What 2020 Taught Me

Happy Thanksgiving, friends! I know this year has been tough on so many. While this year was sad for us because of our canceled plans, I know it was much worse for other people. I relate a lot of this year to the season after Jack passed away two years ago. I remember thinking that the world would never be the same to me and that the grief would swallow me whole. While the grief has become manageable, my world is different. Grief, and the season after loss, has a way of changing your perspective on just about everything.

I’m writing all of this to say that if you’re in the middle of grief from this year, it will get better. It doesn’t seem like it and it won’t be easy, but at some point, there will be sun beneath the clouds. This year, while tough, is teaching us things that we will carry with us the rest of our lives. Here is my list of lessons 2020 taught me, and why I’m grateful for them.

1. People Matter Most. I always knew this to be true, but this year has affirmed that no matter what it’s the people in my life that matter more than anything else.
2. New Celebrations can be Fun. Traditions are amazing (and I’m looking forward to getting back to them) but there is lots of excitement in celebrating in new ways.
3. Inspiring Hobbies are Essential. You need a hobby that’s just for you. Something that relaxes you, inspires you and gives you something to look forward to even on bad days. This summer gardening became my favorite hobby and this fall I’ve been loving embroidery.
4. Spend More Time Outdoors. For some reason when I lived at my parent’s house I didn’t spend a ton of time outdoors. Now, I love being outdoors and make a goal to spend time each morning and evening outdoors (even if it’s just for 5 minutes)
5. Find Special Moments Within the Mundane. I think everyone has had to figure out how to make normal days feel special with so much working from home. I’ve loved making a fun meal and eating on the couch with Max or having a game night at home just the two of us.
6. Self Care is Important Every Day. Things like journaling, taking a walk, cleaning up my environment, and chatting with a friend are essential to make apart of my daily routine, not just when I’m in a funk.
7. Transitions are Hard. Moving into our house with Max has been really fun but naturally, not always easy. Besides learning to live together, we are also trying to learn how to keep up a home. It’s helpful to remember that transitions are just hard sometimes.
8. A good cup of coffee is the best way to start your day. Truly waking up and knowing my Nespresso was downstairs waiting for me is the best.
9. Productivity is not the measure of a good day. This is one I’m still learning but this year has helped teach me the value in my days, even if they aren’t productive.
10. You don’t have to have it all figured out. This year has made it nearly impossible to plan so I’ve learned to lean into the surprise of what will happen. Like I mentioned in my 25 before 25 bucketlist, I found that things don’t normally work out like I thought they would, but sometimes they work out even better.

So, Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you felt a little inspired to think of your own lessons to be grateful for. I am very thankful for this little corner of the internet and grateful to you for reading.

All my love,

Carla