With each year we are handed gifts and struggles. What did 2020 gift to you this year?
This year we’ve all heard it said over and over and over… 2020 has been a rough year! It’s been hard for everyone! We have each encountered so many of our own personal struggles, we see it on the news, it’s all people talk about. The masks alone are a reminder of how much life has changed in the past year.
It’s kind of like when you are cooking and you need to use several of the burners on your stovetop? You are boiling water on one, browning meat on another, and steaming veggies on yet another… Don’t you put the dish that needs the least attention on the back burner? Yes! Because if you don’t you either forget about what’s cooking on the back burner or you burn your arm reaching over the deliciousness that is cooking on the front.
My point is, its easier to focus on the what’s on the front burner. Well, we’ve had struggles of 2020 on the front burner for TOO LONG! We need to set those struggles aside for a bit (don’t forget about them, because I believe they are important too), but we need to make a shift.
What would happen if you placed the “GIFTS of 2020” to the front burner and let the struggles simmer for a while on the back burner?
Well, with the spirit of Christmas and a New Year around the corner, I plan to do just that! Let’s focus on the good that happened in 2020.
Grab your journal or a piece of paper and start writing. What were your Top 10 Gifts of 2020. Now, I don’t mean actual gifts that somebody bought and wrapped for you. No…I mean what little moments or big moments happened in 2020 that was cool, interesting, special, or fun? What made your year a little bit better?
Here are mine!
My Top 10 Gifts of 2020
1. Todd (need I say more??? LOL!)
This year we’ve moved to a new state, new job position, new schools, neighborhoods, etc. Todd’s passion and work ethic is the reason for this. We have been blessed in so many ways this year because we were willing to spread our wings. We have been given so many gifts this year because of it!
2. All 3 of my kids have WONDERFUL TEACHERS!
My kids have been so blessed with amazing teachers! They are the reason that our kids have been able to handle juggling virtual and face to face. They bring joy to my kids and that in itself is a gift!
3. Friends came to visit us in Michigan
There is no gift like seeing an old friend! I’m a feeler and a hugger so I need to see my peeps! I miss every single one! Seeing them and being able to share my new home with them was such a gift for me! Each friend that ventured up here to see us was a gift!
4. Our spontaneous trip to the U.P. (Upper Peninsula)
Ok, if you’ve never been to the Upper Peninsula in Michigan, put it on your list of things to do! It’s so pretty! We went exploring this past summer and we actually had no clue where we were going to end up. We ended up finding a sandy beach on the side of the interstate. What a surprise! We parked on the side of the road and beached…in Michigan! This was the first time, I realized how beautiful this state really is! The water in Lake Michigan is crystal clear! You can see your toes when in you are in water waist deep! I’m telling you…book a trip to Michigan and stop by to visit on your way there!
5. I wrote a book! (Well a manuscript, but it will be a book soon!)
That’s right! I have written a book for teachers! I am so excited to get it published and out into the world. As a teacher, I have always felt the fight between racing to get the standards taught and the data that is desired and actually doing what is best for kids. My book motivates educators to teach all of those unwritten standards that are necessary for kids to perform at their very best! The focus is on Developmental Growth! Stay tuned if you are interested in how to develop a learner who is mentally, emotionally, and physically ready for rigorous learning! So exciting!!!
6. Social Distancing Happy Hour!
Anyone who knows us well, knows that we loved our old neighborhood in Ohio! When you buy a house you don’t always know who you are moving next to! We hit the jackpot! There are so many kids, neighbors that do good deeds for each other, and just a great group of friends making it through life together!
When Covid struck and everyone was getting cabin fever from being in quarantine, our neighborhood created a Social Distancing Happy Hour. All the adults bring their own chairs, coolers, etc. and hand out in the circle. We keep our distance while hanging out. We honestly would not have met all of these wonderful neighbors if it weren’t for this special gift of 2020!
7. Morning Chats at the bus stop
Our kids bus stop is the coolest bus stop ever! There are 8 kids at the bus stop, 2 parents, and a neighbor and his dog come out just to hang with us! Recently a high school student came outside to talk with us and he said, “Man, I wish my bus stop was this much fun when I was a kid!” Love it!!! When the kids pull out, the adults stay and chat for a bit…even in the cold! The only thing that could make it better, is if our old neighbor Joelle was still out there with us (even though she hates the cold)!
8. Higgins Lake
Chances are if you’ve came to visit us in the summer, we took you to Higgins Lake to have fun! Higgins is a huge lake with camping and swimming. It’s only an hour from our house and it’s crystal clear and beautiful! If you’ve never vacationed in Michigan, you should come checkout the lakes. I hear Torch Lake is another great one! It’s seriously like you are in the Caribbean just without the sharks!
9. Family Bike Rides
On great part of this community is that everyone rides bikes…all year too! Last winter we didn’t put out bikes away! We love to hop on the trail and head out on a Saturday morning! Family bike rides were truly a gift in 2020!
10. Travel Hockey Team
One of the greatest gifts of 2020 is watching our son play on his hockey team. We have met so many wonderful families! We are having a blast with hockey!
Well… I could go on and on! Trust me, once you sit down and start writing, you will not be able to stop. I didn’t even mention my new house, our health, and learning to use Instacart (lol)!
So put your blessings (gifts) on the front burner and focus on that! Yes, all the struggles are there, but put them on the back burner for a little while. The struggles are just as important, because struggles are opportunities in disguise! We learn from them!
But for today, let’s reflect on the good that has come to us this year.
What are your Top 10 Gifts of 2020?
How have you been blessed this year?
Enjoy Being Their Difference,
