a new year letter to y'all

As we all know, 2020 has been a tough year for everyone. We have been forced to cage ourselves with limited access to outdoor resources. The pandemic challenged us to become stronger and braver individuals, fighting our mental battles and struggles, dealing with unexpected conflict, overcoming unavoidable heartbreaks, battling physical conditions, and enduring the longing for someone else’s company. I am proud you‘re able to make it this far.

While it is true that life continues with or without celebrations, I strongly look forward to New Years'. It is probably my favorite holiday. In the movie Before Sunset (2004), there’s this one quote that Celine said, “There’s this Einstein quote that I really really like. He said, “If you don’t believe in any kind of magic or mystery, you’re basically as good as dead.”

New beginnings motivate me to create new experiences that will turn into memories. Sure, I’ll deal with that particular moment as if my time revolves around it. However, after I get over it, whether it was a happy or sad picture, I would like to look back and see how this set of memories stored in this particular year have shaped me into the person I am now. I hope you will find that spark in something or someone, inspiring you to continue living even when you stop believing in yourself.

Anyway, this is Jewel, writing to you about how your presence, time, efforts, and company helped me survive this year. I believe you already know how sentimental and thoughtful I am (although I rarely show it in person, and I am really trying hard to present that identity to people I treasure and trust). I am a reserved person, so if this reached you, I want you to know that you are part of me and my existence. You are my inspiration; you helped me believe in myself. You are my jewel.