Thank You 2020

It seems like the year of 2020 has been a total bust- unemployment rising, business slowing down, killer bees, and let's not forget the infamous toilet paper shortage! But among the wreckage that is 2020, there are plenty of things to be thankful for. Let's take a dive in.

The Year 2020 in Review

I never took the phrase "stop and smell the roses" as seriously as I have this year. The beginning of the pandemic inspired panic and fear for many individuals and families. Businesses started to shut down or run at half-capacity, schools were shut down for 2 weeks- and then for the rest of the year, people were panicking. The moment that I realized my youth program may have to cease from running, even temporarily, left me devastated- which leads me to my first thing to be thankful for.

1. Creativity

2020 has inspired a monsoon of creativity. For me, it was creating virtual programming for my youth program participants- and trust me, I went back to my roots- making kites, bird feeders, wind chimes, homemade chocolate chip cookies and more! But I am not the only person to be inspired to create. While some people's businesses were hurt by Covid- other people took the opportunity to start the business that they had always dreamed of. If you follow TikTok, Instagram, or any other social media site, you will see people inspired to create and sell chalk art, personalized coffee mugs, inspiring t-shirts, write books, and more! People have adapted to a new way and have found ways to make it work, despite the circumstances. Which leads me to my #2 thing to be thankful for.

2. Social Media/ Communication Apps

While many people were dreading seeing the election propaganda constantly popping up on their feed, others have turned to social media and communication apps such as TikTok, Zoom, Instagram, Snapchat, and others to keep them entertained and sane during their days at home. TikTok has become a well known app throughout our quarantined days, inspiring millions of people to get up and dance, create comedy skits, show off their passions, and overall- just have fun! Zoom has also made a major comeback- being used for not only work meetings, but also social meetings between friends and family. These apps have allowed people to stay connected during a difficult time.

3. Internet Games

While you are on your Zoom or Google Meet call with friends and family- individuals have asked themselves- now what? We have everyone on the call, but what should we do or talk about? Well, there are several apps and games that you can actually play while on a Zoom Call. Some popular games that require everyone on the call to have an electronic device include Kahoot! Trivia App, Houseparty App, Jackbox TV Party, and the newly popularized Among Us App. If you are not into playing games on the internet or lack a device for each family member, you can also play Pictionary, Charades, Apples to Apples, Cards Against Humanity, and even Uno- provided that each household has the correct materials at home!

4. Family and Friends

While this is something I am always grateful for, I have especially thanked those who have been there and encouraged me through this time. I hope that I had also been a light for someone else who was struggling to keep a positive mindset! Taking a step back and spending quality time with friends and family has really helped me get through all of the rough spots. Not just that, but having the time to do things that we would normally put off until the "next week" that never came.

5. Free Time

Free time has been both a blessing and a curse. If you are an extrovert like me, you may have found it difficult to stay put for long or be disconnected from the outside world, but it also allowed many people to spend quality time with their children, get to that remodeling project they have not had time to complete, have a summer off of working two jobs, or again, just "stopping to smell the roses". Having free time has also helped people to refocus their mind, re-spark or strengthen their religious beliefs, or try something new.

So while there have been many downfalls to 2020, I hope you were able to find a little positivity in it as well. Look at the glass as half full, rather than half empty. Your mindset is what makes this year a good one or a bad one.

So with that, I say: Thank You 2020. It's been a wild ride!