It goes without saying that 2020 has been a rough year for everyone in some way. But it’s also given us some perspective, and an opportunity to appreciate the things we used to take for granted. If you reflect back on the year looking for silver linings, you might be surprised at the moments that you’re grateful for. Here are 5 of the things I’m grateful for in 2020.
A healthy family
My parents had me in their early 20s, so I’m very lucky that they’re still young. It’s been a blessing that I took for granted growing up, and although I still worry every day about their health (particularly during this time), I’m so grateful to have my mom, my dad, and my step-mom still present in my life. I also have one grandmother and a “bonus” grandmother (my step-mom’s mother), as well as a big supportive family with two sisters on my husband’s side. I’m incredibly thankful for the health of my extended family, and 2020 has really brought that gratitude to the surface.
Kindness from others
Knowing that we are all collectively experiencing loneliness has actually (weirdly) been helpful. Instead of struggling alone in silence, people are sharing their feelings and making efforts to support each other. I’ve had so many old friends reach out, and I have been able to strengthen or rebuild a lot of relationships. I also feel closer that ever to many of my best friends in the US, despite the distance.
People say that absence makes the heart grow fonder, and I have definitely found that to be true in 2020. In a way I’m thankful I’m not the only one struggling this year, because it’s allowed us all to re-focus our energy on sharing kindness with others.
My husband
The thing I am most grateful for this year is, without a doubt, my husband Jimmy. We’ve been together for almost a decade, and he still has the ability to make me laugh and cheer me up when I’m sad. This year has been a trying one, and I wouldn’t have been able to make it through alone in a foreign country without him. We’ve both struggled with loneliness & anxiety this year, but I’m incredibly grateful that we’ve been able to help each other through it.
Memories
I think it’s part of being homesick, but lately I’ve been thinking a lot about the past. My grandma helped raise me, and although I will always want more time with her, I know the moments I had with her before she passed away were truly special.
I’ve reflected so much lately on the memories I shared with my grandparents, my mom, and my dad & step-mom. Although very different, the relationships I had with each of those people was formative and special in so many ways. I’m so grateful to have the memories (good & bad) that I shared with each of them, because they truly shaped the person I am today.
Perspective
I’m an extremely motivated person, which I’ve always seen as a good thing. My to-do list is usually a thousand miles long, and I’m always looking ahead to the next accomplishment or adventure. But this year, I realized how my desire to accomplish things can prevent me from living in the moment. There were definitely days during the first lockdown (and even now) when I was too sad / grouchy / annoyed / insert-quarantine-feeling-here to bring myself to do anything. And I’ve learned to be more accepting of those days.
Not being able to plan for the future has been scary for me (to say the least), but it’s also given me the time & perspective to pause, reflect, and appreciate what I have. There are a lot of things I will try my best to never take for granted again, and I’m so thankful for the perspective 2020 has given me.
Thank you
If you’ve gotten to the end of this post, thank you. I appreciate your support so much, and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to reflect and share my thoughts with you.
So here is my challenge to you – make a list of 5 things you’re grateful for this year. It could be a moment or challenge that changed you for the better, family or friends, or even something as small as being able to go for a walk outside. If you feel comfortable sharing, leave me a comment below with one of those things you’re grateful for. 🙂
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