REASONS TO: FEEL JOY THIS YEAR

To put it, er, mildly, 2020 has been... unique. A long and winding (and extremely tiring) road, shall we say. There has been more tragedy, anxiety, and uncertainty than any of us ever thought possible for one single year to bear. Yet, in the midst of such unruly chaos, most of us have stumbled upon undeniable pockets of joy. Cruddy year or not, we all deserve to celebrate the happy moments from our lives – no matter how small. So here are mine.

1. After leaving my job in April, I decided to change careers and try my hand at teaching. A brave leap, a scary leap, but an incredibly gratifying leap to make.

2. I have built an entire kingdom on Animal Crossing.

3. Despite living in different cities and barely seeing each other this year due to lockdown, my best friend and I have never been closer. There's a lot of love that has been shared this year.

4. I have had cuddles with at least three dachshunds in the last six months.

5. Jord and I celebrated our one-year anniversary in July. He's alright, I guess.

6. Strawberry picking, lavender and sunflower fields, and pumpkin patches. Yes, I've been one with nature this year. And I've loved every dang minute.

7. The year began with a (very) drunken night out with some of my oldest and dearest friends.

8. The few times that I've managed to see my family this year have been full to the brim with love and laughter.

9. It wouldn't be a good year without squeezing a trip to the zoo in, so that's exactly what I did.

10. Chain restaurants? What chain restaurants? Although I miss Nandos more than my heart can bear, I've supported far more local eateries and pubs in the last six months than ever before.

11. I haven't worn mascara since March. I can't see it making a comeback.

12. Living in jogging bottoms for two months straight was liberating.

13. Hamilton. No explanation needed.

14. Jord and I have found a b-e-a-uuuutiful new flat that we'll be moving into very soon. The moving itself will not be joyous but the unpacking certainly will be.

15. After all is said and done, I'm in the comforting refuge of my home, wrapped up in my dressing gown, with a mug of milk in one hand and my loving boyfriend by my side. Despite the odds, my year hasn't been the unapologetic disaster that so many others have battled. And for that, I am irrevocably thankful.