My 2020 so far…

It’s been a weird year. 

We’re almost halfway through this dumpster fire that is 2020, so now is as good a time as any to reflect. In case you were curious, here’s what I’ve been up to this year:

  • Got a new job
  • Read: 
  • Did stand up comedy back when that was still a thing
  • Built a raised vegetable garden bed
  • Bought a record player 
  • Drafted a radio story about young stroke survivors 
  • Completed two puzzles, successfully framed one of them
  • Started going to therapy!
  • Stopped wearing makeup 
  • Learned how to French braid 
  • Baked a lot of banana bread 
  • Started writing a new book 
  • Recorded a podcast episode about the coronavirus and its impact on the brain 
  • Watched Tiger King, Ozark, The Bachelor, Love is Blind, Love Island, and Outlander
  • Built a bookshelf
  • Deleted dating apps from my phone 
  • Went to two peaceful marches to honor George Floyd, one of which was estimated to be the largest protest for civil rights in history 
  • Celebrated Taco Tuesday every single week of quarantine 
  • Submitted to an audio journalism award
  • Got rejected for a TED Talk
  • Was selected to perform at a theater festival for solo performers 
  • Donated to Australian bushfires and Black Lives Matter campaigns 
  • Turned 28 and celebrated on a Zoom call 
  • Told a stranger I had a crush on them
  • Bought patio furniture 
  • Somehow avoided getting coronavirus (so far anyway…)
  • Gained a few pounds 
  • Went to the Women’s March
  • Visited Seattle and Atlanta
  • Taught online writing classes 
  • Saw Steve Buscemi on a subway 
  • Went to the dog park a lot 
  • Reckoned with my white privilege 
  • Shook Ira Glass’s hand at a podcast conference 
  • Downloaded Tik Tok
  • Signed a copy of my book to a stranger and left it in a library box 
  • Facetimed with friends and dogs
  • Became a valued customer at the local wine store
  • Got a CrockPot
  • Took an Enneagram Test 
  • Battled anxiety 
  • Taken a lot of naps 

When I look back at this list, I consider how lucky I am. To be alive, to still have a job, and to live in a state where history is taking place literally in my backyard.

Some of these things feel like they happened years ago. Every month of quarantine has felt like a lifetime. 2020 has aged us. I am exhausted and afraid for the future every time I look at the news. But I am also hopeful. Hopeful that change is upon us all and that this year is not “canceled” but rather a year of growth for us all. 

While few can argue that this season of humanity really sucks and we’d like a word with the writer’s responsible for the ridiculous plot lines that have become our lives, we each have an opportunity to build this world up again. With love, standing up for what is right, and taking care of ourselves too. 

Take stock of your 2020. You’re doing the best you can.

About the Author:

Mimi Hayes

Mimi is an NYC-based author, comedian, and podcaster. A former high school teacher, she perfected her stage presence by being bullied by teenagers. She is an advocate for mental health and finding humor in everyday trauma.

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