Aghhh! Why do I feel so nervous posting this?! At the end of 2020 I went through all my journal entries. I wanted to consolidate what was going through my mind each month. I'd love to know how last year impacted you in the comments.
this inspires me to go through my own journal entries to see how 2020 impacted me. it kind of all blurred into a mess of tears, binge eating but there were some really good moments in between!
thank you so much for posting this, literally made me cry!! i love what you said at the end about just taking things at face-value and letting yourself feel, i definitely agree that 2020 was a year of introspection
It’s such a wonderful video. I do love the storytelling and wonderful editing that comes along with it. But I wish it were more like “...so one thing I could make sure I do is be grateful” because there are things you can do to help uplift the variety of people struggling or suffering in so many ways and degrees. Like featuring up and coming creators from marginalized backgrounds or sharing the things you’ve read and learned. Ways to contribute to the solution, instead of solely practicing gratefulness.
“It’s all temporary. The bad feelings are temporary; the good feelings are temporary. It all passes. So take it at face value, and let yourself feel.” 💙
Does anyone else feel like these videos are like a mini therapy session? I feel like I get a new outloook on life wherever Jenn just speaks from her heart and experiences.
Me too! I love her reflections so much because they are so relatable and the way of telling what she learned gives me so much energy! Big sister energy that I also never had!
I was literally going to say the same thing but noticed this comment! Thank you Jen. This was a beautiful video with advice I really needed right now x
I love what Jenn said here: "My social life kind of took a plunge in 2020, but COVID just downsized the people in my life and boiled it down to the most important ones." ❤ So true ❤
This , and “What I Learned in My 20’s” are my two favourite videos on your channel. Petition for more journal-entry style videos please! They’re beautiful.
idk why this just made me cry. 2020 was so difficult for me, im naturally optimistic person and very very strong but now i feel beaten up, i feel hopeless. ppl around me literally leaving this world and just so many other personal things. i still dont know how to feel. just wish everyone all the peace and happiness
Thanks so much for sharing your reflections Jenn - loved how you edited and narrated. I loved being able to learn from your personal experiences that you brought us through 2020 for me was a year of letting go of all my plans, and it was definitely a good muscle to exercise as we head into 2021, a year of many unknowns! Take care (:
Thanks for sharing Jen. You might not see this nor realise it, but your 2020 videos during lockdown really helped. Whether it was what you ate in a day, books to read, vlogs in general.. the content consistently stepped up. I was really looking forward to your next video, and felt a little less alone whilst contained in our homes. It made me realise even in our darkest times, it will pass. There’s always something to live for, something to look forward to. Much love from Australia!
"...if you can be more patient, more calm, and more understanding of the people around you, you're making an impact." YES!!! This was a big lesson for me as well, especially when I'm feeling hopeless about the world. Thank you for sharing your reflections with us, I admire your honesty, your joy, your perseverance. Wishing you all the best in 2021.
My 3 favorites points in this video: 1. Analyze who you want in your life, & be around those who you can be authentically yourself. 2. You have the ability to positively affect the people who are directly closest to you. 3. Life is fleeting. Appreciate the life you have while you still can. Thanks for the reminders, Jen. I needed it 💕✨
and now i realize...this is the beauty of vlogging! you have all the memories and emotions captured to be looked back on and remember...cuz i have no idea what I felt or did during each months lol
I guess 2020 was tough for all of us. I lost a lot of people but I also found to myself and finally had the courage to follow my dreams and start my own RU-vid channel. I also think that we as a society started to turn back to the most important things such as family and love. Every bad situation offers an opportunity for us to improve.🥺❤️
I legit cried... Jenn, I grew so close with you all throughout 2020. I'm one who never takes advice and feels like I don't have anyone to look up to other than myself. You have given me that big sister energy that I am for others. I trust and admire you and your work so much, you truly are my inspiration. So much love a continued success to you in 2021 Jenn and I hope to meet you post-pandemic in the real world haha. xoxo- Jada
These are the types of videos I love the most from you. It is impossible to watch these clips without feeling moved by them in some type of way. This is life, there are ups and there are downs. Going through the motions and the feels is what it means to be alive. Dwelling too much on the negatives will only make you miss out on the positives. The only way to battle the big dark things is to focus on the small good things. Because they do add up and they can make a difference in the end.
