2020 has been a year. You know, the kind of year where you can pick almost any adjective and add it to the description of this year. You could say that 2020 has been a crazy, stressful, chaotic, and boring year and it would be completely accurate.

With the holiday season now upon us, now’s the time to look back, reflect on the past 10-11 months, and think of everything you’re thankful for. Although with 2020 being the absolute trash fire it’s been, you might have a harder time coming up with things you’re thankful for this year.

To help, here are 5+ things to be thankful for.

1). Your Health

In the United States alone, more than 12 million people have had COVID. Maybe you’re one of the lucky ones that have been fortunate enough to stay healthy throughout the pandemic.

If you weren’t as lucky as had the virus, you can still be thankful for your health. You’re one of the lucky ones who survived the virus, unlike the 260,000+ people in the US who did not.

Never take your health for granted.

2). Extra Time

While staying home to keep yourself and others safe is boring and mentally draining, you can still be thankful for this experience. Chances are, you’ve found extra time since staying home.

Maybe you have more time to spend with your partner and your kids because of this extra time. Maybe you’ve used the extra time to start that hobby you always talked about.

Either way, be thankful for the extra time staying home has allowed you.

3). Self Reflections

Piggybacking off of extra time, not being able to go out with friends or run around 24/7 has given us the opportunity to self-reflect on our wants, needs, and interests. Chances are, even if you didn’t realize it until now, you’ve grown this past year.

Maybe you’ve reflected on your career and decided that a new challenge is needed. Maybe you’ve taken a step back and looked at the people in your life and removed those who don’t build you up, or maybe you made a list of all the things you want to do after surviving the pandemic.

Be thankful that you’ve learned more about yourself this past year.

Even More Things to be Thankful For

When I’m asked what I’m thankful for, people are usually in for a shock. I try to look to the abstract things in my life that not everyone has. To help you get an idea of even more things to be thankful for this year, here’s a list that includes no material items:

• Mobility: Not everyone has the ability to easily move around. Not everyone can go for a walk, watch a sunset, play a video game, or work out. Be thankful that you’re able-bodied.
• Growing family: The birth of a new baby, fostering or adopting children, or a marriage is always exciting. The pandemic has put a lot of things on hold, but it can never put love on hold.
• Access to food and clean water: Around the world, people don’t have access to food or clean drinking water. Never take for granted the ability to turn on your faucet to grab a quick glass of water or go to the grocery store to pick up fresh ingredients.
• Memories & Experiences: If nothing else, you’ve created lots of new memories over the past year. Maybe you had a virtual prom or graduation. Maybe you went for a walk and discovered your new favorite place. Be thankful for the unique memories you created this year.

What Are You Thankful For?

While 2020 has been a difficult year that’s been full of challenges and sacrifices, there’s still a lot to be thankful for this year.

If there’s anything 2020 taught me it’s to never take anything for granted and to appreciate the little things in life.