Every year around this time I like to look back and share my highlights from the year. This year I did still want to share all the good that came out of 2020 (see below), but since this was by no means a “normal” year, I also wanted to share what 2020 taught me. It was obviously a difficult year for pretty much everyone around the world due to the global pandemic.
On top of that, the Black Lives Matter protesting caused by a long, LONG list of horrifying injustices was frankly exhausting for Black people. However, it was very necessary in order to start making impactful change in this country and others around the world.
Many of us had to deal with loss this year — some more than others. My great grandmother passed away on Thanksgiving after being sick from Covid-19. Although she did technically recover from the virus, it definitely took a toll on her 88-year-old body. She will be missed.
I am very blessed that only a small number of people in my life have had the virus and most have been minor cases.
3 Things 2020 Taught Me
2020 forced us all to stay home more, wear masks in public, speak out about uncomfortable topics, deal with loss and anxiety, face financial uncertainty and more. Here are the lessons I’m taking away from this year:
1. Stop waiting, life is short.
Death is terrifying. And if there is one thing 2020 showed all of us, it’s that life is f*cking fragile. That’s why we have to do what makes us happy NOW. Not next year, not in 10 years, not after you lose weight or after you make more money. Of course there are limitations depending on your current situation, but if you’ve always dreamed of starting a business, trying a new hobby, or even just telling someone how you feel about them, take this as your sign to GO FOR IT.
2. Be the kindness you wish to see.
I know this is a pretty common quote, but it hit especially close to home this year when a lot of people I know and love were against the Black Lives Matter movement. Words can’t describe how much it hurt me to see hateful, ignorant posts and messages from people I’ve known my entire life. It still hurts. But I can’t control how or what others think. All I can do is be kind, share my truth, and attempt to educate (if I feel like it). When that doesn’t work, it’s out of my hands.
3. Rest is not only okay, it’s necessary.
I’ll be honest, it’s hard for me to “do nothing.” If I’m not working, I’m usually at events, blogging, shooting content, hanging with friends, traveling, etc. For me to sleep in late, spend hours watching movies or playing video games, it often results in feelings of guilt and anxiety. But, this year forced me to be home A LOT more. At the beginning of lockdown, I tried my best to do creative photo shoots in my apartment and create constant content for my platforms. But eventually I felt burnt out. Lately I’ve really tried to allow myself more downtime. I started playing Animal Crossing, I’ve been watching more movies, and I’ve taken some of the pressure off of myself to always be posting on social media. I have a lot more to work on, but we could all definitely afford to be a little nicer to ourselves.
All of the positive moments that came out of 2020
We survived a particularly tough year, and that in itself is a triumph. But I do still think it’s worth appreciating the good that comes out of a difficult time. In addition to what 2020 taught me, here are some of the things I’m grateful I got to experience this year:
Turning 26 and Going To Atlantic City
My 26th birthday was great! I had a birthday brunch with friends in NYC, a fun photo shoot, and then me and two of my best friends went to Atlantic City for a weekend! It was my first time there and we had a blast gambling, swimming, eating, and exploring.
Harrah’s Casino Resort 
Attending NYFW Again
I attended New York Fashion Week in February and it was one of my best ones yet! There were so many great shows I got to attend, including Badgley Mischka, Nicole Miller, and Brandon Maxwell. I met Patrick Starrr and Brittany Snow, photobombed Alec Baldwin, had a couple photoshoots, and I even got featured on Refinery29.
Alec and Hilaria Baldwin 
Patrick Starrr 
Brittany Snow and her husband Tyler Stanaland 
More NYC Adventures
In the beginning of the year, before the pandemic fully kicked in, I went to the Millennium Tour for the second time and got to see my love Omarion and tons of other great performers from my childhood including Bow Wow and Ashanti. As a big Anna Sui fan, I was happy to see “The World of Anna Sui” exhibit at the Museum of Art and Design. I’m also really into pop-up exhibits and was able to attend “Love Me Hug Me” — a pop-up exhibit for Alzheimer’s awareness. And during the summer, I checked out a couple beaches I hadn’t been to before — Rockaway in Queens and one in Staten Island.
Omarion & Bow Wow 
Love Me Hug Me Pop-Up 
Anna Sui Exhibit 
I Protested, Donated, and Worked To Educate Others for the BLM Movement
Although it was tiring, repetitive, and there’ still a lot to be done, I was happy to use my platform this year to reach others and share my own experiences as a Black woman. I opened up in a whole new way and really found my voice when it comes to activism.
Promoted to a Manager at BuzzFeed
This year I celebrated one year at BuzzFeed and shortly after that I was promoted to a manger editor! That basically means I have a couple of writers under me now who I edit, help, and give feedback to consistently. I LOVE it. And although I haven’t been working in the office since March, this is still the most amazing job I’ve ever had! And of course a pay raise doesn’t hurt!
2019 throwback with my coworkers 
Traveled to Colorado, Northern Michigan, and Massachusetts
Although I had a lot of canceled trips this year, I still managed to explore some new places — and it was wonderful. I went to Denver with one of my best friends, Julia, for her birthday and hiked in the Rocky Mountains. My family took a road trip to Traverse City and Mackinac Island. I drove to Oscoda Michigan and walked through nature and springs with Kailena and her mom. And I took a weekend trip to Boston and Salem with Kailena and my other good friend Aline. All trips were obviously taken with precautions in place. It was really nice to still find joy in traveling, even while it was very limited.
Mackinac Island 
Salem, MA 
Zipling in Traverse City 
The Rocky Mountains in Colorado 
Harvard University in Boston
I Got To Be A Groomswoman
One of my best friends, who has been like a brother to me since 7th grade, got married this year and I had the honor of being his groomswoman! It was a really beautiful summer wedding that took place at an outdoor venue off the water. We had a great time.
I launched merch!
Still can’t believe that I finally launched my own Kayla’s Chaos merch! Make sure you check it out and read about why I decided to do it.
I was featured in Lizzo’s TikTok!
I did the “Vogue Challenge” on social media and Lizzo featured ME in a TikTok about it! I’m still not over it. Iconic!!!
I’ve Been Spending Way More Time With My Family in Michigan
Due to working from home now, I’ve been able to visit my family for a couple months here and there. It’s been really great to be there for my little sisters, hang with my parents, and see my friends from back home. I really cherish this extra time with my family and friends. Another thing 2020 taught me is to value every precious moment you have with the ones you love.
Wishing you all a safe and happy new year!
2021, we got this!
