This year has been so long, crazy, and unpredictable for everyone. 2020 has been a year of tremendous loss, on a global and personal level. My anxiety has worsened significantly, and I have lost bonds with people I thought would last a lifetime. But it is important to remember that, especially in this year, thousands of people are struggling with much more. That is why I am so thankful for all that I have. 

I have loving parents who always look out and care for me, no matter how snarky, rude, or annoying I get. My brother and I fight very little, and can always make up after if we do. We have long, funny conversations together that I take for granted so often. And I am incredibly thankful for the light of my life, my dog Skye. He is my best friend in the entire world. When I am sad he will cuddle with me, and will play with me when I am happy. I don’t know how I ever survived without him. My health and wellbeing is another thing I am grateful for, and don’t often think about. I have a heart that doesn’t work properly, and yet I am able to participate in many extracurriculars and be active. My pacemaker has been working perfectly for the past seven years, and everything is looking good for my surgery in the spring. However, my mental health has not been great. My anxiety constantly follows me around, and brings upon thoughts of self-harm and some not-great stuff. All the unknowns relating to my mental health are scary, but I am thankful that I have someone to talk to. Therapy has helped me in so many ways, some of which were things I thought could not be helped. I am grateful my family is healthy, especially with all the COVID-19 cases currently. One of my closest friends tested positive for the virus, but thankfully she has made a full recovery. I only have a few close friends, most of which are my gymnastics friends, but that means more to me than popularity. My team is one of the only groups that is there for me. They notice the slightest crack in my voice, and know when something is wrong and always know how to make me feel better. And that means everything. Words cannot describe how incredibly grateful I am for everything I have in my life.