If there was ever a year of the highest highs and the lowest lows for me, 2020 would be the year. Sometimes, in my end-of-year posts, I’ll share some of my favorite posts from thoughout the year, of my favorite things that I’ve shared in posts. But today, I just want to reflect on the year, because it’s been such an unexpected one.

I think it’s safe to say that 2020 did not turn out at all like I expected. I looked back at my goals from this post, and I actually did keep up with most of my 2020 goals. I did read more consistently and send more snail mail… staying on track, however, is harder to really measure with the pandemic throwing a wrench into everyone’s year.

I think the lows of the year are obvious. So many cancelled plans and missed events. One of my best friends got married, and rather than be in her wedding party and experience the day in person with her, I watched it via Zoom. I haven’t been able to do any traveling, or any celebrating of holidays with family or friends… I haven’t gotten to go anywhere other than the doctor since mid-March! It’s still so wild and surreal to me to think that I’ve spent almost a full year like this.

But the highs have been there, too. I started a new job (read more in this post)! I finished my Masters of Public Health (see this post). I gave a few virtual presentations. And then there are the little things, too. I got to spend so much more time outside, really enjoying the weather this summer. I spent lots of time with my family and my pets. I appreciated outdoor visits with friends so much more, because of how rare they are.

I’m really holding on to hope that 2021 will see us returning to more of a “normal” year. But I don’t want to just think of this past year as a waste – I want to hold on to the lessons that I learned from 2020, too. I want to keep my appreciation and gratitude for all the little joys of life.