Yes I agree 2020 was like an x ray which exposed all the flaws in economic and social systems within society but at the same time made us able to see what truly mattered, people
This video made me realize how much 2020 changed me as a person, Im not gonna lie I cried, there was frustration and pain but in the end all that turned me into a better version of myself
Thank you for posting this, it echoed so many of my own insecurities and issues. I started 2020 preparing to leave my EFL job in South Korea to return to DC and start a teaching program in Baltimore. It’s been the most challenging year of my life: reverse culture shock, lacking the social stability and financial/insurance stability I had in Korea, the difference in COVID reactions and having to teach virtually as a first year teacher. Knowing I wasn’t alone in our shared struggles takes away some loneliness I’ve had and seeing how you dealt with these obstacles as a fellow Virgo, I’m inspired. Thank you. I needed this video. I’m preparing to go back to in person teaching in a district not truly prepared while being autoimmune. I find comfort in your videos and they help with my own stress. Your channel is a part of my weekend self care routine. Thank you! 💕
Thank you Jenn for sharing your 2020 entries with us! I made me think and reflect on my 2020 year. It was definitely a year for me to not hold so high my expectations of things and give myself more time to dive into hobbies i thought i never had time for.
I don’t know why but this video really hit different. I cried like a baby. Jenn your work means the world to me, every video is so inspiring and makes me so friggin happy!
I identify so much with what you said about guilt...Guilty for having a good time, or to be in good health while others might be going through a tough time. But I loved what you said, just be grateful, don't question the privileges we do have, and make a personal impact with those who are close to us. TY!
CANNOT AGREE MORE! This is my first time commenting on an english-speaking RU-vidr and I couldn't express how much I feel connected with you, Jenn!! I am the same kind of person. I felt guilty that I didn't make any difference in 2020 BUT I lost 15lbs in the past year - which is not a lot compared to the rapid weight-loser that I keep ignoring. I stopped shopping for fast-fashion unlimitedly. I reviewed my financial situation. I reflected on what kind of friends/relationship I want to be with. I am journaling every day on how I feel, what I eat and what do I learn from small things. Yes, I didn't get a promotion or apply to a higher degree which consistently urges me ane make me anxious. BUT I do know myself and my life better than ever!!! I appreciate 2020 force me to slow down and really think. Thank you for making such an inspirational video to reaffirm my thoughts. I am still got urged a lot by parents/friends on my weight-loss and promotion... I am definitely will continue to work on it but in a healthy way!!
your youtube videos helped me a lot through 2020 as well and helped me grow 🌱 i admire how vulnerable you are in the videos you make and how you reflect and channel your emotions and experiences to create these works. you inspire me so much, as a creative/creator and as a human in general 🥺 here’s to more growth in 2021!
Wow, I really admire her courage to share her vulnerability and self-reflection to inspire so many including myself over the past few years. Thank you Jenn :)
Hi Jenn, I've been growing with you since I was 15 and now I am 19. I'm so happy to say that you inspired me so much for making me a positive person. You changed the way I see negativities in life to something positive and meaningful. I wished the year 2021 will be your another best year in your life ❤ I love you❤ keep inspiring others, Jenn! ❤
Gosh Jenn, I LOVE when you make these reflective videos! I just watched on my tv and rushed to my computer to make a comment. You have such an articulate way of voicing your emotional journey. I teared up as usual when watching this style of your art. Thank you for sharing the highs and the lows of your year. Know that you are not singular in the rollercoaster of emotions it reigned down. Hearing some of your struggles makes me feel less alone in mine. And hearing how you've found ways to cope and regenerate makes me feel it's possible for myself. This is why you've been my favorite channel for 10 years!
Every time I see a video or hear someone 2020 story, I start to cry. 2020 was a really hard time for everyone. I was going through depression for the first time and alone, I have trichotillomania and I haven't pulled my hair for 3 years and I I started pulling in 2020 (not anymore, I got it under control now), and I was getting headaches everyday. I get emotional because it was really rough year. I hope everyone is doing better and know your not alone. I learned to talk about with someone and I started meditating. Thank you for sharing.
2020 was a year that all of my inner self doubts and hatred surfaced. I deeply treasure 2020 as an opportunity for me to see myself clearly. I hope that 2021 will be my year to work to remove those doubts and strengthen my self confidence.
