There’s no denying 2020 has been tough. It’s been really tough. Heartbreaking and devastating for so many and pretty much difficult for everyone. My heart goes out to anyone who has lost a loved one, suffered financially or who has felt alone and isolated this year.
However, 2020 has also been a year which has shown how strong and resilient we all really are. We’ve had to stay apart from loved ones but we’ve stayed connected. Our children have had to learn a new way of living but they have taken it in their stride and done us all proud. We’ve supported each other like never before and we’ve shown that as not just a nation but globally, we are compassionate and capable. So here’s what I’m grateful for in 2020.
Making new friends in 2020
I’ve connected with some incredible people via Instagram from all around the world, many who have guest blogged for me about their experience of lockdown in the country they live in. Take Samantha from Australia and Peace in Spain for example, such strong women and so fascinating to read about their experiences.
I’ve also connected with many wonderful people via my Saturday Socials on Instagram. It really helped me get through lockdown and opened up a new virtual world of making friends!
Spending time with my son
As a working mum there’s no way I would have been able to spend so much time with my son if I hadn’t been working from home. Yes, it’s not been easy that’s for sure! Working full time at home when preschools were closed was a challenge at times! However, I’ve loved having that extra time with my son. And now he’s started school, being able to do the school pick up and drop offs without having to rely on Breakfast Club and After School Club 5 days a week is a blessing.
Exploring our local countryside
We’ve had so many walks in the countryside around us and found so many secret footpaths when exploring. We’ve enjoyed the changing seasons like never before. As we first entered lockdown we had the breathtaking bluebells to enjoy in the woods around the corner. We’ve been on scavenger hunts, picked up conkers, waded in streams, splashed in puddles, climbed trees and picked holly to hang at Christmas.
Becoming gardeners
For the first time ever I’ve had an abundant crop of tomatoes and a constant supply of fresh salad leaves throughout the summer. We ate potatoes from the garden and strawberries. We planted seeds and watched flowers grow and we had one massive sunflower!
Revolutionising our holidays
There were no trips abroad this year and our Disney holiday was cancelled so we made our own holidays at home. We did a pretend Disney day at home and rode virtual rollercoasters.
We camped in our back garden – all night!! In fact we loved it so much that in October of this year we bought a Camp-Let trailer tent. We have many family camping adventures planned for next year!
Becoming a Travel Writer
It’s been years since I gave up journalism but I rekindled my love of writing with Family Traveller. I had a few articles published with them in 2020 including our Disney at Home adventure and Camping at Longleat article.
Focusing on life goals
Although I worked throughout 2020 and found myself busier than ever balancing work with childcare, the year was so strange it still gave me the opportunity to reflect on what is important to me. I have plans for the future, skills I want to develop and ideas to help others and myself. So here’s to 2021 and achieving our dreams and goals!
Let me know in the comments below what your 2020 highlights have been.
