Gratitude in the Time of COVID
Thanksgiving 2020
How does one even approach gratitude this year?
At a time when we’re witnessing unprecedented hurt as a global community due to the widespread effects of COVID-19 (which continues to ravage parts of the United States at obscene levels), perspective seems to be in abundance. Or at least one would hope.
Whether during periods of quarantining or in the brief moments we’ve had to actually gather with loved ones, we’ve hopefully been able to focus on what’s truly important in life. While this might be different for everyone depending on our respective lived experiences, it’s safe to say that introspection has become as ubiquitous as the bottles of hand sanitizer we’ve each purchased to combat the virus.
Despite personally contracting the virus in early spring, I’ve been incredibly grateful that my immune system held up; that I was able to come through without needing additional medical assistance. I know I’m blessed in that sense. This is why I’m grateful for the continued sacrifice and work of our frontline workers who have dedicated their lives to saving others for almost nine months now. I’ll never be able to understand what they face daily and for that, I continue to hold them in my prayers.
I’m grateful that my family and friends have also pulled through, regardless of the varying hardships faced since March. I’m grateful for the thoughtful leaders who actually took initiative in order to protect more people during this time. I’m grateful to each and every one of you for continuing to support one another as best as you can.
And I’m grateful for what’s to come – a new administration that empathizes with us and is willing to work for us after four years of despair. I’m grateful for those who voted similarly to myself in seeking a better future that centers us ALL.
This might not be the way we imagined the holidays, but the sentiment has never changed: to be thankful doesn’t require an audience, just the determination to see and feel its power even in the face of adversity.
Happy Thanksgiving,
XO and Team HeyXorje
