Let’s be honest, 2020 has been kind of sh***y. Nothing has gone as planned for a lot of people, and we are living through a time that no one ever saw coming. I was SO EXCITED coming into 2020. It was going to be the best year of my life. I had so many things going my way and things to look forward to in 2020, however that didn’t happen.
As easy as it is to get into a negative mindset, this time of year is supposed to be about giving, being thankful, and loving. I clearly haven’t been dealt the best hand, but it’s about how you react and move forward that makes you a stronger person.
I wanted to take this time of giving as Thanksgiving is in a few days to reflect on what I am truly thankful for. I encourage each and every one of you to do the same. Let’s not take away the meaning of this holiday because the world isn’t where we want it to be right now.
My People
This goes for all my friends and family. Especially during these last few months I have had to lean on the people in my life more than anything. Whether it is the small texts, check ins, and everything else – I could go on and on. One thing 2020 has taught me is who my people are. The ones that will be there for you no matter what, and that you can count on always. Friends new and old I will always cherish- and I am especially thankful for them this year, even if we cannot see each other physically.
I am beyond thankful for my family and their support. For my mom who always believes in me, will answer my 12th phone call to her for the day, and gives me the most amount of unconditional love, both my parents for their support, and my brother who is the most loyal BasicallyB-er of them all and is always sure to tell me how it is. I love you all and I would never be able to do this life without your love and encouragement.
Growth
There are so many Pinterest quotes telling you to “grow every day”. For me, growth is anything but linear – it is kind of like a big web. Some days, I feel like I make leaps and bounds forward, and somedays, I may even take a step back. However wacky of a path it may be, I am really thankful for the growth I have had in 2020.
I am really unsure of what 2021 will bring me. It will be an adventure I am sure, but there are so many unknowns! I trust in the man upstairs to help lead me in my journey!
Focusing on personal growth has been a goal of mine for the past few years. I’ve been exposed to a lot of realities this year, some tough, some exciting. This year that have led to some difficult life lessons. However, I am grateful to have learned these now at 25 instead of down the road.
The Setbacks
Let’s be transparent. 2020 has not been all sunshine and rainbows. Not in the slightest. Read more about how my year has gone here. I’ve grown apart from good friends. I’ve felt guilty for not being a good enough daughter / sister / granddaughter at times. I have had to uproot my life and in a sense start over. I am in-between careers right now.
The only silver lining to these hardships are that I was able to get myself through them. I’ve gotten to know myself better over this past year. I know my limits of when to stop an argument from going over the line, and I know how to cheer myself up after a rough day. I alone will pull on my bootstraps and prepare myself for the day ahead. I alone can control my outlook and my future. The knowledge that I am okay on my own and that I will always be self-sustaining has been a comfort and a blessing. I think it will continue to be so as the years go on.
My Health
I have never really thought twice about my health until this year. I am not someone who gets sick often, I’ve never broken a bone, but this more than ever I have been taking extra care of my health and I am grateful for it.
I have only had to get one covid test, and I have not been directly exposed to it. Working with children every day, puts me more at risk because they are so germy, but I have been taking many precautions.
But not only physical health I am thankful for, but also my mental health. After moving home I have been frequently seeing my therapist and that has been helping me more than everything. I don’t know why there is such a bad stigma with therapy, but I think the strongest people go to therapy to better themselves. Yes, I still struggle with anxiety, but therapy has helped teach me the coping skills to help myself get through it.
Mental health has been a trending topic in 2020, and I think quarantine, and the pandemic has not helped at all. I am a social person, so not being able to see people, go out and do things, and travel has taken a huge toll on my mental health. I have had to re-focus on things and myself. There are days where I don’t want to get out of bed, but accepting those days and getting through to the next is the best thing for me.
Support
For every good or bad thing that happens, there is always someone to congratulate me or get me back on my feet. I am extremely thankful for the support system that I have in my life. Although I do keep a lot to myself, I know that if I need to vent about life, to ramble on about the awkward occurrence in the grocery store, or just to laugh, I have many people I can call.
I am also extremely grateful for every single one of YOU! Every time you like a photo on Instagram, read a blog post, or shop through my LIKEtoKNOW.it you are helping to support my business. I treasure every heartfelt comment you leave and every DM you send. I appreciate every single one of you. When I find out someone reads my blogs or follow along on social media, it seriously makes my day! It makes me instantly smile! Basically B would be nothing besides a girl sitting behind her laptop and taking crazy pictures in public without you and your support!
What are you thankful for this year? I am logging off the rest of the week to spend time with family and eat my weight in mashed potatoes and stuffing!
Happy Thanksgiving!
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