What I love most about this video is that even though I watch all your videos, this video taught so much about you and your personal life in 2020. It’s a reminder that online creators are more than their videos and experience so much more than their videos/vlogs show. Thank you Jenn for sharing 🧡
i still always get inspired even after years of watching you. i wish i could be this introspective and courageous 🥺 thank you always for your genuineness, jenn ❤️ here’s to a better year ahead! 🥂
Oh my god! I was crying the entire video which has so many beautiful things. I've been watching you like 7 6 years lol. Like you are the most consistent thing in my life. Thank you Jenn for this amazing journey. I make no sense right now but I'm very emotional. Love you always and also Ben. Looking forward to your new notifications.
this video gave me so much relief! i cannot tell you the amount of anxiety i had last year working as psw, seeing people die in such short time. i could never process my feelings while i was in it, but after? it hit me slowly and slowly. my anxiety came back hitting me. better now. but i can’t tell you how much i appreciate you opening up about anxiety and mental struggles you go through!
The content in this video is pure gold. Jenn, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts in such clear, relatable and affecting way. In 2020, I found myself struggling with comparative suffering as well. I felt the need to punish myself and was deeply afflicted with a sense of guilt and shame. I thought of myself as something analogous to a parasite, and created a narrative that I did not deserve the life I was living when many loved ones (and the world) were suffering. The realisation that self-punishment would not ameliorate other people's adversities was the inflection point that allowed me to channel my thoughts into finding more fulfilling ways of expressing my compassion and empathy to those who have lost in 2020. I studied extra hard in law school so that one day, the things I have learnt in 2020 will contribute to the attainment of justice of a future client in need. I also wanted to point out that this video itself is a manifestation of how you have bettered the lives of the people directly (and indirectly) in your life. As part of your audience, I feel grateful to be able to see, learn and feel things in 10 minutes and 25 videos that would otherwise take me a year (or more) to see, learn and feel. Thank you Jenn, for everything that you are and for your generosity to share that with us
Damn dude. Your videos have been so insanely good. First I applaud the vulnerability to be open. I think a lot of younger generations struggle so much with alcohol and it's so hard to see people even younger than me having to go through rehab and things like that. I think having someone speak out about how even just social drinking can affect your mood and life is important. It's not just those that are drinking 24/7 that are struggling. Body image and control. My gosh has that been me all last year. I'm working on it, but it really is taking it's time. It is pretty inspiring to see how you switched to healthier control options like limiting social media, controlling what you spend time doing, and how you care for your body. I totally do the thing where I put myself in outfits I know will make me uncomfortable and then just shit talk myself the whole time when if I just got a size up or switched part of it I would feel fine. What others would think of me going to marriage counseling sucked more than actual counseling. I'm glad you posted about it. I wish people would do it in relationships just as a tune up. As time goes on and life changes. I think it's super easy to get off track with each other, especially when you aren't able to get a lot of good 1 on 1. I really love what you said about my suffering won't make others suffer less. When I feel helpless sometimes it's a good reminder to just be grateful. Stressing won't take away others pain miraculously, but if we can come from a grounded relaxed place we can probably think of something better to help. I hope you, Ben, Cheeki, and your family have a great 2021 filled with good health, love, laughter, and peace.
Oh man that was so nice to watch! I had goosebumps towards the end! I loved the direction your channel took in 2020 and I really really look forward for what's to come in the next chapters! Much much love!
2020 was such a rollercoaster of a year for sure... I look back on 2020 with appreciation for allowing me to tune into who I am and what's important to me. This was such a beautiful reflection video!! 💖
I feel so grateful for 2020 even if all my plans got ruined with quarantine etc and nothing happened like I planned. I had to face myself and my thoughts in quarantine and I grew up so much and understood a lot about myself. Be grateful for where you are now even if it's not where you though you'd be at this point 💕
this video is everything, so many people think youtube couples seem like their lives are so perfect and this was just a reminder that everyone goes through stuff, as individuals and a unit. I started watching you beginning of quarantine and I have grown to love your channel.
The part I liked the most was what you said at the end “Understand that it's so beautiful and precious because it's all fleeting, it's all temporary” you know people always say to not take things for granted because you’ll regret it or miss it when your gone, but to hear you say it in this narrative just hit different. These simple moments are beautiful and precious because they fleet, because in an instant they are gone. The sentence in itself was perfect, a beautiful description. It’s not that things have to be rainbows and butterflies so that you enjoy the moment, but each moment is precious because each moment is unique, irreplaceable, different, so enjoy it!
