Lately I’ve been hearing a lot of talk about how 2020 was the year sent from hell. Everyone seems to be counting down the seconds until 2021. People are craving a fresh start and new beginnings. Yes, 2020 has had its challenges, but when we focus only on negative aspects, our lives can start to slip away from us.

I saw a video the other day that was made from the perspectives of different years. In the video, each year was arguing about which one was the worst. 2020 started saying that they were by far the worst. 2013 popped in saying they should get a chance with the Ebola crisis. 2008 mentioned they had the recession going for them. At the end of the video, 1929-1945 popped in asking what the topic of conversation was. All the years in the conversation quickly shut up, remembering the depression, WW2 and previous struggles of this country, and that was the conclusion of the video.

The purpose of me telling you this is to highlight the fact that humans have been navigating slumps since the very beginning. People often get into the “whose life is worse” match, or a pity party as I like to call it. Stop. Stop comparing struggles. This year has been hard on everyone for different reasons. I am not neglecting to admit that the difficulty of this year should be recognized, but there has been good that has come from this too. Choose to recognize that as well.

Here are some good things that happened in 2020.

1. The second person in the world was cured of HIV. His name is Adam Castillejo. We are still far from a widespread cure, but this one person matters. His life is a victory for science, for the medical community, and for our world.
2. Many foster pets were adopted to help people get through the struggles of isolation and quarantine.
3. Teachers have been recognized for their work. People are finally realizing how tough their jobs are. #superheroes
4. Increase in family time. I know that not all are as lucky as I, but this increased family time has been so valued. My siblings and I are all starting our own lives, moving out, and taking those next steps in life. Having this extra time together has been such a blessing.
5. MORE TIME TO PLAY EUCHRE. Here’s the thing, if you don’t know how to play euchre, learn. I don’t think I have ever met someone that knows how to play and doesn’t like to play (unless you’ve been on a losing streak, but that doesn’t really count).
6. Due to the pandemic, the Venice Canals were as clean as they’ve been in, at least, my lifetime. Fish have actually been seen swimming in them. The sediment has had time to settle without the boats stirring it up, and we were reminded of just how beautiful the canals are.
7. People have found new hobbies, skills, talents and passions. I, personally, would have never found the courage or time to start a blog if it weren’t for 2020.
8. People are valuing personal interaction more than ever. There’s the saying, “You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone.” This year has been the year of recognition. I have found myself missing the days where I could share a smile with a passing stranger, hug my friends and family without taking a second to think about whether it is safe or not, or go to a city full of buzzing people and excitement.
9. Huge manufacturing companies halted their manufacturing lines to make masks, ventilators, and more medical supplies.
10. You are alive. Your life has meaning, is rich, and matters.

I know this has been a year of loss, heartache, and battles. However, this year has also allowed so many to grow, love deeper, and become more compassionate. This year matters. This day matters. You matter. When you focus on what you don’t have, you drown in a sea of greed. When you focus on what you do have, you soar with sails of wisdom and joy. Yes, it might take digging a little deeper, searching a little harder, or being a little more disciplined in your mentality. Bad days happen. Bad weeks happen. Bad things happen. However, it is not a bad life. I am a firm believer that your mentality plays a large factor in your success. Hard work is woven in there too, but a positive attitude, a healthy mind, and a grateful soul will carry you a long way. Pursue it.

Finally, to answer the question posed at the top of this page, yes. Yes you can be thankful in 2020. Sit down and write down five things you are grateful for. Share them with those you love. Whether it be over a family zoom or at the dinner table, take time to show gratitude.

Happy Thanksgiving.