The last few years, I’ve followed along with the @positivelypresent Gratitude Challenge. This Instagram challenge (that I co-opt into blog posts) is a good way to reflect upon the year and count blessings.
I think this year, it’s more important than ever to take stock of what good manages to flourish, even in the darkest of times.
Health
I’m very fortunate that I’ve managed to stay healthy during this pandemic—as have my loved ones. Even with an abundance of caution, this is a feat.
I am so, so thankful for this, I can hardly express it.
Seasons
Staying in most of the year, put me more in touch with the seasons. On my daily walks, I got to enjoy the slowly warming (and cooling) weather, and in the garden, we really appreciated harvesting early crops like lettuces, then summer squash and late-season harvests like beets and carrots.
Appreciating these small changes makes staying home a bit more bearable.
Optimism
Waking up on Election Day, I was full of hope. I didn’t feel worried or anxious, I actually felt good. And while it took a few days to confirm this feeling, I am so happy to see a Biden-Harris win. This fills me with such hope for the future.
And while I know this change won’t be a cure-all, it’s a big step in the right direction. Looking forward to good things!
Strength
I think it’s safe to say that 2020 has put a strain on everyone. It’s really hard to get up and keep up every day, but I’m managing it and maybe even managing it well. I think this is a type of strength. I’m certain it comes from my mom who is incredibly strong, optimistic and resourceful. I think that I inherited about 10% of what she has, but that’s enough!
Nature
Michael and I are nature people. We both grew up with dads that appreciated the outdoors. I’m thankful to my Dad for encouraging me to pick up pinecones as a kid and taught me how to make a fire. I’m thankful to have a partner that enjoys the smell of the trees the way that I do (maybe even more so).
Fun
I’ll be real: Fun has been a little harder to come by in 2020, but I’m still managing to squeeze some in here and there.
I’m thankful for costume-clad Teams meetings and virtual presentation parties. I’m also thankful for quiet forms of fun like listening to audiobooks while doing a puzzle or downloading so many cross-stitch patterns.
I’ll be back next week with more gratitude. I encourage you to take inventory of your life and find a few small things to be thankful for these days. It can be hard, but counting blessings is never a bad thing.
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