What I’m grateful for in 2020
This year has been filled with unexpected challenges that have upended plans, caused inconveniences and cancelled activities. However, as I ponder what would have happened if a pandemic had occurred a decade or more ago, the disruption in my life would have been many times more significant. I’m grateful that today’s technology allows me to work from home while safely continuing many routines and activities, though many of them now are conducted differently.
I admit that “Zoom Fatigue” is a real thing, especially when some of my days are filled with back-to-back video calls. I miss attending conferences, in-person meetings, and other community gatherings. Though they’re not the same experience in a virtual setting, I’m extremely grateful that all of these are still happening. I’m thankful for the many technologies I’m able to use for these purposes, including Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Duo.
School at home is not easy in many ways, but the fact that my kids are even able to continue their education at all, while being able to connect with their teacher and peers, is a miracle I’m grateful for. I’m also happy I’m able to spend more time with them.
Though I miss walking the aisles of some stores, I’m grateful that I can order items online and have them quickly delivered. It’s also wonderful to order food with an app and then get curbside delivery.
I’m also grateful for social media such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter, which have helped me stay virtually connected with colleagues and friends despite being physically apart. Though there’s plenty of negativity and finger-pointing on those platforms (especially in an election year), I’m grateful for so many I know who share useful information and inspirational messages.
This Thanksgiving, I’m striving to complain less about the situation the pandemic has caused and to be more grateful for the technology that has made it bearable. If you’d like to share what you’re grateful for, leave a comment below!
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