Why There Is Still Hope, In What Seems Like A Hopeless World
By Daniela Cantillo
2020 has somehow flown by, and it will sure be an easy one to remember. With a pandemic that changed the course of our foreseeable future and a fiery political climate, it’s easy to lose hope. If you’re feeling it, the frustration is normal. For me, personally, the year began with a sense of denial - a fruitless resistance against a pill that was hard to swallow: there’d be no “going back to normal” anytime soon. There were times throughout the quarantine where I often felt like the space around me wasn’t enough to handle all of my conflicting emotions. The days started blending together, and it was difficult to find motivation. As if it weren’t enough, the universe decided to spike our first pandemic experience with a series of events none of us were ready for. In an already broken political system, tensions are rising even more. We have reached a crucial point for our country’s political future - a time that seemed far away four years ago. With everything going on, it’s hard not to feel at least somewhat anxious. On the other hand, I think it’s worth feeling thankful and privileged to have a roof over my head, and that my loved ones are safe and healthy.
Despite feeling the weight of this rollercoaster of a year, I understand my privilege. I also do have hopes for the future, and have slowly been slipping back into my positive spirits. Yes - a year many of us had high hopes for has become even more difficult to come to terms with. However, many heartfelt talks with friends and family have shown me that, despite such chaotic times, hope has not entirely left us. These trying times of shock, confusion, and anxiety have also presented an opportunity to stop and reflect. Creativity and art are somehow blooming like flowers after a long winter. Honest, open, and frankly intimidating dialogue is happening all around us - touching on important matters that we care about. Together, we have begun to cherish those close to us - and hopefully learned not to take our own wellbeing for granted. Opportunities for compassion, mutual understanding, and social change are all among us. I have to admit it - part of me feels excited to see what the future has in store.
I’m personally in awe and proud of how creatives have responded to the challenges posed by the pandemic. Many cities have enjoyed public art efforts to lift morale and add a much needed reminder that, though we’re not in the same boat, we’re all navigating rough waters. And together, we’ve all managed to make it this far.
Being stuck at home, though a privilege, has forced many of us to reevaluate, reflect, and recharge. I feel that, in an odd way, this has prompted a wave of creativity and vulnerability where people feel less afraid to put their creative work out there. I definitely recognize the healing powers of art, and appreciate what it can do for us as individuals and as communities.
Devastating events and horrible crimes against humanity have paved the way for civil unrest. The disappointment, frustration, and heartbreak are palpable. Much needs to change, and we’re clearly all tired of simply talking about it and hoping for the best. Awareness is being spread, those who would otherwise remain silent are speaking out, and voices are finally being heard. The conversations happening are uncomfortable, but no sustainable change is possible without those. We’ve also (hopefully) realized that, no matter what our beliefs and philosophies may be, we are all just human beings trying to cope and adapt to the same new reality. I see potential for growth and opportunities to understand each other - or at least have open dialogue. I see potential to generate social change by doing our part - whether that is standing up for what we believe in, supporting a cause that matters to us, or having the courage to learn important things we don’t fully understand.
This is incredibly cliché, but also undeniably true: compassion is a habit, and we can all learn to cultivate it. Understanding our own privilege can get us questioning how much we give back, and how much we actually practice all the kindness that we preach. Let’s take a second to practice gratitude for the blessings we are still able to enjoy, and let’s make it our responsibility to uplift each other’s spirits wherever possible - it really does go a long way.
Again - I’m not saying things have been easy. Many among us have lost family members. People are losing their jobs. Our mental health may or may not have suffered a blow here and there. Coming to terms with the new normal has come with a huge learning curve, but it’s definitely something we can all learn from. I’m truly proud of you for having weathered this storm, and I know that you will come out of it stronger, braver, and more ready to take on the world than ever.
Let’s do it together!
There are always flowers for those who want to see them.”-Henri Matisse