2020 has been a hard, hard year. For everyone. I can't think of a single person who didn't struggle in some capacity this year. We're in the thick of a global public health crisis. The economy is in shambles. People have lost loved ones, jobs, a sense of stability. It's been a rough one and I know we're all glad to see it go and are looking to the new year with more hope than ever before. But amidst all of this bad, I'd like to recall the good that did come of this insane, unthinkable year, both in my personal life and in the world in general. Because, yes, there is some good. I want to take a moment to say thank you to 2020.

Personally, I lost my job right at the very beginning of this whole mess. And then I was unemployed for six months. At the time, I thought this was the worst thing in the world. I was deeply depressed and questioned my worth on a daily basis. But all of this struggle brought me to my current job, which I absolutely, undoubtedly love. Having a job I love and feel passionately about and look forward to going to every day is not something I've ever experienced before in my life. This certainly would never have happened to me had I stayed in my previous dead-end job that did not fulfill me or make me happy. So, thank you, 2020.

I got pregnant in 2020. This is exciting all on its own, but it's especially exciting because my doctors really didn't think pregnancy would come easily for me. I have multiple underlying health conditions that simply aren't compatible with a healthy pregnancy. But by some miracle, I became pregnant on my own, on the first try, and this little guy hung in there. My doctors are honestly a little surprised and my husband and I are very surprised, and so, so blessed. I have had an uncomplicated, uneventful pregnancy, as far as the health of this baby goes (my health isn't great, but baby boy is thriving and that's all that I care about). So, thank you, 2020. 

My family is healthy. I know not everyone can say the same and my heart goes out to those of you who have lost loved ones this year. I am extremely fortunate to say that I've only had two family members test positive for COVID and they have both been able to manage their mild symptoms at home. So, thank you, 2020.

The world came together this year, even though we are apart. Amidst this virus that has rocked our world, I have seen more acts of kindness than ever before. Although we can't be together physically, we have been there for each other in other ways. When my husband and I were exposed to COVID and in quarantine, our neighbors dropped off a hot meal on our door step. We have found ways to continue to celebrate milestones and make people feel special with virtual and drive-by parties and parades. We have come together as a community to support small businesses that have been hit hard. We've really been given the opportunity to see what matters. I hope that as this nightmare of a year draws to a close, we take some of this good with us into the new year. There is so much hope in 2021. Even with all of the bad that 2020 brought, I hope we remember that some good came of it. Thank you, 2020.