Grateful for 2020

I'm grateful for this year, 2020.

A lot of you probably scoffed at the first sentence, but it's true. But I am choosing my words when I say grateful instead of thankful. Also, if you are reading this blog post that probably means that you are alive and breathing. And what more do you need to be grateful for other than being alive? (Psst. I know there is more that you are grateful for, but I thought this was a good place to start.)

You are thankful when you receive a gift.

You are grateful when you are happy with what you have.

I am grateful for this year, and as I reflect through this year, during this season of thankfulness and cheer, let me tell you why.

In January, I started this year with a new apartment, a continually wonderous husband, a forever adorable dog, and I started this year cancer-free. I can't say that for 2019.

In February, we were given a gift that allowed us to pay off some of Tyler's and my schooling and take out 90% of our debt and some leftover medical expenses.

In March, when the virus hit full force, I was grateful to spend more intimate time with my family and close friends. Yes, a lot of it was through zoom, but I learned the value of family.

In April, I'm grateful for the precautions put in place that help keep me, my family, and others safe.

In May, Tyler and I celebrated 5 years of marriage! I'm grateful that I did 4H when I was younger and that my grandmother was a Home Ec teacher and gave me a foundation for cooking and all the ways that I got to experiment in the kitchen because our anniversary dinner was amazing!

In June, in the events following George Floyd's death and the riots, I am grateful and humbled at how much I learned. I reread history and listened and I am the better for it and in learning, I know how I can help and make a difference.

In July, I had the privilege to go on a small trip to Virginia Beach, VA with a group of high school kids. Yes, we did learn about Jesus, but we also had the chance to get away from it all and for a brief time forget about our struggles back at home. And not two weeks later Tyler and I headed to Savannah, GA with Calypso and had the greatest time experiencing one of the most beautiful cities I've ever seen.

In August, I got pregnant, and even though it was just for a moment, the relief that cancer didn't ruin this aspect of my future was beyond what I had hoped for. I experienced great happiness and great sorrow, and I am grateful all the same.

In September, Mando (our new puppy) entered our lives and we learned how to be happy again even when it was hard. And I started a new job that I love!

In October, I got to celebrate with friends their new chapters in their lives. Love is still happening! It is still here!

Even now, in November, with the presidential election, (not admitting who I voted for. I believe that is a privilege to know and not a right), I am excited that history will be made once again with a female VP. Also, I got to spend Thanksgiving with the people that I love. Even today I got my negative COVID results. Yay!

Who knows what will happen in December; though my birthday and Christmas, and being on the cusp of a new year, sounds like a good end to any year.

Now, why go through and tell us all of this? Are you trying to rub this in our faces?

No.

I am proving that there was still good and fun to be had this year. No, it wasn't what we were expecting, but the fact that I am still breathing I will continue to be grateful for whatever new experience comes my way.

I want to challenge you. If you feel like this year has been a bag of dog crap on your porch set on fire, I want you to look at your calendar and think of one thing you can remember that you can be grateful for from each month. It might take some brainpower, it took a minute to come up with my list, but it is worth it. It at least put me in a better mindset when I reflected on this year.

This year we've been reminded what we have, and that we should be grateful. However, when it feels like one bad thing after another that seems ridiculous. 'Why should I be grateful? What has this year done for me?' This year has shown you how fortunate we are with what we have, and how much grit it takes to live and that if you've made it this far, you have what it takes!

I recently read a book, 'The Midnight Library' by Matt Haig, and it was probably in the top five books I've read this year (warning: if you are looking to read this book there is some colorful language). It talked about how when we are at the end of our rope, that we can't just throw in the towel. We are the ones who control our thoughts and our emotions, and we need to give this year or life, that we don't think we want, another chance and change what we can change to make it better.

Please, choose to be grateful, because, believe it or not, it could be so much worse.

You are still here!

#COVID #grateful