Most people will chalk this year up as a loss. Between a global pandemic, a polarizing election, racial conflict and who can forget, murder hornets, it’s hard to see how we can be thankful for what will go down as one of the most miserable years (generally speaking) in most of our lives. Truly. However, with a simple twist of perspective, it is not hard to find opportunities to be thankful for all this year had to offer.

What am I talking about? Well, human growth and development occur when we are pushed, challenged, and asked to do and be more. We do not grow in comfort; we grow in discomfort.

I saw a clever quote recently, it said, “The tiny seed knew that in order to grow it needed to be dropped in the dirt, covered in darkness, and struggle to reach the light.”

If you reflect on the year with the right perspective, you will find those moments of personal growth. What were those 2020 experiences that have contributed to your growth? Was it working from home? Wearing a mask? Not traveling? Got COVID? Lost a job? The list is long this year and I don’t want to minimize any of it. However, buried in each of these challenges can be a firmer resolve, a more resilient you, and a clearer perspective of you and your values.

Over the coming weeks, you will get together with friends and family (in person or virtually) and there will be that moment of reflection on everything that has occurred in 2020. While your natural inclination may be to state the obvious, I would challenge you to stop for a moment, reflect, and then share how you are a better you because of this incredible year, murder hornets and all.