2020: A Year For Gratitude?

Not a day goes by without someone announcing their desire for 2020 to be history.

After all, between disease, lockdowns, and election-related angst, it’s been a stressful year.

My home’s been impacted like everyone else’s. My bride and I postponed our 30th anniversary celebration until…someday. We remain locked within these walls, venturing out rarely and always masked before scuttling home with our groceries.

Zoom calls have replaced socializing, and the few times we’ve visited with others it’s felt like we’re playing socially distanced Russian Roulette.

It really doesn’t feel like there’s much to be thankful for this year. And yet…

• The election’s behind us, hopefully restoring some long-term stability to our world

• Recent COVID infection fears of someone close to us was a false alarm

• Our supply of toilet paper’s holding out

Netflix, Amazon and Disney keep us entertained, Doordash keeps us fed, and Zoom keeps us in touch. Vaccines are on the horizon, we have food on the table, and a roof over our heads. And we still like each other.

So if nothing else, I’m thankful for perspective.

When we were kids, older family members would tell us “Enjoy these moments right now,” “Be present with the people around you” or “One day you’re going to miss this”.

This year’s events have helped me understand what they meant. I’ve come to appreciate even more those who are important to me. I’m forgiving the slights and overlooking petty annoyances, while recognizing who and what needs to be prioritized.

Sounds corny, doesn’t it? Well, you wouldn’t be the first to accuse me of that.

But the bottom line is this year’s been difficult, and everyone has experienced their own personal challenges. I have friends who lost spouses and parents (in one case both), and recognize the need for clarity.

Furthermore, 2020 has proven to me that the light at the end of the tunnel isn’t always an oncoming train. Both professionally and personally it’s critical to always maintain hope for a better tomorrow.

This year has reinforced for me the importance of flexibility, and it applies to every aspect of our lives. Because when we come out on the other side of this thing, we’re all going to have realized we’re strong enough to handle any curveball life may throw our way.

With that said, I wish you and yours a happy, healthy, and safe Thanksgiving.

-----------
@marketbuilding