Jenn, my 2020 would not have been the same without you. Your videos have helped me stay grounded throughout this pandemic and became a constant that I could look forward to. This video in particular is one of my favorites and it almost made me cry 🥺 Thank you for being so vulnerable with us, we are listening and are so happy for you 💕
I teared up watching this. You are a role model and unnie figure who I've looked up through out the years. You are so raw and real with us. Thank you for sharing your insecurities, dilemmas, emotions, and your personal lessons.
Hey Jenn, I've been watching you on and off for about 8 years and I've always checked in every now and then but I've never been a regular viewer - until the second half of 2020 that is. I don't know how to explain it but I felt there was a shift in you, and watching this video, and hearing your thoughts, I can appreciate how much you've grown and learned throughout 2020. And it's a wonderful change. I feel so happy for you. Your integrity has really shone through in your videos over the past couple of months and I've loved seeing it.
I love going on that journey with you and being able to see your growth cause it helps me to reflect on my growth! It helps me to reflect on what you have taught me over this past year too. Thank you for being true to yourself and helping me to do the same
These introspective videos are always some of my favorite of yours. Even if we didn't go through the same things, they always remind me that everything I'm feeling is valid. And to appreciate every beautiful moment we're given, because it is all so fleeting. 2020 was a good year in terms of slowing down and not "being on the run", learning to nurture the space you hold around you and how it affects your mental state. Here's to 2021 and taking in all the beautiful moments every day.
I've never been this early! i'm so excited to see you back Jenn. I've been loving your sit down talks and your reflection to the new year as well as being intune with yourself! Love you Jenn and hope 2021 brings your greatness for you and your loving family! :))
Jenn, Thank you for your honesty and candor. I've been really appreciative of these qualities in more of your videos this year (What I've Learned in My 20s, your vlog on the Rising Strong trip, etc.), though I enjoy all of your videos. It is really refreshing to see a talented, successful, and aspirational figure who is open about working on themselves. I am 21 now and there is so much pressure to "get your life together" and have solid plans for every aspect of my life within the next year or two, but I can't imagine having everything "figured out" by then. You inspire me to keep growing without measuring myself against others or trying to quantify my progress. This year in particular, you've inspired me to stop counting my steps obsessively, to put down my phone and reconnect with my family (who I am so privileged to be quarantining with), and to view food as fuel rather than calories. I guess what I mean to say is: thank you for being yourself and being openly yourself. It does not go unnoticed or unappreciated. All the best in 2021! Whitney P.S. Sorry this reads like a personal email rather than a public comment. Oh well.
honestly, you're probably the only thing that's keeping me on RU-vid these past few years 💖 plus some random recipe vids lol 😂 p.s. your videos has gotten so much better every year. plus I could not have said it any better❤️ thank you for sharing your videos and for being such an inspiration. ♥️ sending you and your family so much love and light from the philippines 🇵🇭❤️ I love you!! 😍
I almost cried at the end because I felt your genuineness come through. You are seriously such a brave person for putting your life and thoughts out there, thank you for doing this, I think it helps so many of us. Cheers to 2021!!!!
This video legit made me cry. The world is unfair and I'm sorry you had a rough time, but I'm so happy you also found healing and had a good time, and let's all bring that healing energy into 2021 and be kind to one another
I just made a dear 2020 video at the beginning of the year, reflecting how the past year has molded me in both the good and bad. Watching your reflections, Jenn, reminds me that all of us are so very human and whether we like it or not, 2020 was transformative not just for the world, but also for everyone's internal development. Glad we can start this new year together ^^
So raw, yet so true...it takes a lot of courage to let people into a glimpse of your life on this level of vulnerability. Thank you for sharing your insight with us. 2020 was definitely a year of emotional growth. Being present in the here & now is such a gift we all often overlook. Cheers to slowing down & being more mindfully aware along the way.
No Jenn you are making a difference, not just to the people directly in your life but also to many of us! Have been watching your videos for years and they get me through some of my tough times as well. Keep doing what you love, take care!
thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. I'm also so grateful for 2020 because it made me realize how many unrealistic expectations I held myself to. Looking back on 2019, I can't believe how much I was working and how little grace I afforded myself. 2020 taught me to treat myself as a human and value joy and the everyday moments over outward facing productivity.
This made me want to cry 5 different times. Thank you for sharing the ups and downs of your life with us and for being so aware of privilege, but also not letting it take away from the quality of your life. I'm so glad to have grown up watching this channel
