While we all welcomed 2021 with excitement, blowing of torotots, lighting of luces and watching fireworks amazingly sparkle in the dark skies, I whispered to God my wishes for this year.

2020 was a turbulent and sad year for most of us. In the first quarter of 2020, the world turned upside down as the global pandemic brought most businesses to a close and was faced with medical and economic challenges and difficulties.

People lost their jobs, OFWs had to come home and even classes had to be done on line because of the dangers of conducting it face-to-face.

Also, due to to the guidelines and safety protocols given by our LGU’s about travel and social gatherings, our functions and events were restricted. Bloggers had to adjust to the new normal setup when it comes to attending events. This time, we had to do it virtually.  Even parties and other activities are now being done through various social media apps.

Everything that has happened is something we were never prepared for, but eventually we learned to cope.

Personally, 2020 was a sad year for me because through all the difficulties we were encountering– lockdown, quarantine, limitations, etc…

I lost my Papa to stroke last July. And this happened just a few days after our birthday. So, my coping mechanism had to work double time.

And now as the New Year starts, I want to share with you the things I’m thankful for and what I learned from 2020.

 1.   I am alive— The fact that I’m able to share this blog with you is a blessing! Without His grace and mercy I wouldn’t have been able to              sustain and survive these times.

2. Gift of Family— With the restrictions and limitations brought about by this pandemic,   I had the chance to bond more with my Mama and the rest of our family members who came home before the year ended.

I’m also thankful how my other family members and relatives who live in Manila and abroad look out for me and check on me from                   time  to time. Life is precious but short. That’s one thing I learned. So, spend time and care for people you love most and love you back.

3.  My Cats— we were locked down for months and if not for my cats, Chabby and Goldie, my quarantine life would’ve been soooo insanely boring. My cats are beautiful gifts from heaven and I truly appreciate them especially in this difficult time. By giving them love and caring for them everyday, I learned that animals give back in ways they know how. Also, I have learned to value animal welfare and advocate their rights and that’s one of the things I’m thankful for.

 4.  Friendships and Relationships— Thankful for the friendships I’ve made through the years! Even thankful for the new ones I met last year.  Let’s all make up for lost time when everything gets better, hopefully without masks and face shields by that time.

5 .   Gift of Strength, Courage and Sight— Everyday, I thank God for these, not only for the year that was. If we have the strength to cope, then we will always have the courage to face what lies ahead. I thank God for the chance to see all these things everyday.

6.  Health and wellness– In this time of uncertainty, it is important to stay healthy and keep your body, mind, emotions and spirit  fit.             I try my best to  maintain a good diet,  I count my blessings everyday despite the circumstances and challenges that I’m going through.

I    start and end my day with prayers, lifting everything to our Lord and thanking him for all the blessings. Also, what keeps me active is             doing a round of household  chores  which is already part of my daily routine.

7.  Safety and Protection–  With or without pandemic, this is what I always ask  for in my daily prayers and I’m thankful that by  God’s           grace my loved ones and I are safe and protected. Times are so different now.  Danger zones are not only on the streets, it’s everywhere–       even on the internet! We all have to just be careful. And  now that we are still battling this global pandemic, I’m thankful and at the                   same time careful so we as family, will be safe from this dreadful disease.

And the list goes on….

2020 may have been a roller coaster ride but it has also given me blessings, new lessons and hope.

What has 2020 taught you?

What are you thankful for?