30 Things to be Grateful For
A few days ago I wrote a 2020 Christmas gift guide in which I mentioned a gratitude journal, and how I’ve been intrigued about the benefits of listing all that you are thankful for. It’s not something I regularly do, unfortunately. Which is surprising, given how much I love list-making (as this old post- my 26 Things I’ve Learned in 26 Years was testament to!).
Today is Thanksgiving in the US- not a holiday we celebrate this side of the Atlantic. The concept of a holiday to honour all that you are thankful for, however, is really appealing to me. So although I didn’t spend the day preparing a turkey or doing anything festive, I did make a list of all the things I’m thankful for.
I think Americans only really list one or two when they go around the dining table… But it’s 2020 and this year has been rough. So I decided to list one thing I’m grateful for for every year I’ve been alive. Here’s 30 things I’m really, really thankful for.
The fact that in every corner of the globe there are scientists (and Dolly Parton!) hard at work, whipping up a vaccine. They’re saving the world.
Front-line workers. I cannot even imagine how emotionally and physically draining this year has been for them. I’m so thankful for their strength, bravery and tenacity.
Art; music, film, photos, writing. They kept me sane, but were there for me when I went insane!
Jonathan Van Ness’s podcast, Getting Curious brings me joy and teaches me about people and situations I’m curious about. Guests include Dr. Edith Eger, Stacey Abrams and a whole host of doctors and professors. Their knowledge and JVN’s charm are a winning combination.
Grateful for living simply. Sometimes I think “I’m 30. Maybe I should have a mortgage and a car and a selection of credit cards?”. But honestly, it’s really nice not having to worry about any of those things. I’m glad that I have no feuds, no hunger for drama nor do I believe a good day has to come with a hefty price tag. It’s liberating.
My ‘guide daughter’, Willow (like a god daughter, but we’re not religious so there was a naming ceremony, not a baptism). I haven’t seen as much of her as I’d like to this year, but hanging out with an 11 ½ month old whose only worry is which wooden block to try to chew next has been blissful.
Memes. Seriously. I’m thankful for the comic relief.
The fact that everyone I surround myself with is rational, respects science and respects others. No anti-masker COVID-deniers in my crew.
Future plans; to travel, to work, to see people again. With a new sense of appreciation for the freedom to do so.
I’m glad I’ve been journaling. When the pandemic hit, I started keeping a lockdown journal, and I’ve been writing ever since. I figured that the infamous pandemic of 2020 (and all that happened alongside it) is something my grandkids will want to hear about. It’s not really stats and government updates, but more so a therapeutic documentation of what it was like to leave London, longing for normality and the shockingly unpredicted crash of loneliness I felt. Jeez, I hope my grandkids have a good therapist.
Sunshine. Get it while you can; Vitamin D is full of happiness.
Being able to come home. It was tough, but not as tough as staying in London during a pandemic would’ve been.Family. The option to come home wouldn’t have been possible without the kindness and helpful nature of my fam.
Friends- the family I’ve chosen myself, and I’ve chosen well.
A greater understanding of what desperation, love and heartache is. It helps me understand other people better.
Folklore. Tay-Tay’s most poetic, wistful, emotionally loaded album. Dropped at the right time.
Regaining hobbies. I used to be very artsy when I was younger. When you’ve no money and no cool shops nearby, creativity comes from necessity. I lost that over the years, which I regret. These days, I’m painting, stitching and baking more.
My overall good health. I’m not in perfect condition, but I get by just fine.
Speaking of, I’m incredibly grateful for the help I’ve received from my doctor and all the times she’s listened to me whinge about lockdown, low moods and lack of sleep. Not everyone can afford to or feels that they have the option to seek help, unfortunately.Technology. Imagine doing this year without Netflix, Zoom and WhatsApp?
Work projects. They’ve been few and far between since March… but I’m still really grateful for the amazing brands I worked with in London and Ireland. Looking forward to future creative projects and collaborations.
My White & Green silk pillowcase and wearable blanket. I know I keep banging on about them, but honestly, they’re *flame emoji*.
NPR Tiny Desk concert series. The stripped-down, cosy authenticity of the series is very special. Appearances I particularly love include The National, Death Cab For Cutie, Taylor Swift and Alicia Keys (Underdog, at 13.30 is a 2020 jam for sure, with mentions of frontline doctors and those who suffer from injustice and poverty).
The fact that I explored London while I could. This is perhaps one of the things I’m most grateful for. I knocked a lot out of my 21 months in London and I’m really proud that I got out and explored. Turns out I was on the clock to do so.
I’m grateful for my privilege. Being white, western, educated, cis, straight and able-bodied affords me great privilege in this messed up world. And I hope to use that for good and to help carry the load for those who aren’t given the opportunity to carry it themselves.
I’m really grateful that I spend as much time on Instagram as I do, and receive messages from strangers all around the world, and I’ve never had anyone be nasty to me. The kind, supportive messages don’t go unappreciated.
The fact that I didn’t starve. Far from it, in fact! Knowing that millions of children around the world- developed and developing- go hungry is heart-breaking. It shouldn’t be happening, anywhere. Grateful I have never worried about where my next meal would come from, and grateful for all those who are working to eliminate hunger.
Things that smell nice.
I’m glad I have a home full of pieces I’ve collected on my travels, and some badass kitchenware. Much of it still in boxes having been shipped from my East London apartment, ready for wherever I’ll find my next home.
Mostly, I think I’m glad that I know that there will be a next step for me and for all of us. 2020 has been incredibly monotonous and, at times, deeply depressing. Knowing that there will be life after COVID, and that I’m still young and enthusiastic enough to grab it by the horns has been really reassuring for me. I’m beyond grateful for that.
(Main image taken from a shoot I worked with the very talented, very cool Stefan Jakubowski on.)
