8 Praises of Thanks for 2020

2020

Happy New Year! We made it through the very unusual year of 2020, and in this blog post I wanted to share with you some of the things I would like to give thanks for this year. The truth is, I haven't spoken much on the blog about my lockdown experience and tended to fill my posts with new recipes instead - mainly because the whole year was a year filled with ups and downs and I just didn't know how to get all those negative and positive experiences down in words. However this time of year is a great time to reflect and that is what I hope to share with you today.

1. Technology - Technology is one of the thing's I am grateful for this year; phone calls, zoom, online games etc. Although I normally strive not to spend extended periods looking at a screen, during this year I have never been more grateful for the multiple ways to communicate and socialise with other people. 'Zoom Fatigue' definitely hit me at one point, but in hindsight, I am happier to have been able to use these facilities than not. I joined the zoom quiz hype, played online catan, continued bible studies online with one of my friends, and went to online church every Sunday. Technology meant that I could continue scheduling social events into my calendar (all be it online), and have those conversations to look forward too. My (now) husband and I were also apart for 3/4 months of this year due to the lockdown, so it meant we could speak and see each other every day. Imagine if we didn't have technology and had to wait on a letter in the post?!

2. Nature - Throughout the year I ensured I went outside everyday, for my one hour a day or longer and slightly further afield when we were permitted to. I have always loved nature and being outside, but so often I would strive to go abroad. This year has taught me to love all the beauty that is right on my doorstep. It has also made me more confident to take myself to the beach or on a hike (before I would have never bothered unless I was with someone!).

3. The Little Things - During peak lockdown, I used to not be able to have a blank day so would make myself a list of things to do, even if they were really small but it would give me so much appreciation. Whether it was weeding the garden, adult colouring books, defrosting the freezer, baking, making care packages for friends - I appreciated all of it!

4. The NHS - Not just for all what the NHS has done during this year, helping people to survive and recover from covid-19 and many other illnesses this year, but also as my place of work. For those who don't know, I am an occupational therapist and have been for the past 3.5 years. Up until July 2020, I was working in a stroke community team and then afterwards I moved to Northern Ireland and started working in the acute medicine and surgical team in one of the main hospitals. I am so grateful to have had job security this year when so many have not. I am also so grateful to have been able to continue going to work throughout this year as it has provided me structure to my week which I truly needed to strive off of.

5. Running - At the beginning of this year, I took up running with one of my friends. I have never been a big runner and didn't really plan to be (if I was honest, I was doing it more to support my friend!). However the more running I did, the more I felt like I wasn't going to die from aching legs and breathlessness. Running became a way for me to get outside, it became a way for me to clear my head, it became really important to me and rain or shine I would be out.

6. Family and Friends - I could not have done this year without my family and friends this year. I struggled a lot up until September 2020. I was due to get married on the 18th of July 2020, and as a very organised person, the fact all my plans were 'crashing down around me' really crushed me. I found my mind being all consumed by this and the separation from my other half. I found myself crying everyday and as someone with no history of ever feeling this sad, it came as a real shock at how low I became. Some people may be reading this and thinking me selfish, and that there are bigger issues. However, no matter who you are, no matter how big or small your problem is - you are allowed to feel. I had to allow myself to realise that and not feel guilty for my emotions.

7. Aaron - My wedding managed to go ahead on 26th September 2020 with 30 people and it was honestly the happiest day of my life. I have never been so overjoyed to marry the man of my dreams. He has been my rock for the past 5 years and to start married life with him has definitely been the highlight of my year. We were also able to spend a week in Lake Como, Italy for our honeymoon which was truly relaxing and everything we both needed!

8. God - Throughout the entire year, I have had to bring myself back to the bible. As a Christian, I believe that God is in control of all things (even this pandemic!), and knowing that he has a plan throughout all of this, and all the events of this year has been for a reason is real re-assurance to me. Having the faith I have in Christ, has grounded me and without it I would be lost. 2 of my favourite verses throughout this year have been:

• "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4 v6-7

• "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8 v 38-39

Wishing you a very happy 2021!

Lots of Love

Ruth xxx