Finding Joy in the Chaos: Things We Can All Be Thankful for in 2020!

Welcome to the hot mess we will fondly remember as, well… #2020. This year has been hard – so hard. We’ve been faced with challenges while also adapting to a new way of simply living. Our world has shifted so dramatically in just a matter of months that sometimes we don’t even know what day it is anymore.

As Abraham Lincoln said best, “we can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.” (Yes, we really just quoted honest Abe.)

Reflecting on what you’re thankful for is also just a simple way to lift your mood – and let’s be real, who doesn’t need a little mood boost about now? So, as we head into Thanksgiving, we’ve compiled a list of things we are thankful for in #2020:

1. A new definition for “business” attire

Since we made the shift to WFH, the definition of work attire has changed as well. I myself am writing this while snuggled into my favorite leather chair, in my coziest sweats, and covered by a throw blanket that literally feels like a warm hug – and I’m far from alone. Around 70% of us are rocking our pajamas pants, sweats, shorts or leggings on our video calls.

Next time you roll out of bed and keep your pajama pants on, take a moment to remember how uncomfortable the days of suits and high heels were, and be thankful they’re behind us, for a least a bit longer.

2. Spending time with family…

With everyone spending more time home than ever before, that means more time spent with our families. The pandemic has forced us to slow down and gain some perspective. In fact, 77% of parents surveyed have experienced a key moment with their child/children that they otherwise would have missed.

Those not at home with youngins are learning more about their partners and roomies (aka our chosen families). 48% of people said they had not really known what their significant other’s job was until quarantine. Spending so much time at home has taught many of us more about ourselves and our loved ones. It’s strengthened our relationships and has granted us the gift of time – most definitely a reason to be thankful.

3. …and, of course, our four-legged friends

Our pets are currently living their best lives! These days, they’re getting all the attention, treats, and snuggles they could ever desire. They may even be wondering when they’re going to get some alone time again (though we doubt it since, after all, they’re still crashing our video calls for fun).

Better yet, this year may be the best ever for lots of dogs and cats – 33% of Americans have considered fostering or adopting during this time. Shelters are clearing out with so many pets finding loving, forever homes. Not to mention, we’re reaping the major mental and physical benefits that companions provide. To show my own personal gratitude, my pups Dagny and Chewy will definitely be getting an extra cookie tonight!

4. Tech that’s changing our lives and adapting with us

This year, technology has played a crucial role in keeping us functional. To bring more convenience to our now-remote lives and enable us to connect, countless companies have stepped up to roll out innovative products at lightning speed. 

In the wake of lockdown, restaurants and bars have adapted by adding more aggressive online ordering options for pickup and delivery, including many that have never done a “to go” option before. Fitness app usage has jumped by 67% and virtual shopping has become a necessity. Heck, Black Friday even started a week early this year….and in some “stores” at the start of November.

Video-based software like interviewstream, has become imperative for work and school, keeping us remotely enabled and socially connected. Beyond all of that, technology has adapted to help us to find coping mechanisms throughout the year and that is another huge reason to give thanks.

5. Essential services (and people) that continue to keep us all going

While so many companies are struggling, there are many that are powering through and still hiring. They are adapting to our largely WFH environment and supporting the essential people (not just workers) that are keeping our country running.  This includes our customers, all of whom we are also grateful for, such as the healthcare workers saving lives at Suburban Hospital or the teachers and professors educating our next generation at Harford Public Schools, and Duke University.

We here at interviewstream, are grateful to be able to help keep these teams going. With the use of our interviewing software, companies have been able to move forward with hiring new candidates and filling their open positions, often without ever meeting them in person. Heck, we’ve hired several (dozen) team members at interviewstream in a completely remote way in 2020 so we’re grateful to both have and to be able to provide tools that make the transition to remote work a little easier.  It’s also nice to know that we’re keeping everyone socially distanced and safe in the process, which most definitely earns a leaf on the gratitude tree.

6. Old-school everything

This year has forced us all to get creative when it comes to entertainment and social interaction. We haven’t been able to go to the movies, any concerts, or even the community pool and travel has been limited or nonexistent. However, it has been fun to find joy and pleasure in some of the simplest of activities. Cheers to the comeback of drive-ins, puzzles, board games, bike rides, crafting and picnics!

Let’s face it, our new social-distancing, hand-sanitizing, mask-wearing existence has been difficult, yet there are still so many things we have to be thankful for. And one of those things is the fact that we still can be grateful.

Reminding ourselves of the gratitude in our lives is important. Each instance is a spark of light in our world. As you head into this holiday season, take a moment to recognize all the things in your life that you’re thankful for- I know I’m glad to do so one more time!

So thank you to the interviewstream team, our amazing partners and customers, my loving family and friends and most importantly all of you out there in the world trying to find joy in the chaos that this year has brought! Happy Thanksgiving to you today and every day!

About The Author

Monique Mahler is the CEO of interviewstream. She is an avid researcher of facts, a self proclaimed marketing geek, and an equestrian in her spare time.