The end of the year is near as we wind down 2020 with this December 20/20. Funny how at the beginning of this year, whenever someone mentioned 2020, my first thought was always 20/20, our magazine. The year itself was secondary in my mind. With all that has happened since then, this year is undoubtedly top of everyone’s minds as the most memorable of our lifetime. The events of 2020 have very certainly taken a mental toll on all of us. While we’re all relieved that it’s almost over, much uncertainty will still be there when we wake up on Jan. 1, 2021. Nevertheless, we can still look forward to a new year with hope and optimism, especially when there’s so much to be thankful for after the tough year we endured.

I was never big on making new year’s resolutions; instead I reflect back on the past year to see what I’ve accomplished, new things I experienced, mistakes to learn from, obstacles I overcame, etc. I take all of these experiences to see how I might apply them with the coming new year. Some of them turn into lessons learned; some are new things I learn about myself. But all become a part of me and who I am. This past year, I think most of us can say we’ve all had plenty of time to reflect—perhaps too much time as we’ve been confined to our homes for the better part of the year. Some of us baked a lot, some of us read tons of books, some of us binge watched more television than humanly possible. I didn’t pick up any new hobbies, but I discovered simple things that gave me pleasure, such as learning how to make my own pour-over coffee and making loungewear a style category.

In all seriousness, I’m sure I speak for many when I say the biggest thing I discovered is how much of our daily activities we took for granted—eating at restaurants, going to concerts and events, gathering with family and friends… So much of it was taken away from us without much warning. And as it relates to my work life, not only do I miss seeing my colleagues face to face, but I never knew how much I would miss seeing and touching eyewear, trying them on, and ohhing and ahhing over their fabulous colors, textures, shape, etc. Seeing them in pictures or over a video chat just doesn’t do them justice. I’m patiently waiting for the day when all of the things I mentioned above are things we get to enjoy and never take for granted again. Patience, perseverance and optimism. For those of you who have held on to these virtues, I’m right here with you. I also want to take this opportunity to thank the optical community and our readers for continuing to allow us to be a part of your opti-inspiration as you continue to inspire us in return. We bid adieu to 2020, but keep looking forward to 20/20 in 2021 and beyond.

•Christine Yeh
Executive Editor
[email protected]