Despite 2020 Madness, What Are You Grateful For?

Hello, December!

And for this month’s post, I really have nothing to say.

HAHAHA OKAY. THANK YOU FOR CLICKING THIS LINK.

K. BYE.

Lol kidding aside… Despite 2020 Madness, I’m still grateful.

A few weeks from now, it will be 2021.  Time has gone surprisingly fast. Sometimes it feels like a cruel joke. Kelan ba matatapos to? (When will this end?) But as the optimistic person that I am, I’d like to view all these as opportunities for growth.

This year has taught me so much. 2020 taught me about things that are truly important to me – things that I really, truly care, and feel strongly about. I am especially grateful for this pause that I’m able to reflect on all aspects of my life. In the process of recalibrating my goals, it becomes clearer to me the things that need more of my attention and energy.

Yes, we all have bills to pay, we have to put food on the table, but so many of us have been solely focused on that for so long we’ve forgotten about “living” and appreciating life.

Sometimes we get so caught up with our day-to-day obligations and we don’t take time to sit back and listen to what our inner voice might be telling us.

I am thankful each day to have quiet mornings to tune into my heart and being able to be filled by God’s amazing grace.

I am grateful for my own resilience.

I live alone and I tend toward depression and anxiety. This lockdown has shown me how to take care of myself, my mental health, and my body.

I have learned that emotions are normal, as sometimes I feel sad and sometimes, I feel very at peace.

I also have gotten closer to some friends, and I have also reached out to my family with whom I haven’t communicated for quite a long time. The result has brought me incredible joy and energy, and a sense of authentic connection. Finally, I was able to give space for forgiveness. It shouldn’t take a pandemic for us to find healing, but here we are now. 😊

I’m deeply grateful for my mind. For the capacity to entertain myself, whether with books, YouTube tutorials, articles, or online shopping. Whether I workout inside my 15sqm room, painting while singing out loud to myself, trying fancy recipes in my kitchen, or dancing around while binging on my favorite peanut butter jelly sandwich. It’s shown me clearly how much there is so much to be grateful for.

I am grateful that I have more time to listen to audiobooks and indulge myself in passion projects like DIYing clothes, painting, revamping my small online shop, etc. These are just some of my favorite things to do. I just had relived my youth as if time doesn’t exist… with no pressure, just letting myself go with the flow.

I rediscovered myself and regain my creative energy. I was able to claim my space in the world – especially after so many years of playing small and feeling like I wasn’t quite good enough, owning the power within me and recognizing the voice in me that wants to inspire people to live life with purpose and intention.

During my most stressful and overwhelming times, I have found that I am extremely grateful for my partner and for our life together. He has been my rock through all these adjustments and strives every day to make my life easier, as much as he can. It is never a straight path for us, just like how complicated relationships can be for every couple but we strive to make it work. I really appreciate how he has taken the lead on so much in order to keep us “together” (and the romance alive nyehehe)😉 Not to mention how supportive and understanding he is, I’m really happy to have him in my life. I’m very thankful that we are growing closer together… each day.

This may not be an easy time for all of us… but we have pulled together in many ways, and we didn’t lose hope. Happiness may seem to elude us, but gratitude is always within our reach, which means we all possess the map to happiness.

How amazing is that?

Is there something you’re particularly grateful for during this time? How often do you choose to focus on the good?

Share it in the comment box below! 😊