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5 Lessons From 2020 That I'll Be Forever Grateful For, Because There Are Always Blessings Amidst Hard Times

If we can find a way to reach out and be a light to others, our cup will begin to fill as well.

Madijoy1219

Jan 03, 2021

The Narrative

5 Lessons From 2020 That I'll Be Forever Grateful For, Because There Are Always Blessings Amidst Hard Times

Photo by Franciele Cunha on Unsplash

1. Family is forever.

Now, this might sound or be cliché, but it's true. Quarantine and a worldwide pandemic have made me realize that although my family can be incredibly annoying and frustrating, they are always going to be there for me, no matter what.

2. Soak in all the time you have with loved ones, because time is limited.

The gravity of this pandemic and the reality that so many people have been separated from their loved ones is insane. I started college this year, and it has been hard entering into a huge milestone of my life without the immediate support of my family, especially given all the craziness. I have learned that it is never going to be a perfect time, so I understand that I must cherish those I love.

3. Loneliness is hard.

Those of you might be thinking, "Well, duh, Madison, being alone is hard." I agree with you. But again, social isolation has affected extroverts (like myself) the most. I don't think that I really understood the gravity of being alone until I was thrust into it and wasn't able to give hugs to people or see their smiling faces.

4. Even though loneliness is hard, I am not alone.

Loneliness has deprived so many people of the community, love, and affection that they need to thrive. From a personal standpoint, I have particularly struggled to be okay with not having my people with me. I have learned that I am never alone, even when I feel like I am. So many others are struggling with loneliness. If we can find a way to reach out and be a light to others, our cup will begin to fill as well.

5. There are always blessings amidst hard times.

This one has been so hard for me to swallow. Shifting my attention to the blessings I have received and given has helped me overcome the awful nature of 2020. For instance, none of my family thus far has had a horror story in regards to the virus, and for that, I'm immensely grateful. I got to graduate high school and passed a large milestone. I survived and passed my first semester of college! Those are just a few of my blessings I got to experience.

I hope all of you have 2021 filled with blessings and joy.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Recommended for you

5 Lessons From 2020 That I'll Be Forever Grateful For, Because There Are Always Blessings Amidst Hard Times

If we can find a way to reach out and be a light to others, our cup will begin to fill as well.

1. Family is forever.

2. Soak in all the time you have with loved ones, because time is limited.

3. Loneliness is hard.

4. Even though loneliness is hard, I am not alone.

5. There are always blessings amidst hard times.

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No, I can't help you.

1. When a customer wants to return a product, hands you the receipt, where is printed "ALL SALES ARE FINAL" in all caps.

2. Just because you might be having a bad day, and you're in a crappy mood, doesn't make it okay for you to yell at me or be rude to me. I'm a person with feelings, just like you.

3. People refusing to be put on hold when a customer is standing right in front of you. Oh, how I wish I could just hang up on you!

4. Having the same conversations over and over again! To be honest I really don't even want to talk to you right now, or have this fake ass smile on my face!

5. Always having to have a smile on your face. I promise I'm not as happy as I may look!

6. Customers not understanding that sometimes, mistakes happen. I am a human being, we all mess up sometimes!

7. Having the boss from hell, it's their way or the highway! Even though I did my job correctly and efficiently, if I don't do it the exact way you do, I'm a piece of shit.

8. Having coworker who don't help out, who bend the rules just enough to screw you over.

9. Having to be at work after closing because a customer is taking forever and half! Not like I'd like to go home or anything!

10. Having shitty hours and more shifts than you asked for. Just because we don't have enough workers, doesn't mean I want to pick up every shift that you cant cover, oh great boss of mine!

11. Not having time for a social life. It gets old saying, "I can't I have work..." Every day of the week!

12. Having that lazy costumer who can't do anything for themselves... no please I'll get that, it's no problem at all!

It's just my face, I swear.

1. When you meet new people, they automatically assume you hate them or are rude.

2. People are constantly asking you if you're OK.

3. After being friends with someone for a while, they confess to you, "I thought you were so mean when I first met you," or, "I thought you hated me."

4. You get told to smile more, but they don't understand how scary that would be.

5. You're always labeled as seeming "judgy."

6. Passing a friend with your RBF in full force and not realizing you just shot them a death glare.

7. Being sarcastic, but everyone thinks you're outright rude.

8. Not knowing how mean you really look until you see a picture of yourself in resting face.

9. Your apologies never sound sincere because of your emotionless face.

10. Your "mad face" scares you.

11. And, lastly, people are constantly asking you if you are happy or having a good time because you look bored to death.

Please hold your blonde joke.

1. "Is Elle Woods your spirit animal?"

2. "Is that your natural hair color?"

3. "Oh wow, you get good grades at school?"

4. "You must really like the color pink!"

5. "You’re probably not into sports, right?"

6. "You must have such a bubbly personality."

7. "Your wardrobe must consist of all things preppy."

8. "What sorority are you in?"

9. "You were probably a cheerleader in high school."

10. "You look like you’re from L.A. because your hair is so light."

11. "You definitely like Pumpkin Spiced Lattes from Starbucks!"

12. "Do you actually think blondes have more fun?"

13. "You must encompass the typical “white girl” stereotype."

14. "Is that daddy’s credit card you’re using?"

15. "So all of your friends are blonde too?"

16. "I’m surprised about you; I thought you would be a lot ditsier."

The world's greatest university meets the world's greatest show.

1. When you get your acceptance letter

2. When you try to figure out how class enrollment works

3. When it’s move in day

4. When you arrive on campus and see all of the attractive people

5. FROG Week

6. When you find your squad

7. When you visit DHall (RIP) or EHall for the first time

8. When you take on way too many credits

9. When you go to your first party at JMU

10. When the rival school shows up for the homecoming game (or any game really)

11. Sunday Brunch

12. When you see the infamous “preacher” for the first time

13. The first snow day

14. Madipalooza

15. When finals week rolls around

16. When you have to say goodbye

17. And when you finally get to go back

Do you have a small get-together or throw a big bash?

1. Your family and friends ask what you want for your birthday, so you give them a list of options.

2. You're super excited about your birthday the week before.

3. Your family flies in town to celebrate with you.

4. Your siblings wake you up.

5. Your friends are so excited to be with you on your big day.

6. If you work, your office might throw a party for you.

7. For your actual party, you plan a small get-together with close family and friends ...

8. ... or large celebration with everyone you know.

9. You eat the best meal you've had in weeks.

10. You devour the first piece of cake proudly.

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