As 2020 is coming to an end, it’s time to look back and reflect on this strange and life-altering year.
I am sure none of us could have ever imagined the way this well-rounded year would end up being. A global pandemic, social distancing, face coverings, and stay at home orders, who could have ever seen this coming? I know I never thought I’d get to witness the entire world shuts down over a life-threatening virus!
Many people complain about this past year, looking forward to life going back to normal. But what if we look beyond the inconvenience of social distancing and sold out toilet paper? Was there anything good about 2020?
It took me a minute to answer this question. First things that come to mind are all those things that 2020 took away from me: the ability to come together with friends and family, the opportunity to shake hands with clients and smile at strangers without a mask, the choice of dining in at any of my favorite restaurants and going on vacation wherever my heart desires. Top that with the simple pleasure of being able to work without fearing of losing your job or having your business shut down as non-essential, and you end up losing your entire lifestyle to 2020.
And then it hit me! The very fact that I miss the things that I used to take for granted is phenomenal! Maybe 2020 wasn’t so bad after all? Maybe for the first time in my life, I was forced to stop and count my blessings? Maybe 2020 has changed me forever because it has taught me to appreciate the simple things that make life beautiful?
So here is my wish for all of us in the upcoming new year, may the world go back to normal, and may we never forget the lesson we’ve learned in 2020, always be grateful for the simple things.
Photo Credit: Igor Ilyenko @ CoolStyle Productions