The Avian Angle

It is hard to summarize this year. I have seen a lot of posts titled, “See ya, 2020” and “So Long to 2020”. Rather than dismiss this last year as a dumpster fire or black hole, I am trying to find the light in what was a very dark time. This year included a global pandemic, political challenges, and social injustices. I will be the first to recognize how incredibly hard this year. I am saddened by these dark times and I am missing my family and friends; I am missing being active and more engaged in my community; I am missing just going to a damn bar for a cocktail. Those are things I should and am fortunate for, because they are so incredibly insignificant compared to the losses that so many others have experienced this year. All we can hope for in 2021 is that there be recovery for those who have lost so much.

In practicing gratitude, I am so beyond thankful that this year I remained healthy. A small but mighty feat for a year like this year. I not only remained healthy but I also gave birth to our first daughter. In any given year, giving birth would be a miracle. This year, it felt like a miracle and a half. We had tough year economically but I am thankful for my job. I am thankful to have had time to invest in my handmade craft business. Being quarantined also allowed us to be at home and to work on several home projects. All in all, 2020 was a pretty low year. But I am so thankful for these simple blessings in my life.

It is not surprising that my top nine of 2020 reflect my home, my sanctuary. Between today and tomorrow, it my not feel so different – we will still be quarantined at home. But it is within our hearts and our minds that we must navigate the days ahead of us. May 2021 bring us recovery but also ability to exercise peace.