Even with everything that’s going on, it’s important for people to remember the things that have helped to get them through the year. Some of the things I’m grateful for are my friends, family, and hobbies, which have all helped and supported me over the last couple of months.

Having people I can rely on to support me when I’m feeling down or stressed is one of the main things that I am grateful for, especially with everything that’s been going on during 2020. I’m grateful for my family, who has always been a group of people I can talk to about things that are bothering me, whether its a simple issue, like feeling bored or down on a day when I want to be productive, or more serious issues, like things relating to real global problems, burnout, or mental health. Other people I’m grateful for are my friends, who always help to make me happier, even if not intentionally, and my dog, who, while not exactly a person, helps as a big fluffy ball of stress relief. Having people, or animals, who not only accept you for who you are, but relate to many of your problems is an amazing thing, and something I would say is essential to getting through a time like this pandemic (I guess the whole “animals” thing might not apply to the rest of this as much though).

Along with the people, or, to be more general, living things that have helped me over the past year, I’m also grateful for the things that have allowed me to get away from the world for a bit. Whenever I want to forget about everything else, I can turn to books, video games, shows, and writing or editing my own to help me. Whether it’s rereading whatever is on my shelf, overanalyzing a show, or just having a good time with friends, being able to distract myself has helped to calm me down and feel better in general, even with everything that’s going on.