✌🏼2020

     As I look back on 2020, a million emotions run through my head. My initial thought is to b*tch about how much I hated this year- and believe me, I could go on and on, as I’m sure we all could. Instead, I want to take this time to recognize and cherish the good moments in 2020 that I would have taken for granted pre-pandemic. I honestly believe that 2020 has been a year that my personal growth has developed the most. I've gained so much perspective, and I appreciate the small moments so much more than I ever have. I can admit now that I did take things for granted that I never realized until this year. I am so so thankful and grateful for what 2020 has brought me, and I am here to share it with all of you. Some of the most influential moments I cherish from 2020 are the last few memories I have with both my grandmas before they passed. I could sit here and be angry that I didn't get to spend as much time with them due to Covid-19, but instead I am so thankful for those last few visits, hugs, laughs, and “I love yous”. Although the goodbyes were not the ones I had hoped for during a pandemic, I think about my grandma’s smile when I brought her a sign saying her grandchildren love her, or the phone calls I had time for because I wasn't out doing a million things. I am grateful for the time I got to spend with my family as we shared tears and laughs as we said goodbye to my grandparents, rather than just moving on to accomplish a busy schedule I would have had pre pandemic. I am also thankful for the dinners where I got to sit at the table with my family for the first time in years- and I mean years. It's strange to think about how fast paced the life we live is- constantly thinking about the next best thing instead of enjoying the moment itself. Dinners with my family helped to ground me and bring me back to the moments instead of the next best thing. I've regained a relationship with my family that I haven't felt since I was in elementary school, before I was too cool for my parents. I understand now that I have a lot more things in common with them, and I appreciate the time I get to spend with them. This year gave me the opportunity to notice and appreciate the little things in life. I am thankful that I got to experience a year where people stood up for their rights taller than ever as they voiced their opinions. I know that this is only the beginning for equality and it will take time, but I genuinely feel in my heart that after this year, racism, sexism, and other prejudices will begin to subside. This year gave me the time to do things I have always wanted but never had time to- read a book, clean my closet, and so many more activities. I thank 2020 for challenging my mental health, maturity, and pushing me past my limits. I'm not writing this blog to tell anyone what to do, however, take a step back and as you punt 2020 out the window, remember the moments you are grateful for, the things you found out about yourself, and the memories that are only made once. Happy New year and HELLO 2021!