A Year In Review: What 2021 Brought Us

While it may feel like only yesterday that we were welcoming in 2020, it’s already time to start looking back at all that this past year brought us. From a global pandemic to political turmoil, it’s been a rollercoaster ride of a year. So, what exactly did 2021 bring us?

January started off with a bang, as we said goodbye to 2020 and welcomed in 2021. We were optimistic for what the new year would bring, and for many of us, it started off on a high note. We rang in the new year with our loved ones, hopeful for what was to come.

However, just a few short weeks later, our world was turned upside down. In late January, we began to hear reports of a new virus that was spreading rapidly in China. This virus, which would later come to be known as COVID-19, would go on to change our world in ways we never could have imagined.

As the virus spread around the globe, countries began to go into lockdown in an effort to contain the spread of the disease. This had a major impact on our daily lives, as we were suddenly faced with the reality of being isolated from our loved ones and having to adjust to working from home.

The pandemic also took a toll on our mental health, as we faced unprecedented levels of stress and anxiety. Many of us turned to coping mechanisms like alcohol and substance abuse in an effort to numbed ourselves from the reality of what was going on around us.

In addition to the pandemic, we also faced other challenges this past year. Political unrest rocked many countries around the world, as people took to the streets to protest against injustice and inequality. We also saw devastating natural disasters like wildfires and hurricanes that left communities around the globe struggling to rebuild.

Despite all of the challenges we faced this past year, there were also moments of hope and joy. We saw people coming together to support one another in times of need, and we witnessed acts of kindness that restored our faith in humanity.

As we reflect on all that 2021 brought us, let’s remember both the good and the bad so that we can learn from our mistakes and build a better future for ourselves and for generations to come.

The Year of the Pandemic

It would be impossible to review the year 2020 without mentioning the elephant in the room: the COVID-19 pandemic. The virus upended our lives in so many ways, both big and small. From working and schooling from home to wearing masks in public, the pandemic has changed the way we live and interact with each other.

While it would be easy to focus on all the negative aspects of 2020, there were also some bright spots. We saw solidarity and support as people came together to help those in need. We also saw innovation as people found new ways to work, play, and connect with each other.

As we move into 2021, let’s remember the lessons we learned in 2020 and use them to build a better future for ourselves and for the world.

The Year of Political Turmoil

The year 2021 has been a year of political turmoil. From the impeachment of Donald Trump to the riots at the Capitol, it has been a non-stop roller coaster ride. Here is a review of some of the biggest political stories of the year.

January: Trump is impeached for a second time

February: Joe Biden is sworn in as the 46th president of the United States

March: The pandemic continues to wreak havoc across the globe

April: George Floyd is killed by Minneapolis police, sparking worldwide protests against police brutality and racism

May: Biden unveils his ambitious infrastructure plan

June: The Supreme Court rules that LGBTQ+ people are protected from discrimination in the workplace

July: Kamala Harris is picked as Biden’s running mate

August: The Democratic National Convention is held virtually due to the pandemic

September: Trump nominee Amy Coney Barrett is confirmed to the Supreme Court during a highly contentious Senate battle

October: Trump becomes infected with COVID-19

The Year of Natural Disasters

From wildfires to hurricanes, 2021 was a year of natural disasters. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), there were a total of 24 billion-dollar weather and climate disasters in the United States last year, tying with 2011 for the most on record.

Here is a look at some of the major disasters that struck the country last year:

January: Winter Storm Uri
February: Winter Storm Viola
March: Windstorm Gudrun
April: Tropical Storm Ana
May: Tropical Storm Bonnie
June: Hurricane Cindy
July: Hurricane Emily
August: Hurricane Irma
September: Hurricane Maria
October: Hurricane Nate
November: Wildfires in California

The Year of Economic Uncertainty

It’s been a year like no other. From the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to the election of a new president, 2021 has been full of surprises. And as we look back on the year, one thing is certain: it was a year of economic uncertainty.

The pandemic caused widespread job loss and unemployment. Many businesses were forced to close their doors, and those that stayed open saw their profits plummet. The stock market fluctuated wildly, and people’s retirement savings took a hit. All of this led to an increase in economic anxiety and insecurity.

