2020 has truly been a year like no other. From a global pandemic to losing icons such as John Lewis, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Kobe and Gianna Bryant, racial injustice and civil unrest, to one of the most important presidential elections, there has been a lot to process in 2020.

Naturally, asking "why" is an understandable question to ask in 2020. Such as "why Black Lives Matter, why are there people dying from a pandemic, why are there so many wildfires," or one of the most crucial questions, "why is this happening?"

This year has been an incredibly hard year on mental health, and one common question we all seem to have is, why? Why now, why all of this, why me?

While I or anyone cannot answer why this is all happening at once, I hope you can take comfort in knowing, you are not alone.

Many people have faced unemployment, uncertainty, and even losing loved ones to COVID-19. Everyone's lives have changed drastically, some for the worse, some for the better. In these dark times, we have leaned on each other now more than ever, and lent a helping hand when we can. From telehealth on the rise, to zoom and google hangouts as well as social media keeping us together, we have worked on how to stay connected even while being apart.

Artists have even hosted televised "at home" concerts to bring us together, we've adapted to virtual dating and video chatting, as well as reminiscing on times pre-covid, and looking forward to the future after it is under control (which may come soon thanks to the work on the vaccines).

2020 has been an attempt to connect the best way we know-how and to try to put our kindness on display, so others may have a better day.

There's usually a follow-up question that comes with asking why, and it's usually, what now?

Answering what now is a little bit easier, because we continue doing what we have been doing all year, leaning on each other.

What happens now, is we come together. We help each other out, we have faith in each other, because we have been fortunate and strong enough to make it through the end of the year.

Frontline workers have been at the forefront of this virus, putting their lives on the line so they can help others. First responders have battled the wildfires, trying to preserve land and life. Postal workers have kept delivering our packages, both those we buy on Amazon for ourselves, and those we buy on Etsy for those we miss.

Mental health professionals have switched to virtual visits to continue to be there for us, religious services are now broadcasted online for those who wish to partake, and restaurants have stayed open for curbside and take-out options when we need a safe break from cooking up a storm at home.

We have come together and taken to the streets and polls to make it clear, we are not tolerating these injustices any longer. Instead of asking why - ask how. How can I make a difference, how can I be better for others, how can I help others who can benefit from my help?

My hope for 2021 is that the most asked question will be "how."

2020 has been the beginning of a new voice, a voice that yells loud and clear, we will not tolerate this anymore, and change is coming. We won't have to ask "why" for very much longer, instead, we'll ask "how."