Earlier today, I made a comment about 2021 sucking and my sister reminded me that lots of good things happened for us this year, including the fact that we got to see each other frequently and even took several trips together.
That made me stop and think about things and I realized that, while 2021 has been very challenging for many, including me, and for our nation as a whole, I have been inordinately fortunate and that, for me, 2021 was actually a pretty good year.
Just off the top of my head, I came up with quite a few reasons to be grateful this last day of the year:
I got through the first full year of living without my father on this earth and I’m ok.
I didn’t get COVID and neither did anyone in my close family.
I got vaccinated … Three times.
Trump left office.
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris become president and vice president.
I took three trips with my sister: to California to spend time with family, to Italy – my first visit to my beloved happy place in nearly three years – and to Las Vegas with our brother and his wife to see Lionel Richie .
I was able to visit the doctor and dentist whenever I needed to.
I cut the cord and finally got rid of cable.
My dogs are healthy and still love me.
I painted several paintings I’m proud of and that show I’m learning and growing as an artist.
I drank lots and lots of bubble tea.
I Zoomed with my girl cousins almost every Friday.
I spent quality time with all of my surviving aunts and uncle.
My sweet aunt smiled at me the last time I saw her three months before she died.
I bought an awesome car.
I had a really nice Christmas surrounded by family with no pressure or stress.
I finally finished redoing my basement.
I am financially secure.
I am safe.
I am healthy
I have family and friends I love unconditionally and to whom I say “I love you” regularly
I am loved.
I am grateful.
Not bad for a year I’ve been thinking really sucked. It really wasn’t as awful as I thought.
Goodbye 2021 and thank you.