But it wasn’t all bad news. Despite the challenges, there were also some bright spots. The vaccine rollout began, and there was hope that things would begin to return to normal soon. The housing market remained strong, and people continued to invest in their homes. And as we look ahead to 2021, there is reason to be optimistic that the economy will rebound and return to growth.

2021 was a year of social unrest. The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic fallout led to widespread protests against government measures across the world. In the United States, Black Lives Matter protests erupted following the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, among others. The #MeToo movement also gained momentum, with high-profile cases of sexual harassment and assault coming to light.

In politics, 2021 was marked by the election of Joe Biden as the 46th president of the United States. Biden’s victory ended Donald Trump’s four-year hold on the presidency, and signaled a return to more traditional values and policies. Trump himself was impeached for a second time in early 2021, becoming the first president in history to be impeached twice.

Looking back on 2021, it is clear that it was a year of major upheaval and change. Only time will tell what effects these changes will have on the world in the years to come.

The Year of Technological Advancements

2021 was quite a year in many respects. From a technological standpoint, it was a year of advancements. 5G became widely available, Apple released its first M1 chip-powered Macs, and Amazon debuted its first drones that can deliver packages to your doorstep.

In the world of social media, TikTok continued to rise in popularity, while Twitter and LinkedIn saw significant user growth as well. And in the realm of politics, we saw a new administration take office in the United States, along with a change in leadership in the European Union.

Here’s a look at some of the biggest stories and trends from 2021:

Technological Advancements
-5G becoming widely available
-Apple releasing its first M1 chip-powered Macs
-Amazon debuting its first drones that can deliver packages to your doorstep

Social Media Trends
-TikTok continuing to rise in popularity
-Twitter and LinkedIn seeing significant user growth

Political Changes
-A new administration taking office in the United States
-A change in leadership in the European Union

The Year of Cultural Change

It would be an understatement to say that 2020 was a year of change. A global pandemic, a worldwide economic downturn, and social unrest led to a year of upheaval and cultural transformation. Here’s a look at some of the biggest changes that took place in 2021.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced people to stay home and reconsider their priorities. Many turned to nature for solace, and spending time outdoors became a priority for many. This newfound appreciation for nature led to an increase in outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing.

The economic downturn led to a decrease in international travel. While this had a negative impact on the tourism industry, it encouraged people to explore their own countries and cultures. This led to a boom in domestic travel and an interest in local history and culture.

The increased focus on social issues led to a renewed interest in activism. From Black Lives Matter protests to the #MeToo movement, people are becoming more engaged in the fight for social justice. This has also led to a renewed interest in voting and political activism.

The Year of Personal Growth

It’s been a year like no other. A year of Zoom calls and working from home, of homeschooling and social distancing. A year of masks and hand sanitizer, of cancelling plans and getting creative. But through it all, we’ve managed to find moments of connection, laughter and hope. We’ve shown ourselves to be a nation of resilient, compassionate people who care about our neighbors and are willing to do what it takes to keep each other safe.

This past year has also been a time of personal growth for many of us. With more time spent at home, we’ve had the opportunity to reassess our priorities and focus on what truly matters to us. We’ve reconnected with family and friends, taken up new hobbies, pursued our passions and found new ways to connect with our community.

As we look back on 2020, let’s take a moment to celebrate all that we have accomplished in the face of adversity. And as we move forward into 2021, let’s continue to support each other as we work towards a better future for all.

The Year Ahead

There’s no doubt that 2020 was a year like no other. A global pandemic upended our lives and changed the way we live, work, and interact with each other. As we move into 2021, it’s important to take a moment to reflect on the past year and set our sights on the year ahead.

Here are a few highlights of what 2020 brought us:

-A global pandemic that changed the way we live and work
-A renewed focus on our health and wellbeing
-A renewed appreciation for nature and the outdoors
-More time spent with family and friends
-An increase in home cooking and baking
-A decrease in travel
-An increase in online shopping
-A decrease in overall consumption

A Year In Review: What 2021 Brought Us