The lists of resolutions for the new year have not taken long to appear. Most of them with the same desire. That 2021, for our all sake, behave a little better than its predecessor.
Of course, this year has been one of many changes, uncertainties, fears and regrets. Summarized, it has been pure chaos. But it has also been a year of many lessons, no matter how small they were, that deserve to be acknowledged. Some have been friendly, others have been nasty. But I am sure that each one has been a step in the right direction, in going our way, even if it is a little bent by the blows that 2020 has given us, but always with our head high, looking ahead.
End of years always have that tinge of end of a phase, end of a chapter or even the end of an entire book. And it presents us with the possibility of reexamining the past year, betting on the next one and even having some small wishes for change. For me, the end of the year has always been the perfect time to reread what I have experienced, to stop at those phrases that did not make any sense throughout the year and to keep certain stories where they belong, on a high shelf and out of sight.
While rereading what I wrote last year, I am surprised to see how little and how much everything has changed. I am still the same, but different. Learning and unlearning, repeating the same mistakes and taking giant steps in the right direction.
You, 2020, I am going to thank you for a few things, but above all, I am going to be grateful for everything I have learned this year and for the people who have walked this path with me, sometimes a little rocky and unstable, but always looking ahead.
Family and good friends are the essential foundation for everything you want to do. Also, the unconditional support for when you do not have the courage or the strength to do anything. Life is letting go and letting in. There is no time better invested than when you take care of your people. Reading and writing are one of the best things humankind has. Waking up, looking in the mirror, and smiling will change your day. Also, saying good morning to strangers. We have come to this life to love, and if you have not yet found whom to love, keep looking. Love is not overrated, and neither are relationships. Elegance is not caprice or ostentation, it is the simplicity of taking advice, admiration of the qualities of others and the proper use of goods. Pride will take everything and leave you with nothing. The basis of a good relationship will always be completely open and sincere communication, even if, when the moment of truth has come, you feel like a complete idiot. Magic exists, but only those with woken eyes will see it. There is nothing tackier than taking things very seriously. There will be songs that you will not be able to listen to for a while, but little by little, they will return to you. At the crossroad between freedom and creativity resides happiness. No dream is crazy enough for making you stop dreaming. Wine, pleasure and mystery in a glass. Drink it as if there were no more bottles, because in vino veritas. Always choose to love more. When you don't understand something and when it's not up to you to change it, trust in Him. Over time, everything will start to make sense, and time will heal almost everything. Worry a little less and live a little more. When there is no answer, read Tiny Beautiful Things. Avocado toast is a delicacy that should be enjoyed at any time of the day. Just like ice cream and cheese. Better if they are artisan. For those who believe, no proof is necessary, but for those who do not believe, no proofs are sufficient. In nature, all answers are found. The real pleasure is in the little things: making a cup of coffee, enjoying the sunshine on the terrace, reading in bed in the morning. Almost everything that needs to be known can be found in Elogio de la quietud, by Cuartango. You can never have too many books. Being alone and feeling lonely are two completely different things. The first, very necessary; the second, to be avoided. There are two ways of living: as if nothing were a miracle, or as if everything were a miracle (Albert Einstein). Buy less, but buy better. The opportunities that you thought were completely far from your ideal, can begin to transform into it. The best ideas always arise while walking. Draw them in by the way you live (Saint Augustine). It is better to offer no excuse than to provide a bad one. Adversity builds character. There can never be useless erudition. Luxury is in simple enjoyment. Luxury is time and awareness. Share what you write. The body is the direct path to the soul. The best way to forget your own sadness is by helping others (and dancing). Every description is an opinion about the world. Take good care of your friends. Spend time with people you admire and want to be like because inevitably you will. A good plate of pasta or a good pizza will always be a delicacy of gods (with extra cheese, of course). Writing makes what has been read and what has been lived last five more minutes (Xacobe Pato). Everything that comes from God gives calmness. Choose love, always. What makes a person truly intelligent is the ability to hold two contradictory ideas at the same time. Poetry "touches" you in a very little space and time. Remember: we do the things we like because we are going to die. Flee intellectual snobbery. Quote with the same naturalness, grace and simplicity a classic author as an Instagram poet, because both have been able to move you. Don't spend more than five minutes on a problem that won't matter in five years. For example, losing your keys (it is an expensive setback, but definitely not the end of the world). We have to dance to the music that is playing. Life is in the excitement of the everyday, and creativity often comes in whispers. Happiness is when what you think, what you say and what you do are in harmony. When writing, there must be a pact of honesty and trust between the writer and the reader (Terrés). We are not rehearsing for any play, we are here and this is the premiere. Let's make it worthwhile. Without reading and without living, writing would make no sense. If you love someone, tell them. Now, before starting a new year. You should never take people for granted and assume they know how you feel. Take care of your loved ones and yourself. And be happy because time flies.
Happy 2021.