Things Are Getting Better

It’s pretty surreal that we are still in the midst of a global pandemic. I clearly remember thinking back in March of this year that things would be back to normal by June. Nope. Although things aren’t back to normal, we’ve come a long way. And we’ve done our best to adjust to a new normal. Even though there’s a lot of gloom in the media, I believe things are getting better.

With the holiday season now in full swing, I’m focusing on the positives. The year will be done before we know it. Thus, I want to take a few moments to list out the things I’m thankful for. This will certainly be a year that all of us will remember.

Fun Times With Family

The great thing about having young children, is every day is an adventure. From reaching new milestones, doctoring boo boos, mediating tantrums, witnessing giggle attacks, and getting super snuggles, it’s priceless.

It was tough when we had to pull our son out of preschool in February, but things are getting better. He loves homeschool now and we’ve got a great classroom type space where we play everyday.

I definitely wouldn’t have enjoyed these crazy pandemic times as much as I have without my family right here beside me. We’re doing out best to make the most of it.

Healing Back To Good Health

It’s taken me longer to get back to my pre-pregnancy self after our second child. But, I’m finally starting to feel good about my progress. Pregnancy can really do a number on your body at my age.

The kids and I also recently got sick with a nasty head cold. It had been so long since we were sick that I forgot how much it sucks!

Fortunately, we’re all totally recovered and my dear husband managed to escape catching it from us. Covid certainly taught us the advantages of quarantining and wearing masks.

Financial Security Blanket

I feel so thankful that I started saving and investing since my mid 20s. Starting early really helped me achieve financial independence and later earn my freedom from a traditional 9-5 job.

Even though I’ve lost money in the various market drops, my portfolio has climbed back. I feel a lot better about the markets now and am glad that I was able to deploy some cash during the dips.

This year is certainly a strong reminder that we just never know what could be around the corner. Maintaining financial security and building passive income streams is more important than ever.

Working From Home Continues

I’ve been working from home on and off part-time since 2015. So the pandemic didn’t disrupt my work flow that much. The biggest change was pulling my son out of school. So that required more juggling and adjusting my work hours to accommodate.

Fortunately, I’m a natural night owl, although definitely not as much as my younger days. But, I’ve used the quiet evenings to do work after the kids are asleep. Getting them both on a regular bedtime schedule was one of the priorities I took on early on in the pandemic. It’s helped a ton.

Our son used to sleep around 9pm pre-pandemic because he’d nap for ~2-2.5 hours at school and then be completely wired at home in the evenings. Now that he’s homeschooling, he rarely naps so he’s typically asleep by 7:45/8pm. It’s great!

Entrepreneurship Prevails

On the note of working from home, I feel very blessed to be self employed. I just found out last month that my old boss and some other colleagues lost their jobs. That very easily could have been me too if I was still there.

Fortunately, being self employed has allowed me to continue working during the entire pandemic. I wasn’t forced to shut down unlike many others. The pandemic has really made me appreciate the autonomy and flexibility that comes with self employment.

Related: Financial Advice For Self Employed Solopreneurs And Side Hustlers

Being A Homebody Has Really Helped

I’m also very thankful that I’m a natural homebody. That has certainly helped me get through this pandemic. As an introvert I’m quite content being at home each day as long as I can get some fresh air a few times a week.

A trip to the park or a 30 minute hike around the neighborhood is all I really need to break up the monotony. Although I do miss going to the mall and taking our son to the local bounce house. That was a ton of fun back in the good ol’ days. But it’s just not worth the risk for us now.

Related: Best jobs for introverts and people who like to work alone

Thank You Delivery Services

Thank goodness for Amazon, Prime Now, Uber Eats, and Target delivery and all of their employees. I feel very fortunate to be able to order practically anything at any time of the day and sit at home safely for it to arrive.

I’ve only gone into a retail store on two occasions during the entire pandemic. Once was for 30 seconds to drop off clothes at a consignment/donation store, and the second was to get my flu shot at CVS.

Everything else I’ve ordered online including groceries. Although it’s sometimes more time consuming, the convenience and safety have been very helpful.

Clear Skies Return

The wildfires were intense this year. They were the worst I remember, especially one day when the sky was an ominous dark orange the entire day. It was very eerie.

I felt way more house fever during the wildfires than during the first wave of the lockdown. Not being able to open windows or feel safe taking a walk outside was rather clostraphobic.

Thus, I am thrilled that the skies have cleared and that the air quality has returned to green. The temperature has also been quite comfortable in the 60s. And we had a lot of gorgeous 70 degree days in Q2/Q3.

Things Are Getting Better

Overall, I do feel that things are getting better. The vaccine progress is very encouraging. And I feel that the locals here in San Francisco have generally done a great job with social distancing and mask protocols.

I try not to read the news headlines too often now because they harp on too many negatives. With the holidays here, I want to focus on the positives and continue counting my blessings each day.

I’m also using this opportunity to try and teach our son to be more thankful and appreciative too. The pandemic has definitely been hard on kids everywhere. But thankfully our son loves being at home. He’s actually thrilled to be homeschooling.

Here’s wishing you a happy holiday season! And I hope you will join me in believing that things are getting better too!