Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Things I’m Thankful for This Year

 

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.  Top Ten Tuesday has been one of my favorite memes ever since I started blogging, so huge thanks to Jana for taking over the hosting duties!

This week’s TTT topic is a Thanksgiving freebie, so I’m just going to keep it simple and share some things I’m thankful for this year. It’s not an especially bookish topic, but of course I am thankful for books so they are high on my list. 2020 is probably the most challenging year to be thankful for because of the pandemic and the continuing circus that is the Trump Administration, but I was still able to come up with a few things.

Before I share my list, I also want to wish everyone who is celebrating this week a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.

 

 

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10 Things I’m Thankful for This Year

 

1. My Health and My Family’s Health.  In a year of uncertainty due to the pandemic, I feel very thankful that, thus far anyway, taking precautions against COVID has helped to keep me and all of my family members from getting it.

2. My Job.  I know I complain about it sometimes, but I truly am thankful not only that I have been able to keep my job AND work from home since March, but also that my company has not had to furlough anyone yet. I know it’s such a relief for everyone at the company, and in particular, parents who wanted to keep their kids in virtual school for safety reasons.

3. Books!  I’m always thankful for wonderful books to read, but this year, I have appreciated the distraction from reality more than ever before.

4. Hulu, Netflix, and Disney Plus.  Speaking of distractions, I’ve appreciated my favorite distractions so much this year. Between COVID and politics, I just haven’t wanted to turn on my TV at all this year so these streaming services have been lifesavers.

5. Biden/Harris.  Speaking of the dreaded P- word,  I’m so thankful that the current administration will soon be gone and that we have two wonderful people in line to lead us forward.  It’s the first time I’ve ever cried tears of joy when the winner of an election was announced, lol.

6. All of You! I’m also more thankful than ever for the bookish community. During this time where we’ve all been isolating and social distancing for so long, I have appreciated my online friendships so much.  And of course all of the fabulous book recs you give me all year long. 🙂

7. Quality time with my child (and with my furry children).  One of the bright spots about being home so much is that I’ve definitely spent a lot more time with my son than I would normally get to.  Not all of it is pleasant of course because he’s now a hormonal teenager going through puberty, but he really is an interesting kid and I’ve enjoying getting to have actual thought-provoking discussions with him.  It’s also been very nice to get to hang out with Ninja and Winston more.  I swear, work is so much more chill when you have a dog at your feet and a cat snuggling in your lap. 🙂

8. Scientists and Healthcare Professionals.  I’m so thankful for all of the men and women out there who are doing everything in their power to develop vaccines and treatments for COVID and for those healthcare workers on the front lines, risking their own lives to care for those who have gotten so ill from it.  What a truly extraordinary group of people.

9. Coffee, Tea, Fuzzy Socks, and Cozy Blankets.  This probably sounds silly, but I’m thankful for all of the small things in life that have brought me comfort and helped me to feel more relaxed this year.

10. Resilience and Innovation.  I know a lot of businesses have suffered because of the pandemic, but I’m so thankful for the spirit of resiliency and innovation that has kept so many businesses open as they’ve been able to find ways to adapt to a socially distanced world.  I think of the whiskey distilleries in my own state that switched over and started manufacturing hand sanitizer to help meet the overwhelming demand for it and all of the restaurants that have managed to switch over to curbside pickup, contactless deliveries, and outdoor seating.  It really is impressive.

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What are you thankful for this year?

18 replies
  1. Angela
    Angela says:

    What a great list – I think it’s important every year to take a moment and remember all the good things in our lives, but never more important than this year!

  2. Dini @ dinipandareads
    Dini @ dinipandareads says:

    Wonderful list! I love that you included scientists and healthcare professionals in your list 🙂 We really have so much to be thankful for when it comes to them especially this year! I’m also so very thankful for the book/blogging community. Everyone has really kept me going this year!

  3. Nick @ The Infinite Limits of Love
    Nick @ The Infinite Limits of Love says:

    Yes to all of these (except for children and furry children since I don’t have those *cries*). It’s been a very difficult year but it’s put things into perspective for me. And though I loathed this year, I think it’s been a year of growth for many of us (and the opposite for some blergh). I hope you have a good thanksgiving, Suzanne!

  4. Sam@wlabb
    Sam@wlabb says:

    Now that you mention it, there have been many people out there, who have risen to the occasion and found ways to stay financially afloat during these times when their options were limited. I applaud their ingenuity

  5. Lindsey @ Lindsey Reads
    Lindsey @ Lindsey Reads says:

    Such a lovely list! It’s so important to take a moment to look at everything we’re thankful for, and I can only agree with everything you mentioned! Also, “Coffee, Tea, Fuzzy Socks, and Cozy Blankets” have definitely been even more comforting than usual this year haha 🙂

  6. Tanya @ Girl Plus Books
    Tanya @ Girl Plus Books says:

    What a great list, Suzanne. I, too, am so thankful for medical experts/scientists/healthcare workers who have worked so tirelessly for months. Where would we be without them?! And I’m beyond thankful for the hope that is Biden/Harris. It will be a fantastic feeling to close the door on 4 years of ineptitude and move on.

  7. Jo
    Jo says:

    I’m definitely glad there are so many streaming services out there, it’s been nice to have options whilst I’ve been stuck at home. I’m also so glad that I have so many books, I never lack in entertainment.

  8. Greg
    Greg says:

    I couldn’t agree more about #5. And books as well! Thanks goodness for those haha! And yes the little things too that keep us sane. 🙂

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