10 Things I'm Grateful For Because of 2020

2020 was definitely a year of ups and downs. It was chaotic, peaceful, stressful, exciting, worrisome, loving, crazy, and so many more adjectives - the list could go on and on. Because of all that this year has put us through, I reflected on a lot of those feelings and exactly what was going on in my life that caused me to feel this way. Was it because a loved one was sick? Not coming home for the holidays? Growing my work experience in a new way? Connecting with new people? I'd say all of the above. Looking back on all of what this year had to offer me, the good and the bad and the ugly, I came up with a list of 10 Things I'm Grateful For Because of 2020:

1. My family and friends

Without these people in my life - their support, love, and knowing they are always there for me, this year probably wouldn't have gone so smoothly.

2. My health

This one seems like a no-brainer. I don't want to take for granted my health ever again after this year.

3. My education

Being able to attend Kent State and have access to so many resources to help me in my college and professional careers is so special.

4. My choice of career path (the fashion industry)

Being in an unconventional industry and sticking with it, loving it, and growing within it is a luxury that I am very grateful for.

5. Landing an awesome internship this spring

I was brought in to be a marketing intern, remotely, for this amazing jewelry e-commerce called Dana Blair Designs. I'm so lucky to be growing professionally and am learning so much!

6. My job back home

This year will mark my second year as a sales associate at Down To Earth! I am so incredibly lucky to be working with my work family there and being able to learn and grow within my industry and have the opportunities this job offers me.

7. Feeling at home in Michigan and Ohio

Michigan will always be my home and a place to feel loved in but I am incredibly grateful to be able to live in my college town, surrounded by my own group of people, and still be able to call this place home as well.

8. My ambition

Having the drive to learn so much, grow so much, and work so much is something I have always been proud of. This past semester especially has taught me that my ambition is important.

9. Food

This year involved a lot of cooking and baking for me. Trying new recipes, growing a veggie garden, eating meals with loved ones. It really helped me to feel somewhat normal in such an unnormal time.

10. Alone time

Alone time was something I never really loved growing up. I wanted to be with someone all the time - my friends, my family, my coworkers, just being around anyone. I didn't like the quiet or the "boredom." Now, I love when I get a moment to myself to write in my journal, knit and watch a show, or have a mini spa night to myself. It's relaxing and honestly, really fun now.

I don't want to take these things for granted ever again. Knowing how much you can lose, experiencing, or even witnessing the loss of these values has been difficult this year. I'm sure this list will grow with time. Don't forget to reflect on what you learned this past year as well.