20 Things to be Grateful for in 2020

Each year at this time, we post articles on how an attitude of gratitude decreases stress, improves health and generally makes you a better person to be around. When have we ever needed these things as much as we do right now?? Here are 20 things that inspire gratitude for me right now. Whatever yours may be, when you encounter them, take 5 short seconds to offer a silent “thank you.”

1. A clean mask that doesn’t smell like my boys wore it to basketball practice.
2. A store shelf that has Bounty paper towels.
3. The moment you walk out of a store, work or school and can breathe freely.
4. Children home safely from college, with even some of their mental health intact after all the isolation, shaming, blaming and long, lonely car rides home. I can’t help but be reminded of this movie scene with each sad student against student story I hear. Scent of a Woman
5. Those who organize community outreach, making it easier for us to help out. There is nothing as therapeutic for anxiety and depression as helping others.
6. Our health.
7. This relatively warm November. Winter is coming … I’ll take all the sunshine I can get.
8. Teachers who care — even virtually.
9. Science, the people who are working hard to get it to us, and the people who understand it and use it to make informed decisions.
10. Good lighting. Zoom is like sitting across the table from someone who has a mirror behind them … distracting and a little frightening and the only thing that helps is decent lighting.
11. The Crown on Netflix and Ted Lasso on AppleTV.
12. Anyone working to get kids back in classrooms. It is time.
13. CBD Oil — At the ask of friends who are growing hemp on an organic farm, I’ve been giving CBD a chance, and for me, it works.
14. Heat and shelter. As our economy starts another downward spiral with all the closures happening and on the horizon, it is the simplest of things we will be grateful for.
15. A friend to walk with who doesn’t need to stay 6 feet away.
16. Respectful, fun kids who give great hugs. The lack of human contact is something we need to make up for at home.
17. Laughter.
18. A good marriage. 2020 is trying enough, thank God I like the guy I’m sleeping with.
19. American Honey whiskey on the rocks and a good book. Got any suggestions?? I am looking for a good one.
20. Airpods, good music, good podcasts and the “alone time” they provided in a crowded home.