2020 has been a challenging year for many, young and old. Our day to day routines were upended, our future became unpredictable and our in-person social interactions risky. Too many people have lost family members, freinds, jobs, homes, or savings. Many are facing long term health problems
The year has been stressful to say the least.
Even those who have been spared direct impact from COVID-19, the isolation necessary to mitigate and control community spread has taken a toll on the mental and physical health of millions. Although social media can serve as a creative outlet, a means of self-expression, connection and a sense of belonging, it can also be saturated with negativity.
Another heartbreaking choice for 2020, individual families will have to carefully evaluate what guidance and restrictions are necessary in their area to keep family safe when planning Thanksgiving dinner.
On a personal note, like so many families, we also experienced some devastating personal losses recently.
So what exactly are we thankful for this Thanksgiving?
- Family. The foundation of everything that matters. Even if they are socially distant, they are in our hearts 24/7 sharing love and caring thoughts.
- Fur Family - Pets. It doesn’t matter if we've been gone for five minutes or five hours, they are always happy to see us! And studies prove having a pet companion is good for our health.
- Music. It reduces anxiety, blood pressure, and pain as well as improves sleep quality, mood, mental alertness, and memory.
- Technology. Can you imagine getting though the pandemic without snuggling with fur family and binge-watching Netflix? Or home schooling without the internet?
- Laughter. It's one of those things that just makes us feel good. The harder the laugh, the better it feels!
- Our Customers. They are the reason we have the privilege to continue doing what we love.
- Kindness. Little acts of kindness, received and then passed on through our Giving Back Program
- Good News. A preliminary analysis of the race frontrunner, Pfizer-BioNTech’s mRNA vaccine, suggested it was 90% effective in preventing symptomatic Covid disease.
- Introspection. To borrow a quote from NYT Bestselling author Marissa Meyer; “I’m still thanking all the stars, one by one.”
And sometimes focusing on one blessing at a time is all we need to get us through another day of 2020.