and all the artists who performed online for us, during the toughest and longest stretch of the lockdown. You were cheer for many who were struggling during this challenging year.
- Taylor Swift released two albums.
Clearly, someone was inspired this year. We love you Taylor, always and forever.
- We have the first black Bachelor.
Yes, we are huge fans of The Bachelor, and for the first time in awhile, we have someone we are excited to cheer for, and someone who looks like he’s going to deliver on the most dramatic season yet. And wow he is pretty easy on the eyes. And super accomplished. Thank you to the Bachelor franchise for giving us something to look forward to on network television again.
- Your kids are closer than ever.
This is lifetime stuff that happened this pandemic, and without the distraction of friends, activities and life in general, your kids hunkered down and leaned on each other. It’s been pretty awesome to see how close siblings have grown, and one of the most beautiful parts of the pandemic.
- You’ve evaluated what you want out of life.
The pandemic made it ok to want to get out of the rat race, leave the city and find something simpler. Some of you have hopped in a car and taken that break with family to live somewhere new while we’re not required to be at work everyday. Some of you have left jobs that were not making you happy. And some of you stayed exactly where you are, because the pandemic has reinforced how much you love your life, and how you are exactly where you should be. Thank you, 2020 for this chance.
- The world collaborated and we have a vaccine.
It normally takes 5 years or longer to develop a vaccine, but with the whole world collaborating and governmental red tape set aside, in a record time, we have a vaccine. And at press time, almost 1 million Americans have been vaccinated. So much respect to our researchers who tirelessly worked this year, and a special shout out to Dolly Parton who funded $1 million out of her own pocket to vaccine research early on. Is there anything she can’t do?
- Dolly Parton. Please see #10 above.
- The first thing you want to do when we’re out of this – travel.
We heard you loud and clear on this one. We’re right there with you, and can’t wait to be back in the world, doing our charitable works, climbing mountains, learning about new cultures, and inspiring and being inspired by you. Wishing you all the best this 2021 and beyond.
