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2020 was mostly shit, but there were silver linings if you took the time to notice them.
One way I got through this year was by practicing gratitude. Here are a few people, stories, creative works, and experiences that inspired me and made my life better in 2020:
One way I got through this year was by practicing gratitude. Here are a few people, stories, creative works, and experiences that inspired me and made my life better in 2020:
First off, I’m grateful for my health, steady employment, and the love of my family. These are all gifts that I’ve tried my best to cherish, especially during a year when these blessings were not shared by all.
2020 was the year I started seeing a therapist. It’s a decision that has helped me understand myself better than ever before, and confront many of the attitudes and behaviors that have held me back from being the person I want to be. Therapy has changed my life.
This was also a year where I started to take care of my body. I went for longer, quieter walks, meditated, rode my bike, started running, and pushed myself with @onepeloton workouts. I’ve never felt more grateful for my body and what it’s capable of doing.
I’m surrounded by talented, conscientious people at @MensHealthMag. I often threw myself into my work this year, but I was empowered by my teammates and co-conspirators up and down the masthead who challenged me to be bolder and take more risks.
I’m grateful to those who put the needs of their neighbors ahead of their own, staying home and doing their best to control the spread of COVID.
I’m grateful to those who marched in support of racial justice, reproductive rights, trans rights, human rights, and basic dignity.
I’m grateful to those who marched in support of racial justice, reproductive rights, trans rights, human rights, and basic dignity.
Thank you to everyone who helped make @HearstUnion a reality. In a year where we were physically disconnected, the solidarity that came out of forming the largest digital media union in history helped prove we are stronger together.
Music, as always, helped me survive. I could not have gotten through this year without the music of @lauramarlinghq, @RustonKelly, @Thundercat, @springsteen, @taylorswift13, @k_crutchfield, @kevinmorby, @AdrianneLenker, @perfumegenius, @NnamdiOgbonnaya so many others.
In particular, @phoebe_bridgers’s Punisher was such a gift.
To be able to have a conversation with her—because of @MensHealthMag, of all things—was such a wild, unforgettable highlight during an otherwise difficult year. Thanks for your kindness and your art, Phoebe.
To be able to have a conversation with her—because of @MensHealthMag, of all things—was such a wild, unforgettable highlight during an otherwise difficult year. Thanks for your kindness and your art, Phoebe.
I’m grateful to all the artists who participated in the first annual MH FEST to raise money for @NAMICommunicate, including @hissgldnmssr, @sofitukker, @SSPU, @rarariot, @lizaannemusic, @allenstone, and so many more.
I loved getting to see my friends and peers make really great stuff, like this story from @bdwilliams910: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a32893418/martial-arts-coronavirus/
I read pretty much everything @josephlongo_ wrote for @WeAreMel, and it’s impossible to pick one story, but let’s go with this one: https://melmagazine.com/en-us/story/bee-movie-sex-jerry-seinfeld-renee-zellweger
I’m grateful to simply know @_Cooper, who is a mad genius and just a solidly good guy who happens to be one of the main creative forces behind my favorite website, @WeAreMel: https://melmagazine.com
I got to work on many projects alongside @ebenezersamuel, who is a pro’s pro in every respect. Thank you for teaching me so much and being so down to collaborate.
Beyond talking music, movies, and all things pop culture with @EvanRomano this year, I deeply appreciated his profiles, in particular this one featuring Jonathan Majors: https://www.menshealth.com/entertainment/a32825859/jonathan-majors-da-5-bloods-lovecraft-country/
I also have an incredible boss, @mike_darling, who makes everything I do better and is my tireless ally and advocate.
Wow, and I’m also so grateful that @tatianatenreyro created Quarantine Emo Night, which was some of the most fun I had all of 2020.
One writer I kept coming back to is fellow Hoboken resident @mtedder, who is now also my friend. He wrote so many good things, but this was a standout for me: https://www.theringer.com/tv/2020/4/15/21221527/what-we-do-in-the-shadows-interview-season-two
I also read basically everything @HexPositive wrote this year, including this: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/bad-bunny-cover-story-lockdown-puerto-rico-new-albums-996871/
I continued to stan @amandapetrusich. Read this lovely piece if you haven’t already: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2020/10/19/adrianne-lenkers-radical-honesty
I started subscribing to @delia_cai’s Deez Links in 2020, and it made each day better. It was something to look forward to in my inbox, created by a delightful person with so much talent. https://deezlinks.substack.com
I also started listening to @replyall religiously, combing the archive for old episodes as I replaced my morning commute with my morning walk. Thank you, @PJVogt, @AGoldmund, @sruthiri, and everyone else for being companions on those restorative strolls.
Thank you, @JeffProbst, for SURVIVOR. I got super super obsessed this year and this show was so important to my well-being (and thanks to @_mikeferrante for the expert guidance and analysis).
Grateful for @SocialTeesNYC and all the organizations that rescue animals. I spent more time with my best friend Murphy than I had his entire life, and if that’s not a 2020 silver lining, I don’t know what is.
I couldn’t be more grateful for @jordynhtaylor, one of the most intelligent, hilarious, compassionate people I’ve ever met. She wasn’t just my co-pilot at MH—she published a damn a book...and has another on the way! https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-paper-girl-of-paris-jordyn-taylor
My relationship with my wife, Erin, who is not on Twitter because she is smarter than the rest of us, got stronger and deeper in 2020. Should you ever sign on to this hellsite and read this, thank you for being you and letting me be me.
Thank you to every single person who reached out, checked in, shared something funny or sad or challenging or joyful, and lived in spite of 2020’s many obstacles. Your friendship and love is what got me to today, and it’s what will propel me forward in 2021.
