Australian bushfires, the imminent threat of World War III, the coronavirus, the deaths of Kobe Bryant and George Floyd and the murder hornet infestation are just scratching the surface of the tragedies that made up 2020. The political divide has only gotten worse, and fear is rampant in the streets. Though it sounds like the start of a bad apocalypse movie, this is real life and many are calling it the worst year ever. Senior Addisyn Epps is glad 2020 is ending.

   “I feel like 2020 was like decades long,” Epps said. “Everything has just been a Dumpster fire this year.” 

  The best part of 2020 for Epps was being able to go back to school and see others after months of being in quarantine. However, she experienced a lot of confusion when the COVID-19 pandemic began. Junior Dallin Attwool had a similar experience with 2020.

   “2020 has, of course, been a challenge for all of us, but I think Nixa has done a great job of persevering,” Attwool said.

  While Attwool got a new job in 2020 and was able to save money for his future, his tennis season was cancelled and he had to watch his older sister move out of the house again.

   Though 2020 was generally rough, Springfield-based life and positive change coach Amy Anfinson feels different about 2020.

   “I had a good year but I know some people haven’t,” Anfinson said. “The worst part of 2020 was the stopping of physical connections between people.”

  Anfinson was able to slow down in 2020. This allowed her to give positive insight to her clients. Even though Epps and Attwool didn’t enjoy 2020, that doesn’t mean they didn’t take positive things out of it.

   “[The year]2020 has made me realize how much I appreciate my friends and being able to just physically be around others. It also has given me insight into how everything is connected and people can be flexible if needed,” Attwool said.

   Epps was also able to take out valuable lessons from her bad experience in 2020.

   “… 2020 was one of those things where it was awful, but you learn and grow from it,” Epps said.

   Continuing to live is the strongest act of rebellion against a damaging time period and staying positive in tumultuous situations is crucial to one’s mental health and well-being, Anfinson said.

   “I have a belief that when you get your perspective and your thoughts aligned that the better it gets the better it gets,” Anfinson said.

   Gratitude is also important in trying times.

   “When we are activating the emotion of appreciation it’s actually the highest state of being we can operate in,” Anfinson said. “When we look at the world and open our hearts we can see things from a higher perception and we are living in an abundant universe and there are resources to help us.”

   Take time to appreciate the little things whether it be the jingle of a washing machine finishing its cycle or the sight of the setting sun.

   “It is important to be thankful even for bad times because having an attitude of gratitude precipitates an attitude of happiness and love,” Attwool said.

   Though a positive perspective can be taken from a generally negative period of time, some people still find themselves struggling with the pain 2020 has caused them.

   “My advice to them would be to meditate and wake up every morning with a grateful heart,” Anfinson said. “If you are open to receive good things in your life, it is amazing to see what can unfold.”

   Fortunately, the year is coming to an end and 2021 becomes closer every day. While New Year’s resolutions are often made around the end of the year, 2020 has brought a new light to self-improvement.

   “My New Year’s resolutions for 2021 will probably be to prioritize education over my employment, begin applying for scholarships and diligently study for all my AP classes,” Atwool said. 

   While prioritizing studies is important to Attwool, Epps feels differently.

   “In 2021 I want to do more to enrich myself,” Epps said. “I want to start doing more things to better myself as a person.”

   While many people are excited about the beginning of 2021 there are some important things to remember.

   “Don’t stop practicing social distancing or wearing masks as we enter the new year, because this virus isn’t going to magically disappear soon,” Attwool said.

   The pandemic has not ended and many issues are continuing to surface. It is not good to forget about these things, but putting too much thought into these can be harmful as well. 

   “Don’t focus too much on fear. When restrictions are put on people, we default to fear when it is important to stay grounded and not let that fear control you,” Anfinson said.

   Better times are coming, and there is much to look forward to as the new year rolls in.

   “I’m looking forward to graduation as well as new advances in science so we can understand the virus better and hopefully put an end to it,” Epps said.

   Attwool is also looking forward to the new and hopefully good things coming with 2021.   “In 2021, I am looking forward to hopefully being on varsity tennis and becoming a senior,” Attwool said.

   More tough years will come, that is inevitable in the whirlwind of life. However gratitude and a positive outlook are crucial tools to becoming a better person. 2020 will forever be known as a historically awful year, and people can only hope 2021 will be better. However, having a little bit of hope can go a long way.

   “It is important to know that the world is a beautiful abundant place and if you shine your flashlight towards the good and you intentionally look for the good, it will attract more in your life,” Anfinson said. “There are so many good people and opportunities, but we have to start with yourself and find the inner peace within yourself first.”