Heartfelt Thanks 🙏

There is still so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving even with all the chaos 2020 has presented us with. Above all I’d like to thank you for reading this piece and for being part of my life, and appreciate you for doing so much good in the world. I truly hope you and continue to smile amid everything that’s happening :)

One of the greatest gifts this unprecedented year has given me, and people around me, is a new perspective on the things we’ve been taking for granted for too long. This year offered a good opportunity to pause and realize how grateful I am for the simplest of things.

And keeping in mind that too many are still struggling this Thanksgiving, I’d like take a moment to practice pure gratitude for some of the good things that this year has brought with it:

• Family and friends feel closer than ever, albeit physically distant, with more time to spend with them, and zoom making it even easier!
• Humility and authenticity are back in fashion and wearing tee shirts and sweatpants has become a common choice all day, every day, for almost everyone!
• Drive-in movie theaters made a comeback!
• So many friends are adopting and fostering pets: ▼(´ᴥ`)▼
• Cooking at home and gardening are the new normal (how fun!)
• There’s less downtime traveling unnecessarily when video conferencing is sufficient, and traffic on the roads is so much lighter too.
• Reduced pollution helps revive mother nature, and so many more people are hiking and biking than ever before. We can breathe again :)
• It feels there’s more time and share-of-mind to take care of personal and family health and well-being.
• Digital-first is now the prevailing reality in both healthcare and education (finally!)
• Outdoors dining became “in” again this summer both at home, and in restaurants/coffee shops.
• There’s so much more attention to science and appreciation to its importance in everyone’s lives.
• It’s heartwarming to see the gratitude everyone’s expressing to the real heroes in our society: healthcare workers and educators who are finally acknowledged for the vital work they’re doing every day.

There’s so much more to be thankful for, so if I missed anything or if you have more positive thoughts/good things to share about 2020 — feel free to send them my way or post a comment — I’m more than happy to add them to this list!

Happy healthy and safe Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones!