Gratitude in 2020

Some days it is hard to be grateful in 2020. Our worlds have been turned upside down. I don’t know about you, but I’m a little tired of 2020. I’ve had a couple of vacations cancelled. My book club and girls’ night Zooms are no substitute for talking, laughing and catching up in person (and yes, we do discuss our books!). Parties cancelled. No ‘jump around’ at Badger football games with my college sophomore. And now the worst, no big family Thanksgiving or Christmas celebrations. However, this week of Thanksgiving, I am finding gratitude and joy in the experiences 2020 has brought me.

Family: Between camp counselor jobs, study abroad, and college, our two girls spent March through May in the same house which is the longest stretch in probably 3-4 years. They are four years apart in age and now both young adults. It has been amazing to see them reconnect, be silly and create their own memories together.

Extended Family: We came up with creative ways to see each other outdoors. All my siblings live in the Chicago area, so family gatherings are 20 people ranging in age from 80 to 8. The cousins went on bike rides together. We have met for walks in forest preserves and instead of our tradition November/December birthday party, we are all meeting at Lincoln Park Zoo to see the zoo lights together. Who knows? Maybe some of these will become new family traditions. The summer allowed us to have grandparents over for dinner outdoors. I am so grateful that most of our extended family members live close.

Me: One personal goal that I have been able to focus on is a better workout schedule. Now, don’t get me wrong – I am no workout guru! But I have found a routine of different activities that keeps me active and strengthens muscles that are prone to injury. It involves pilates, paddle tennis, golf and walking (along with a commitment to go for a walk anytime I am asked). And in 2020, walks are the best way to catch up with friends and family safely. Moving is so important to my overall mental health!

I also started this blog! Something I have thought about for a few years and decided to stop planning and execute. Now I have to concentrate on follow-through. And spreading the word…if I have people expecting book reviews and blog posts, I’ll feel a responsibility to not slack off.

As I have been writing this, I can think of so many other 2020 experiences that I am grateful for: the family pop-a-shot tournament that replaced our Final Four bracket pool, cooking new recipes with my daughter, organizing all my books, and using Zoom to catch up with college friends (why didn’t we do that before???).

I recognize that I am very lucky that no one I love has died or been seriously ill with Covid-19 and pray that continues. I have felt deep loss and don’t wish that on anyone. I also know that after the grief does come gratitude for the time we did have with our lost ones.

So, I encourage everyone to spend some time reflecting on what 2020 gave us instead of what we missed. It will fill your heart as it did mine. Happy Thanksgiving!