Has 2020 been just one long mercury retrograde?

Before we begin, mark your calendars for 2021.

• January 30 to February 21
• May 29 to June 22
• September 27 to October 23 (note to self–google what to do when Libra Season and Mercury Retrograde collide)

Now that that’s settled, let us reflect. Have you even REALLY thought about 2021? Like actually thought about it. Personally, I find it hard. I mean, the collective societal WE was HYPED about 2020. New decade, clear vision, can’t lose, however the saying went (it didn’t go like that at all). It reminds me of one time I was racing my brother on one of those blow up obstacle courses. I was hot out of the gate but when we got the climbing portion, well, lets just say I was not at the top in the blink of an eye. They had to have me ‘sneak around’ the divider to continue. I was down for the count and lost my momentum. Case in point, 2020.

The year also eerily has had the feel of Ottessa Moshfegh’s novel My Year of Rest and Relaxation. In the book, the unnamed protagonist is prescribed a made for novel purposes medication that allows her an unhinged black out with loss of control. She then occasionally comes to where she resets and takes another pill. Mid-March the collective we took our pills, and we are slowly coming to as December announces itself. The next few weeks apparently will dictate whether we take the next metaphorical pill or if we renounce our ‘new normal’ ways. My guess is it’ll be a combination.

When you read about what to do during Mercury Retrograde, recommendations include slowing down, focus on your communication, clean your closets, reach out to those you haven’t spoken with, don’t break up with your partner, and be extra gentle with everyone. But the biggest key is, whatever it is you set out to do, plan for mishaps. If we extrapolate this to 2020, basically you quarantined with your cuffing season partner who couldn’t leave, watched Get Organized with The Home Edit while texting all of your sorority sisters ‘hope you’re doing well’, and questioned all of your life’s decision with more fervor than normal. Bonus points if you had to move during 2020 because that was a TRIP.

For me, 2021 might be more of the same in my personal habits. My therapist has had to listen to me bemoan about how I’ve been trying to make my living space feel more ~liveable~ and finally its somewhat there. Yes this does include a shit ton of OXO POP containers and a ROYGBIV organized book case. I am trying to replace my shopping and instagram with other things that ‘light me up’ and this is proving to be very difficult. So far I have begun to watch shows on Bravo. I also tell myself reading seems good, but sometimes I get sad. IDK IIWII. Do we use IIWII? If not I’m starting. IYKYK.

I don’t remember what my astrological readings said at the beginning of 2020. I’m sure what I really cared about was what it said about my relationship status (ugh @ me). And you know I am anxiously awaiting the astrologers’ 2021 forecasts (which hopefully are soon considering Pantone has announced the color of the year, which btw is yellow !). I’ll draw a few tarot cards (another thing 2020 has gifted me), and hope for the best.