We can all agree that 2020 was a stressful year. In fact, it was a year that many would like to forget. So let’s do that. Let’s forget about every heinous event that happened. Let’s say goodbye to 2020 and hello to 2021.

The madness started three days into the year, when Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani was executed by the United States Air Force. As one can imagine, the Iranian government was furious. Tension between America and Iran rose, which created rumors and theories on social media of a World War III.

Let’s forget World War III was ever mentioned.

Within the next month, COVID-19 began to spread across the globe. There were (and still are) countless deaths, and our lives have been changed – perhaps for years to come.

Due to the hysteria of a national lockdown, a plethora of United States citizens rushed to the grocery store to stock up on toilet paper. This led to a toilet paper shortage, which left many American families without this necessity.

The problems COVID-19 caused are diverse. According to CBS News, Japan’s suicide rate has increased because of the county’s restrictions, and the United Kingdom was impacted with a new mutation of the virus before the close of the year.

Let’s forget COVID-19 ever existed (without forgetting to wear a mask and socially distance).

In the beginning of May, a handful of Asian giant hornets, nicknamed “murder hornets,” were found in the United States. As you most likely know, murder hornets are infamous for their size, their reputation of predating on honeybees, and their deadly nature to humans. This was the point where American’s said, “Can this year get any worse?”

The answer to that question is yes, but let’s take a moment to forget how scared we were about murder hornets.

On May 25th, George Floyd, a black man, was killed by a white Minneapolis police officer. The footage of his death was released to the public, and Americans nationwide were appalled by what they witnessed.

A multitude of protesters set fire to cities around the country as a result of their rage. On the other hand, there have been peaceful protestors who strove (and continue to strive) to make a change without using violence.

The color of our skin may be different, but all of us are human. If we continue to engage ourselves in violent acts of racism–be it black or white–society will fall. Let us forget about our differences and come together as one. However, let us remember George Floyd and every other victim who has lost their life because of racism.

In November, we had the most controversial election in our lifetime, arguably. What should’ve been an overnight decision turned into a ten-day cliffhanger. Then, after candidate Joe Biden was declared President-Elect, skepticism clouded America. Some voters questioned the authenticity of the polls; they believed their vote was altered.

Along with the belief that the election was rigged, countless conspiracy theories were created. None of us can determine if these conspiracy theories are true or false, but we can’t live the rest of our lives in fear.

Let’s forget about the cumbersome election.

Now is a new year. We have the chance to live without fear, to live safely, to accept one another, and to look toward the future. Good riddance, 2020!