2020, a year to be thankful

by Jon Sullivan - 2020-12-31 - Status

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At least for me. Which might be selfish. But beyond the tears, 2020 treated me quite well.

Beyond the horror of the global pandemic, beyond the humiliation that is Trump, beyond the witch doctors and demon sperm, beyond the murder hornets, for me 2020 was a year where I end up feeling very lucky. I think it would be shallow to not admit that. Jon, personally, is doing very well. Others have struggled and lost and suffered so much more. For me it's been a lazy year of leisure, while others marched in the streets to oppose tyranny and racism. While I have a job I love that lets me work at home, others risked their lives in low paying jobs where anti-mask crazies screamed at them.

I get it. I'm a weirdo. But a year where we need to avoid being around people, and never gather, and just sit at home like we were locked in solitary....... That's pretty much my goal in life.

So..... I just want to say it...... People ask me if I'm okay, and I often don't have the balls to tell them how awesome this year has been on a personal level. I'm not just fine. I'm thriving. If I can be allowed a moment to be selfish, 2020 was a great year for me. I have been, I'm ashamed to say, really happy almost every damn day of it.

As the economy has tanked, my investments have done really well. As others chafed at the lack of things to do, for me it's been a great year for video games. As others have struggled with social distancing, my desire to never be around people has made it...... dare I say...... perfect.

I'm not proud that I've flourished as the world has turned to shit and democracy has crumbled. And I never forget how tenuous it all is. If only a few things changed I might be miserable or dead. I'll never fail to notice the courage and sacrifice of others that makes this leisure and happiness possible. More than anything, I'll never feel superior to those who weren't as lucky and privileged as I was in 2020.

There is no plea here for us all to be more appreciative of the good things we can find. No reminder to not give up hope. I'm not trying to set myself as an example of how to be happy amid disaster. Just me admitting, on a selfish level, 2020 was a good year for me. Part of me wants to be sorry, but most of me is just thankful.

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