An Exercise In Gratitude: This Is What We're Thankful For In 2020
Despite the incredibly difficult year we all just had, we find that there are still a ton of things to be grateful for, that we're bringing into 2021!
It comes as no surprise that many would consider 2020 a terrible year. Amidst a pandemic, political and economic turmoil, countless injustices against humanity, natural calamities, physical stress brought about a sudden reset in all of our lives—indeed, 2020 took a toll on the world, and difficult is an understatement.
But as we sit with our thoughts today, on the last day of the year, we are urged to take a look back at the past twelve months and what they have taught us: the good, the bad, the unexpected, the life-changing. For most, the latter was a reality. Lives were suddenly changed, put to a halt, forced into isolation, and turned upside down. What does this mean? Why me? Why is this happening?
So many questions were raised, and left up in the air, but as we gradually held on and kept persisting, living life day by day, many things became clear, and have surfaced as 'answers'.
They say gratitude puts things into better perspective. Finding out the good amidst a pile of difficulties puts our frame of mind in the right direction, and fuels us to keep on keeping on. As Robert Brault once said, "Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back realize they were the big things". And little things, we really did experience this year. The constant waking up at home, being with family 24/7, brewing your own cup of coffee, staring at the sky, chatting with a colleague day in and day out, seeing your grandma on Zoom—the list goes on. We may not have done grand-scale things this year, and we may have stayed within the four walls of our homes, but the bigness lies in the amount of lessons, memories, and gratitude we have in our hearts for 2020.
In the gallery that follows, some members of the Metro team share what they're grateful for in 2020—the little things, the mundane, and the ultimately life-changing aspects of a year that caused us to stop and recalibrate. One day, we will look back at 2020 and miss these little things. Happy new year everyone!
Metro Editors Give Thanks (2020)
Metro Editors Give Thanks (2020)
Geolette Esguerra, Editor-in-Chief
(1/2) I’m thankful for being given more time to spend with my little boy and my husband amidst the pandemic. And while socially distancing with the rest of my family, I haven’t felt this close, and this honest with them, as I do now.
Photo Credit: @geolette
Geolette Esguerra, Editor-in-Chief
(2/2) I’m also grateful for the chance to have rekindled interests and found kindred spirits in the K-pop and K-drama community, which have enriched my life even more.
Photo Credit: Photo by Pete Pedroza on Unsplash
Grace Libero-Cruz, People Editor
(1/2) 2020 was a terrible year. I lost loved ones, but I gained new friends and established deeper connections. But the best silver lining I found underneath the dark, gloomy clouds that loomed over us for the most part of the year is the plenty of time I got to spend with my husband and my 3-year-old son. In a way, the chance to work from home has been a blessing, because I really got to witness my toddler's developmental milestones. I can converse with him, and we get to bond in between my work commitments.
Photo Credit: @gracelibero
Grace Libero-Cruz, People Editor
(2/2) With my baby Huxley around, there's never a dull moment at home. Even the littlest things he does can brighten up my day. Everyday, whenever he discovers a new word and uses it in a sentence, I'm always amazed. And it never fails to put a smile on my face when I see him play around and hear him laugh, talk, or sing. Whenever I feel down and he sees that I'm sad, he always hugs me, tells me "Mommy, I love you," and even comforts me by saying "Don't worry, Mommy! You'll feel better." Those simple yet very meaningful things are what I'm most grateful for this year. I never would've seen or experienced these had I not worked from home due to the pandemic.
Photo Credit: Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
Justin Convento, Culture Editor
(1/2) 2020 was really something else for me. It was the first time I had to stay still (and stay home!) for such a long time and this had caused a huge introspection and shift in my world perception. Prior to this year, I had always been “go go go”... and this year, during this pause, I had to look into myself and get to know myself so much more. At the same time, I got to know the world in brand new and different ways. I became open to new worlds and new interests—it felt like my eyes opened! For this, I am so grateful.
Photo Credit: @justinconvento
Justin Convento, Culture Editor
(2/2) If it weren’t for 2020, I wouldn’t have been able to have these fresh, new experiences and see this deeper and different side of me… a side that finds joy in solace and quiet, a side that is much more appreciative of the things I previously took for granted. This year, because it was so tough, really taught me to take more moments of practicing gratitude. Whether it’s for the small things—learning a new recipe, having enough milk for your coffee—or the big things, such as good health or having work… practicing gratitude. So those are the two things I take with me as I bid goodbye to 2020–being still and practicing gratitude more often—things I hope to take with me through this lifetime.
Photo Credit: Photo by Daniel Andrade on Unsplash
Anna Rosete, Living Editor
(1/2) This year taught me to be still, and to be content exactly where I am. I am grateful that I learned how to accept where things are. I am also grateful for feeling a sense of community with so many people. More than any other year, 2020 truly felt like a collective choice to be resourceful, creative and persistent in lifting each other up.
Photo Credit: @annanasybananas
Anna Rosete, Living Editor
(2/2) Finally, it is also the year where a deeper spirituality or relationship with God was a highlight. Without getting stuck in traffic for many hours and thinking of where I had to be next and what I had to do, this year, there was finally the time and mindset to reconnect with the Source of all, leading to my over-all wellness in a year like no other.
Photo Credit: Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
Troy Barrios, Food Editor
(1/2) I think most of us are grateful for our families, health and jobs, if we're lucky to have them. Aside from these, what I'm most grateful for is how easy it is to be happy with the simple things in life.
Photo Credit: @troysnaps
Troy Barrios, Food Editor
(2/2) A good meal, a clean bed, the satisfaction of a job well done, a little time petting my cats, a well made cup of coffee. 2020 has forced a life "re-set" and I'm grateful.
Photo Credit: Photo by Hanny Naibaho on Unsplash
Jovi Figueroa, Writer
(1/2) As the saying goes, without darkness, there is no light. And while it has been heartbreaking and challenging and tough, the darkness of 2020 has shed light on some of the best things we already had in our lives that we took for granted. This year, I am grateful for finding my inner strength and resilience, for the kindness and generosity of those around me as we helped each other get through each day.
Photo Credit: @akosiboygeorge
Jovi Figueroa, Writer
(2/2) I am grateful for the opportunity to discover happiness and peace inside my home, a welcome break from the increasingly fast-paced world. And I'm immensely grateful for the gift of love and of family—that in the toughest moments, these are the things you hold on to and keep you going.
Photo Credit: Photo by Morvanic Lee on Unsplash
Kate Paras-Santiago, Beauty & Wellness Editor
(1/2) I'm the type of person who likes to search for the good in things, and 2020 is no exception. It does have its downs and cons, but I'd like to think it was a year that forced me to rethink, reset, and recalibrate. I realized I did not need to be out all the time to feel good, and that I have what I need within reach. I learned to take care of my body more, to listen to its needs, so I can be a better person for my loved ones.
Photo Credit: @kate_paras
Kate Paras-Santiago, Beauty & Wellness Editor
(2/2) Apart from these lessons, I also thank God for blessing me with the ability to really get to know myself more—to face the ugly, to accept it, and to turn it into something better. I'm grateful for the friendships I've strengthened, the new ones I was able to build, and the gift of family. I'm grateful that I wake up everyday with a roof over my head, food to eat, clothes to wear, a job I can enjoy, and the fact that I did not get sick a single time this year is amazing. Blessed is an understatement. For all that, thank you Lord, and thank you 2020.
Photo Credit: Photo by Nicholas Bartos on Unsplash