Finding Gratitude in the Chaos: A Silver Lining in 2020
Finding Gratitude in the Chaos: A Silver Lining in 2020
Looking back on the rollercoaster that was 2020, I find myself filled with an unexpected sense of gratitude. Despite the turmoil, there’s a silver lining that’s hard to ignore. Here’s why I’m choosing to focus on the positives and the gift of time that this year has brought.
The Year of Disrupted Plans
Let’s face it, 2020 was a year that many of us would like to forget. It was a year that disrupted our plans, challenged our resilience, and tested our patience. The novelty New Year’s Eve glasses were a hit, but beyond that, the year was far from ideal. The world seemed to be spiraling out of control, and it was easy to feel overwhelmed.
When One Door Closes…
Throughout my life, I’ve found that when one door closes, another one often opens. It’s not always a polite or gentle process, but it’s a natural part of life’s ebb and flow. This year, the doors seemed to be slamming shut with a force that left us all reeling.
I remember sitting at home in the first lockdown, stunned as my international holiday, magazine column, travel writing gigs, and even my ability to move freely around my own city vanished overnight. It was a harsh reality check, a rude awakening courtesy of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Trip That Wasn’t
I had spent a year saving for a two-month trip that would take me to New Orleans, Chicago, New York, London, the Cotswolds, the Rhone Valley in France, and finally, Portugal. But as the pandemic took hold, those plans were swiftly canceled.
Surprisingly, once the initial shock wore off, I found that I didn’t mind as much as I thought I would. I realized that I was actually enjoying the stillness, the lack of planning and organizing. As a travel writer, I’m usually constantly on the go, chasing stories, and wrestling with logistics. The sudden halt was, in a way, a relief.
The Gift of Time
With nowhere to go and nothing to pack, I found myself with an abundance of time. Time to think, to create, to explore new ideas. I finished writing an episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries, started creating another show, and worked on a script for something else already in development.
Time, which is often sucked away by the demands of travel and work, was suddenly mine to use as I pleased. It was a gift I hadn’t expected, a silver lining in the chaos.
A New Emotion Emerges
As the months went on and the dust settled, a new emotion emerged. Amid the turmoil and struggle, I found myself feeling a whole lot of gratitude. And I wasn’t alone. As I’ve traveled around the country, I’ve met others who share this sentiment.
We’re lucky to be here, in Aotearoa, at the bottom of the world. It’s not about smugness, but genuine appreciation for what we have, especially when others elsewhere are not as fortunate.
Looking Ahead
I know it’s been hard, and it may continue to be so. But as we move into 2021, I hope we can keep our thankfulness levels topped up. And if not, well, that’s what chocolate is for, right?
In the end, 2020 was a year of unexpected gifts, of time and gratitude. It was a year that challenged us, but also a year that reminded us of the importance of community, resilience, and hope.
