No matter who you are, or where you are from, we can probably all agree that 2020 was one roller coaster of a year.
Personally, the year started off all right. I was pregnant with baby No. 2, dealing with hyperemesis gravidarum again, and just counting down the days until I gave birth. I assumed everything would get better once my son was born because I wouldn’t be so sick and miserable anymore … but I was so wrong.
On March 13, I went into labor
I arrived at the hospital at 8:30 a.m. and the nurse walked in and told me that their rules had just changed due to COVID-19.
And the rest of the year after that turned into what felt like a downward spiral.
Between the riots, quarantining, social distancing, mask mandates, store and restaurant closures, businesses shutting down permanently, protests, the election, and just so much more, I felt so divided and isolated from the world.
This year, like so many other people, I felt some of my lowest lows — but I am so thankful that I did
After a couple months of quarantine, I was still bitter about being stuck at home, especially with everything going on with my personal life. But I took some time to reflect and realized that I had so much to be thankful for.
I realized that I had so much around me that I took for granted on a daily basis: my health, my family, my home, my husband’s job, the fact that I get to stay home with my kids, even having fresh water and food. The list goes on and on. I never really put it into perspective how lucky I was to have all of those things until 2020 showed me by flipping my world upside down.
So for that, I want to thank 2020
I want to thank 2020 for being the year I slowed down and appreciated the little things.
I want to thank 2020 for being the year that brought me closer to those who are truly there for me, and further disconnected from those who are not.
I want to thank 2020 for the hard lessons. Despite the growing pains being so painful, they were necessary and I am stronger and better for it all.
2020 is the year I began standing up for myself
The year my confidence in myself began to build. The year I began confronting my issues head on (well, at least trying to). The year I began to focus on being a better mother, wife, friend, and family member to those around me.
I really hope that everyone can reflect on this year and see it for what it hopefully was: a difficult year full of amazing life lessons.
And even though I'm able to acknowledge the upsides of the year, that definitely doesn't erase all the downsides. So keeping that in mind, I can happily say goodbye to 2020. It was an interesting year, to say the least, but I am so excited for 2021 and everything that it will bring.
