2020 was a year like no other. We experienced things that I really never even thought we would ever experience. I constantly hear "2020 what a dumpster fire" or "this has got to be the worst year ever" or "we did nothing this year". While that might be true I really thought about this year. I can't say I necessarily feel this way. Now I realize there was a lot of heartache and a lot of sadness from the events of this year. Many people had to change major life plans and had traumatic life events. But I want to really go into 2021 with a good mindset about my experiences this year. Here are a list of the things that 2020 has taught me and what I am thankful for.
The Importance of my marriage....
Our family is busy. Probably the most relaxing time for us is January and February. Where is cold, not much is going on, and sports haven't started. This year that was probably the only 2 months we actually did much of anything.
This year really taught me the importance of slowing down and enjoying the ones closest to me. This year helped bring my husband and I closer (not without squabbles since we were together every waking moment haha) but we really got to know each other and spend time. Every day wasn't a mad dash to get to work, get home, make dinner, pass out just to start all over again the next day. It was truly amazing how much time we spend each day getting ready for everything and not actually enjoying each other. That is one thing I am really going to miss when we go back to normal. There is really no way around the hustle and bustle of a work day.. but hopefully the norms from this year will carry over in some way to the following year.
My babies....
You know how people say that time flies? That is so true. Even this year. Time flew. I started off this year being pregnant and now my youngest is crawling on the floor playing with my oldest (sidenote: these two are going to be crazy besties). Since we were at home I was truly able to enjoy every moment of my kids lives. I feel bad for saying this but I have never been so invested in my kids. I know so much about my oldest's schooling and what he is doing. I have seen every milestone my youngest has hit. It has truly been amazing. As much as I will be happy for them to go to their school/daycare and be around friends and kids their age, I am really going to miss being with them every hour of every day. When I talk about 2020 them I won't make it sound negative or crazy. I will make sure they know that I was so happy to be able to spend this amazing time with them. That they taught me so much as a mother and that I hope they look back and remember all the fun and togetherness we had during this year.
Work...
I always knew that I wasn't one who could be a stay at home mom (shout out to my SAHMs out there because this is HARD). I love my job, I love working, I love meeting new people. I also have also felt the calling to continue being in education and making a difference. One thing I learned this year is that I do not like working from home. My job is not easy to do at home over a computer. I want to hug my students. I want to sit next to them and teach them to read. I want to see their faces light up when they learn something new. I know people are upset with the virtual school right now. We all are. Be kind to the teachers in your life. They don't want this just as much as you don't.
As much as this has been a change (not necessarily a good one) I am so thankful to still be working. That my husband is still working. Hearing about the unemployment, the pain, the loss from this pandemic it makes me realize how truly blessed we are to be working and continuing our lifestyle as normal.
So here is to 2021. I know there isn't going to be some magic switch that shuts all of this off at midnight, but I do believe that 2021 will bring us some reprieve. That we will begin to see some positive changes. We will begin to slowly but surely get back to normal. I want to wish you all a happy and healthy new year! Cheers to 2021
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