Dear Future Self,

The year 2020 was a challenging road full of twists and turns. The urge of swerving off the street was constantly gnawing the back of my head. I’ve always been taught to embrace that life is a winding road full of wrong twists and turns. However, 2020 pushed my limits on how much I could endure before being able to drive on smooth road.

I hope you never get back to this point again, the point where you’re forced to cover your mouth to ensure your parents don’t hear you choke back your tears. I know it’s easy to get to your dark place and never want to return, but it gets better. I promise. Just remember that it’s okay to confide in someone if this does happen again. You aren’t alone. Online school did not make life any easier; it made it harder to confide in them as I could only see them through a screen. On the bright side, it revealed to me who my true friends were. Take notice of when your “friends” began to show their true colors and always remember that it is okay to drop those friends. The bond you once had has now changed and it’s better for both sides to leave before the good memories begins to get tarnished by the bad memories. Additionally, never be scared to forgive people and give them a second chance. Just be careful on who you give a second chance to; they may break your trust again. Surround yourself with people containing good qualities as it is better to be alone than surround yourself with terrible company.

2020 was not all thunderstorms and clouds, however. Despite all the roadblocks I went through, I would never want to redo my 2020 year. The life lessons I’ve learned and people I’ve met outweigh the hardships. I got to meet amazing people I never would have gotten the chance to if we did not have online school. I was able to discover myself and no longer depend on others for my happiness. Furthermore, I become more grateful and appreciative of everything around me: a roof over my head, a loving family, and caring friends.

If you are ever feeling lonely again and can feel yourself reentering the darkness, just remember that Larry (my dog) will be more than willing to listen.

Best Regards,

Quarantine Me