2020 has been quite the rollercoaster. This year started out wonderfully with everyone making fun plans for the year, but little did we all know that a global pandemic was on its way to destroy every plan we had in mind. It's been a whirlwind of emotions for pretty much every human being around the world. There have been a lot of terrible moments, but some good ones as well.
I'd love to share five things that I loved about 2020. I realize how fortunate I am to even be able to say that, considering that more than 400,000 Americans have died due to the pandemic, but I want to take a few minutes to let go of the bad and focus on the good in 2020. Here are five fantastic things that I'll remember about 2020:
We finally started appreciating frontline workers
For years, doctors, nurse, truck drivers, and so many more frontline workers have not been getting the recognition that they rightfully deserve. They have been overlooked for a long time, but in the midst of the pandemic, they continued to show up for us. They have risked their lives repeatedly and their sacrifices deserve to be praised long after this pandemic ends. There are not enough kinds words that I can say about all of the frontline workers. Next time you see one, be sure to say, "Thank you" for everything that they did in 2020.
Drive-in movies became popular again
Drive-in movies are nowhere near as important as frontline workers, but this was one of my favorite things to happen in 2020. Before this year, I had never been to a drive-in movie theater. As a movie buff, I've always loved going to the theater and in recent years, I've started watching a lot of movies via streaming platforms. Streaming is still the most popular way to watch movies, but the drive-in really thrived in 2020. It's an easy way to have a night out while still being safe.
Accessibility in the workplace became the "norm"
For decades, many people with disabilities have fought for the ability to work from home. Home is where we have the best accessibility, from our accessible restrooms to kitchens and all of our medical equipment, so it makes sense that for many people with disabilities, home is the best place from which to work. However, companies have denied that privilege to people with disabilities for years, stating that it just wasn't possible. In 2020 though, they learned that it actually is possible! Most people, both able-bodied and disabled, worked from home at some point in 2020 and many still are. Companies are finally seeing not only that it's possible, but much more productive working from home can be.
Road trips became a preferred way to travel
As a travel blogger, I'm used to flying a lot. I typically take at least a couple dozen flights per year, so I'm pretty used to the whole process of flying as a wheelchair user, but that doesn't make it any easier. I still constantly worry about my wheelchair being damaged during flight and using the restroom on a long-haul flight. However, with so many borders closing, flying has slowed way down in 2020 (I haven't flown since February 2020) and road trips have become the preferred way to travel.
I never considered myself a huge fan of road trips before the pandemic because flying takes less time, but I have certainly gained a new appreciation for road trips in 2020. I visited several national parks and places that I never would have visited otherwise, and I learned that road trips really are so much more wheelchair-friendly than flying. I'm not sure when exactly I'll get back on a plane, but to be honest I don't even care because I now love taking road trips! Road trips come with less overall stress, which is very much appreciated during these times.
The value of human connection was understood by everyone
At the beginning of the pandemic, and even still to this day, lockdowns forced us to isolate in our homes without being around family and friends. We also isolated (and still do) to protect ourselves and others. In past years, we've all probably taken family for granted at some point and pushed hanging out with friends, but now we really understand and appreciate how valuable human connection is. Once this pandemic is over with, I think that we will all hug our loved ones a bit tighter and spend more quality time with them. I'm immensely thankful to 2020 for showing me just how valuable the people in my life are. I am more thankful for them than ever before and I can't wait for the day that I can be with them without any restrictions.
As we start 2021, let's not forget all of the good that came from 2020, including the five things above. 2020 undoubtedly changed lives for generations and a lot of it wasn't good, but I do hope that some of 2020's lessons will stick with us.
What was your favorite thing about 2020?
About the Author
After being diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy at the age of two, Cory Lee's thirst for adventure never ceased. He went on many trips around the U.S. when he was younger, and then started taking things internationally when he turned 15. Since then, Cory has traveled to 21 countries across six continents, all while managing to start up his travel blog Curb Free with Cory Lee, where he shares his accessible, and sometimes not-so-accessible travel adventures with others. Cory is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA). He has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, USA Today, in a nationwide segment for CBS News, Lonely Planet, and many others. His blog won the 2017 Best Travel Blog Gold Lowell Thomas Award. He hopes to inspire other wheelchair users to roll out of their comfort zone and see all of the beauty that the world has to offer.
Cory Lee's ride is a Quickie QM-710.
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