Every November, we are asked what blessings in life we have to be thankful for. It’s easy to be thankful for the same clichés every year: friends, family, health, etc. But let’s face it. 2020 has been unlike any year we’ve seen before. From COVID-19, to a surprise Taylor Swift album, to election season, we’ve all had our fair share of ups and downs this year. If you’re anything like me, this year has really put the things you have to be thankful for in perspective.
The Internet
I’ll be the first to say it: what did we do before ZOOM? Working from home, receiving an education, and connecting with the people we love has never been easier. Through the power of social media, we are able to stay connected with one another and witness milestones in each other's lives, no matter where we are in the world. While all of us were stuck at home, we still had the opportunity to network, make new friends, and go on new adventures, all thanks to the power of the Internet.
Health
The whole concept of health and wellness was put into real perspective for the entire world this year. Learning to appreciate and value being healthy is something I personally did not pay much attention to until the tragedies of COVID-19. This year especially, we have so much to be thankful for in regard to our well-being. I encourage you to send love to those who have been affected by the tragedies that this year has brought.
Physical Touch
I miss hugs! I did not realize how much I miss hugs until this year. I am thankful for the beauty found in human connection. Sometimes, words don't come easy. And other times, words can never truly convey what we wish to communicate. There is comfort in physical touch. There is safety in a simple hug. There is power in sharing the same space as a loved one.
The Best of Humanity
This year, we had every opportunity to love harder, pray more, lift one another up, and celebrate each other. If your experience has been anything like mine, you have definitely seen some of the worst and best of humanity. Regardless of the situation we must recognize our realities, no matter how difficult. But in the end, we have the choice to be proactive, keep moving forward, and know that tomorrow is a new day full of new opportunities to love the people around us fully and authentically.
This holiday season, when asked what you’re thankful for, I challenge you to dig a little bit deeper. Think beyond the obvious. What is still beautiful about your life, even after all the messy things that have happened? Each little blessing deserves recognition. If you need some inspiration on things to be thankful for, click here to read some of our other blogs.