If you had to describe 2020 in one word, what might that be? Challenging? Difficult? Curveball? Many of us felt a bit blindsided by what this year had in store for us, and the current pandemic certainly brought with it tragedy and a number of hardships for millions around the world.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving this year, our reasons for being thankful may be a little less obvious, especially if we’re unable to gather with groups of loved ones for the holiday. However, there’s always something to be thankful for, and, in many ways, 2020 has revealed for us what truly matters.
We’ve been forced to slow down this year. For many, that has afforded us more time with immediate family, as we’re no longer running from one engagement to the next or spending hours in cars to commute to workplaces. It’s also given us more time to read books and pursue hobbies we didn’t have time for in the past.
A number of new opportunities have arisen this year, and perhaps you’ve found a new job or taken on a new and exciting role at work that wouldn’t have existed a year ago. The creativity and innovation that people have displayed throughout the pandemic have saved and created opportunities and, in turn, reasons for gratitude.
We live in a time of advanced technology, allowing students to learn remotely, workers to meet virtually, and friends and family to interact via platforms such as Zoom. Then there are streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu, allowing us to binge-watch our favorite shows while in lockdown. Just a few short years ago, this wouldn’t have been possible! Something to be grateful for, indeed.
In communities around the world, we’ve seen people coming together to support each other. Neighbors raising money to provide meals to frontline workers, for example. Communities rallying around small businesses to help them keep their doors open, for another. Our ability to pull together and empathize in a time of crisis is certainly a reason to be thankful.
Of course, if you and your loved ones have remained healthy throughout the year, that’s the biggest reason of all to be thankful. We certainly hope that’s the case and that you have many reasons to be thankful this year and that you enjoy a peaceful and happy Thanksgiving.
