2020 was something no one ever expected or could have imagined and challenged everyone in many different ways. From cancellations, to zoom, to full households, to a complete change of pace and routine. Everyone’s lives changed and everything we knew became different. Mental health was severely challenged and all coping mechanisms became compromised. Navigating day to day in 2020 became a challenge all in itself. For me, I was at an all-time high early 2020, I had just turned 21, was thriving in my junior year of college, was writing my own book and then all of a sudden everything came to a screeching halt within about 3 days. I was devastated by so many cancelations and postponements (which turned into cancellations) but remained hopeful until I finally realized that our “friend” ( a term I’m using very lightly) Rona was sticking around waaay longer than anyone had anticipated or wanted. My college decided to go full remote for the fall semester which was probably the safest option but I was devastated to learn my senior year would be spent at home. I was faced with so many tough decisions but ultimately decided to defer my senior year and spend my time teaching, dancing, and essentially working on me. This decision was major and changed the course of my future and all the life plans I have had set up for myself for years (I am a major planner). But I know I made the right decision and I am not the same human, dancer, or teacher I was 9 months ago and I couldn’t be happier, more motivated or sure of myself and my decisions.
2020 was soo many things but looking back on it, growth is the best way I can describe it. I was challenged in so many ways, learned new things, struggled a lot, failed a few times, and found new perspectives on so much. I implemented many new healthy habits such as a love for working out, eating healthy and living a balanced lifestyle. Understanding what fuels my body best and how much stronger I feel inside and outside the dance studio has made me a better human, dancer, and teacher. Having a long healthy career in my art form has always been important to me but I never understood it the way I do now. I am still learning and this will be an ongoing journey but I am open to learning now.. and of course, truly understanding the importance of friendship, family, and loving what you do was a big takeaway from the year and has become the fuel behind everything going forward.
Going into 2021 I know not much in the world is going to change when the clock strikes midnight but we are moving forward and can begin to be more hopeful for normalcy coming soon (I am dying for the day to sit in a theatre and watch dancers on stage in person!!) but I do not want to forget 2020 and everything it brought me, even the bad stuff. I want to continue the healthy habits and lifestyle changes I have created for myself. Everything I have learned this past year has made me a stronger person and better equipped for a career in the arts. I have always believed that everything happens for a reason and this is no different. This year showed us all how to slow down and emphasized what is important and what actually matters to us.
I am confident that I am exactly where I am supposed to be in my life in this moment.
I am excited that 2020 brought me here to this blog and I am so excited to grow further as a writer, teacher, dancer, and person with you all. Until I was approached about writing my book, around this time last year, I never gave writing much thought. But I loved every minute of writing my book. I loved researching, reading, conversating, and ultimately writing about myself and the things I am passionate about. And thus, the idea of a lifestyle blog bloomed. In this blog it is my goal to share experiences about important aspects of my life; dance, fitness, health, art and a balanced lifestyle. Incorporating reflection over the past year has truly changed my life and I want nothing more to continue learning and growing from my experiences and conversations with others. Thank you reading all the way to the end, I love and appreciate your support
Thank you 2020…. Cheers to 2021 !
Xo Bailey
I loved every word of this!! I am so happy to see you’re still thriving even if it’s not the way you thought. Miss you!