Finding Gratitude This Thanksgiving

We all know that 2020 has been a weird year. Like really really weird. Finding gratitude in this crazy year can be difficult. Everything feels different, and there’s so much that’s been taken away from us. 

But at the same time, we still do have so much to be grateful for. Even if they’re not the things we would have said last year. If there’s one thing I learned this year, it’s to be grateful for all the small, “normal” things that make up our lives. 

In the spirit of thanksgiving, I always like to write a gratitude post. And this holiday season, it feels doubly as important. So keep reading for the thing I’m finding gratitude for this Thanksgiving. And leave a comment below with one thing you’re grateful for.

And keep an eye out for my Black Friday guides coming tomorrow! I’ll be doing EU & US specific versions!

Xx, Kelsey

Health & Safety

I’m always grateful for the health and safety of my family and friends, but this year it tops the list by a long shot. We’ve been incredibly blessed that our biggest complaints this year have been boredom and the inability to travel. Knowing that my family and friends across the world are all safe and healthy brings me so much comfort during this trying time.

Employment

If you’ve been following along, you know that finding work in Amsterdam has been a little bit of a rollercoaster. When covid hit, I unfortunately lost what I thought was my dream job. I spent several months stressed about finding new work, when my former boss called me up with an offer. Even though it wasn’t what I originally thought I’d do next, I’m so grateful for this opportunity. In fact, I think it’s something I’ll be sticking with for the foreseeable future.

A Support System

I couldn’t imagine going through all the stress and anxiety of this year without my incredible support system. This includes my parents, family members and close friends I’ve been able to FaceTime whenever I feel like I’m starting to lose it. But the biggest source of support has been Jon. This year we’ve spent more time together than ever before, since we have both been doing literally EVERYTHING from home. Seven and a half years in, and I’m so grateful to have him here during this pandemic. He’s been an unwavering source of support, patience, and love.

Travel

This might seem like a weird one for 2020. As an expat, travel is the number one benefit of living abroad. Having our travel scaled back dramatically this year has given me a new perspective. Despite the state of the world, we were still able to visit Antibes and Sicily. This year, I’ve definitely been finding gratitude for these adventures. I realize what an incredible blessing travel is, and I can’t wait to experience it again.

A Creative Outlet

When the pandemic hit, I was lucky not to need to find a new hobby. I was already spending part of my time here at kelseyybarnes.com. This creative outlet has been a godsend during the pandemic, especially when I was out of work. Getting dressed up to go take photos has been such a great excuse for getting out of the house. It’s also brought me closer to my fellow blogger friends. And this holiday season, my blog is busier than ever with brand collaborations – something I’m incredibly grateful for.

Perspective

Nothing like flipping the world on its head to give you a new sense of perspective. If there’s one thing I’ve taken out of this year, it’s a new outlook on life. A few of the things I won’t take for granted any longer:

• Dining out – especially date nights!
• Hugging my friends
• A comfortable home – especially since spending 24/7 in ours
• Long walks in this beautiful city
• Spin classes
• Peace of mind – especially when out shopping/in groups of people
• Takeaway coffee
• Smiles from strangers