Thank you, 2020.

A person once told me we grow wiser because we get hurt—their words lived in my bones ever since and I fully believe that as the truest thing.

In the wake of my pain, I remember those words—not as a way to deflect my pain, rather as a way to survive it, to make it less excruciating. It’s because of those words that allow me to hold appreciation for the people, the experiences, the years that hurt me the most.

Pain is one of our most valuable teachers. It’s through adversity where we gain wealthy understanding of ourselves. It is the painful moments that offer us an opportunity for growth, expansion, and the relinquishment of what no longer benefits us.

I can’t speak for you, but I know for me, I don’t have complete distaste for 2020 because it did offer value. This year was certainly hellish and felt like eternity. It was traumatic, triggering, and uncomfortable on every cellular level. It drove us mad, and tbh, it made us all a little crazy.

But, I’m thankful.

I’m thankful because my childhood wounds I spent so much of last year working through resurfaced, and that inspired me to call my biological father after seven years of silence to tell him I love him.

I’m thankful because the universe doesn’t leave me empty—it keeps it’s balance. It may cut things out, but it’s to make room for new, more beautiful things. The universe has my back, and I’ve never trusted that more than I do now.

I’m thankful because this year highlighted relationships massively and invited me to reevaluate. I’m thankful because I kept choosing myself, and only choosing the people who really chose me.

I’m thankful because this year invited us all to slow down, curiously explore our inner world, dive inward, rest, fight for what’s right, and find our own source of joy. I’m thankful because it reminded us all of how adaptable we really are.

Most of all, I’m thankful for every person who made this wicked year easier, worthwhile, fun.

What are you thankful for this year?