What are you most looking forward to this year? And why does it still feels like we’re in 2020?! It’s been a bumpy start. The UK is in another lockdown, as a new and extremely contagious strain of Covid-19 was discovered.
On top of that, America had more growing problems, as Trump rioters swarmed the Capitol. We’re not even two weeks into January and I can already tell it’s going to be a very long year…
But with that being said, what is the bright side of 2021? The new year is full of anticipation and promise. With the hopes that this world will return to some level of normality, there are a few things we should be excited for:
1. Social gatherings. As much as I love being indoors, I miss being able to go out and be around crowds of people. Concerts, clubs, bars, restaurants. The list goes on. Even going to the gym, something I took for granted in the past. Some countries don’t know how fortunate they are to still be functioning and keep the virus under control, because the UK is struggling to handle this.
2. No more masks. If other countries can be virus free then the UK can too right? Although I can’t lie, wearing a mask this winter is so conveniently warm! Yes it serves a purpose, but some could argue that is redundant. (But I won’t go into that). I look forward to the day we are told masks are no longer necessary.
3. Coughing in public. I know you miss it too. I miss the freedom to cough and not feel judged like there is something wrong with me! The funny looks and stares. Do I cough in my mask or cough in my hand? Should I drink water or should I cough it out? All very stressful and unnecessary.
4. Going on holiday, restriction free. Many people are happy to travel during a pandemic and I would be too if it wasn’t for all the rules that are in place. I’d feel guilty knowing I’m travelling from border to border only for a week of sun and relaxation. Is it worth it? Probably. Probably not. It would be ideal to get away but the thought of all the restrictions ruin it for me. Doing swab tests, temperature checks, wearing a mask, (especially in a hot climate) and then self-isolating all seems a bit much. And this is the perfect time to save money, so I’d rather stay in and make the most of my solitude while I can.
5. End of lockdown. I am patiently waiting for the UK lockdown to be lifted. So far it’s only until mid February. By the looks of things, it will go on until March and then so on and so forth. This is a road we’ve been down before. If lockdowns aren’t working then the government needs to find a solution that will. Vaccines? Only God knows.
6. Birthdays. We have to celebrate what we can! Whether it be a big or small celebration, we should be thankful that we have made it to another year, despite the year it’s been.
7. Trump out of office. I know I’m ready for a change and I’m not even from the US…
8. No more social distancing. The day this happens will be very special. I honestly don’t know if 2021 will be the year but we have to have hope! In fairness, it is nice when people keep to themselves. But I know that a lot of loved ones are missing their families. So it’s something that needs to fix up as soon as possible!
9. Sports events. There are so many competitions and events that were pushed back to this year; the Olympics, Euros, Wimbledon, Africa Cup of Nations and many more. The world looks forward to a lot of these but I wonder, will they actually go ahead or will it be another year of waiting?
10. Christmas. Due to last years’ last minute tier implementations, spending Christmas with loved ones who weren’t in your household was sadly taken away from many. Thank you Boris Johnson. For months, many of us were doing our best, complying to the rules in the hopes Christmas would be our reward. But we were disappointed. If you were one of the lucky ones who got to see friends and family last year then you know just how valuable those moments were. Hopefully by the end of this year it will be more promising 😉
So, what are most looking forward to this year? I’m looking forward to a life that was made for living, not for complying. So 2021 please be good to us!
-Seraphina
Words By Seraphina 