Finally The End of An Atrocious Year AKA Level 2020

Hi Peeps, bye 2020!

Hello everyone, it’s Jay Mullings from Written Mirror here, you already know the rest! We are finally coming to the end of level 2020. It feels wrong to call it a ‘year’, especially, when all it has done is test us mercilessly. Also it feels like the only thing that leaped this year is the cases of F’ry (Laugh)…

How Does Level 2020 End?

Some of you may know this already; there has been a recent bereavement in my family. My Grandfather, the man who played the role of primary father figure in my life, is no longer with us. May he sleep peacefully for eternity!

A massive thank you to everyone who has taken the time to offer condolences, a shoulder to cry on or a willing ear. I appreciate every last one of you. My family does too! Many of you will already know how this feels. Others are emotionally intelligent enough to make an accurate estimate. Level 2020 tests us all in different ways and this is but another one for us to meet before despatching it. 

How Are You Coping?

Yes of course, it hurts! The world shrinks to a sub-atomic level and you can clearly see that you are without someone you have always needed. I wrote the song ‘Open Eyes’ from a reflective standpoint earlier in the year. It was what I felt I needed to say, however, I always knew there was a chance my Grandfather would never really hear it. He was not himself for a while and no amount of artistry would change that. Still, it needed to be said! He taught me pace of life, the importance of timing and most importantly, to always consider leadership over being mindlessly lead. The ‘how’ was very free-form, however, I always liked that about Pops! Once I learnt to read him, everyone else was much easier. 

Where Have You Been During Level 2020?

I blog infrequently these days whilst mostly opting for visual expression 9/10. Still, for those of you who were with me from the days when writing was my primary outlet; I want to thank you for participating in my growth as a creative. You see, all my life I’ve had people tell me what I would and wouldn’t be able to achieve. In response, I have always laughed in their faces and achieved it anyway. Level 2020 has reminded me to refine the formula and come again!

Goodbye 2020 | Welcome 2021 | Lockdown | Quarantine | Plans // Written Mirror

My sole regret is not figuring it all out, in time to share the accomplishments with my Grandparents. I’m still searching for the final ingredients for the formula. The line in ‘Open Eyes’ about sanity was more for me than Pops. He had lived and created a legacy that spans over 20+ Grandchildren and when it is all said and done most likely double the amount of Great Grandchildren. 

New ideas and focus

What Now?

Grieving is done in a multitude of ways and is truly an individual experience. There are those who grieve by giving things up, others by picking things up. In my case, I shall do both! I’m putting down any regard for what others think and I’m going to work even harder to achieve my goals. I’ve stayed sane/clear/focussed all this time because of stamina and timing. Now I’m going to stay sane/clear/focussed by uniting my stamina with an unwavering belief that my Grandfather is always watching over me. 

To those who cannot be convinced about me and what I bring to the table; in time one of us will be proved right. Hold on to your belief as you long as you like. I will do the same, and just like the ‘Highlander’, in the end; there can only be one… 

End of Level 2020

As for you Pops, I know you’re still with us in spirit. Every time I achieve one of these goals, be sure to make your presence felt, you’re always welcome to visit me in my dreams, my inspirations and also if I ever deviate from the cause. Until then, rest easy, we will arrange a smooth transition to your final resting place.

The end of level 2020, what lies ahead in the year 2021? We shall see together! 

Keeping it fresh like rose water!