This post is for the Secret Subject Swap, a monthly blog challenge. Information about the swap can be viewed at the end of this post, as well as links to all others taking part. Have a peek at some of the other bloggers and see what they had to come up with. If you are a blogger, consider joining up for future months!
My theme is “2020 has been challenging. What was the best thing that happened to you??” and it was submitted by Part-time Hockey Mom.
2020.
It’s like we barely knew ya. Or, in most cases, we wish we didn’t know ya.
During a normal year, this type of theme could be pretty interesting. My guess is I would have to really go through things and really think hard on different things.
This year, a theme like this is a struggle.
As a whole, I think society took a step backward. In the United States, the political spectrum has created a pretty strong line. Add in social injustices and it divides more, which is truly unfortunate.
When it comes to Covid, I can’t say how it is in other countries (outside of what I see on social media), but it seems as a whole, once again, we’re pretty divided. Mental health issues are without on the rise, and every other issue that is combined with Covid has really strained society around the globe.
And that, folks, is life in 2020.
However, there has to be good, right?
Even in the worst of times, there are bright spots. But to get to the personal bright spots, you need to look at the low spots and realize where you’ve been. Remember, too, low spots to some might be nothing to others. In times like this, we have to look at each person.
For example, my summers are usually full of baseball games. I didn’t get to go to one this year and it was an extreme downer, especially because it’s a big stress reliever for me. Going to a game is a way for me to kind of relax and spend some time in a happy place.
Since March, too, it’s been high stress with work. I’ve been on the go for most of it and the projects that I had to undertake to help in a lot of spots have taken a toll on me. The only true “vacation” I had was in the first two weeks in July, and that was much needed. But overall, it’s been constant.
But as much of a downer as life can be right now – and it still is at times – life hasn’t been a total strikeout. The one thing about situations that back humans into a corner .. there’s a lot of good that comes out of it.
I’ve been able to be outside. I’ve been able to talk with friends. I’ve been able to breathe fresh air and take photos. My job has (hopefully will continue) been safe and there’s no shortage of projects and things to work on, especially in the world of communications.
But I can’t point out one definitive thing that is the best.
I know 2020 has whipped me, but at the same time, it’s shown me how to have resolve, and how to try and remain upbeat and positive.
I can’t say it always works, but at times it does.
The year has allowed me to learn to journal more; to try and be better organized (at least professionally) and to rely not just on modern technology, but old-school pen to paper.
It’s made me look for the better parts of life, too. Look, we all know life can be a bull at times. But it’s little things. Maybe it’s sneaking a piece of chocolate. Waking up and going for a walk on a crisp morning. Seeing the leaves change brilliant colors in the fall.
It’s not easy, no, but there’s good out there.
This year hasn’t produced that “wow” moment for me. But it’s allowed me to dial things back slightly. I mean, one thing I guess is my savings went up. Several planned trips were canceled, so the money has been in my account. That’s not a bad thing.
It’s all about just trying to stay ahead and find the good things. There’s a lot of positive things that have happened, even with all the crap going on in the world.
How about all of you? What was the best thing that happened?
Five others have taken part in this challenge, so go check out the other posts and have some fun reading their secret subjects!
Enjoy blogging challenges? We have several that happen at A ‘lil HooHaa, and we’d love to have you join us! The Photo Blogging Challenge is one of our main ones and it runs monthly! We also have the Food Photo Challenge (current theme listed at end of post). We’d love to see you!
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It’s difficult to find the positive sometimes, I’m glad you have. For me, the worst thing about 2020 is that I hadn’t seen my son in a year. The best thing is that, after much planning and a little luck, he’s been here for the past month.
It’s called (writing) challenge for a reason, and my prompt asked for exactly what you did: finding the gems in an otherwise pretty poopy year. We were all forced to reshuffle our priorities, and cutting back on fun is hard. Looks like you managed to push through and find joy in the little things though, and I’m glad you did.