Q01

Describe a significant experience that has happened in the past year. How did it affect you? Are you grateful? Relieved? Resentful? Inspired?

COVID/GEORGE FLOYD/BREONNA TAYLOR/BLACK LIVES MATTER. This is such a hard one to choose from this year. From Covid taking over the world and watching everyone all over take a giant pause was horrifying and amazing at the same time. Then, to have this terrible moment of George Floyd having his life literally taken away from him by the Minneapolis police was truly the worst moment I could imagine. 2020 has forced me to focus on my gratitude every day if I can, to be resentful of how broken the US is and, when I am in my highest self, to be inspired to help change the world.

I used the quiet of the pandemic to reflect, and then cut ties with significant childhood friendships. After years of periodic frustration at their shadiness, pointing things out from to time with no change from them, I went ahead and chewed them out and moved on. There's something so unreasonable, and meaningless, about people who perform actions repeatedly that hurt, sabotage, and betray us, but then, when confronted, nothing is their fault. Or if it is, they weren't meaning to "hurt us" specifically. I can live with people who have the courage to admit fault and even malicious intent, apologise, and make amends, but not with people who refuse to face themselves, just want to absolve themselves of responsibility, and / or enjoy hurting others in a pseudo-sadistic manner. I am grateful for the lessons difficult friendships taught me, and I am relieved to have let them go.

Last year, I struggled with an ongoing, worrying, and frustrating health issue over the course of several months. From March through November, I endured a significant skin infection (possibly staph) on the right side of my face, which included redness, pain, and large pustules that would not go away for weeks at a time. I saw four different doctors and took three different antibiotics during the summer and into the fall. Likely as a result of the medicine (at one point I had been on antibiotics for 4 consecutive months), I then suffered strange digestive patterns, stomach pain, and fatigue throughout the year. I now realize, having overcome this issue, that it was absolutely a result of stress and lack of balance in my work and personal life. I was working with an extremely difficult client, stretched thin by too many projects, and not taking time for myself. I am grateful for the advice of compassionate medical experts, and a useful ability to recognize a doctor who truly cares about her patients versus one that is just eager to move through the day. Also, the entire experience made me more curious about the habits and routines of my daily life that impact my mental and physical health, from eating and drinking, to exercise, to sleep. My physical and mental health over the past 10 months has been significantly better, as I have prioritized self-care rituals, meditation and yoga, and quiet mornings to stay more grounded and boost my immune system.

I moved into the wonderful new house. I'm living alone for the first time in about 20 years. The house is a special one, and suits me just right. My landlady said: I don't choose the people that live there. The house chooses the people. Between this move and some professional pieces moving in the right direction, I feel so amazed and grateful that my life is more or less taking a shape that feels right, after about 3 years of starting over, and who knows how many years of stagnation before that. I have felt like it's a space that can nourish my creativity, my spirituality and my activism. I hope I don't need reminding of that in 2021!

The COVID 19 pandemic has turned out lives upside down

Turning 60 years old really hit home for me that all I have left of my life is, God willing, 20 more years or so and I want them to be meaningful in every way. I want to be my best self so that I can give that best self to friends and especially my family and have no regrets when my life is over.

covid-19, GVH closing, GOL closing. flat out stressed. trump reenacting 1939. The Reichstag is indeed burning, & Mitch McConnell is pouring gas on the fire.

So, Hannah and I bought a house. Yeah. It is amazing. I mean an absolute dream house. It happened right at the start of quarantine and the timing was weird and surreal and I am so so thankful that we had this extra space for spending months at home. I spent the past two months building our chicken coop out back for our much anticipated girls: Domenica, Genevieve, Vivian, Pearl, and Ghostface Killah. They are so perfect - I really hope that a year from now they have all proven to be female and you still have them, future Adam. We have 6 more little nuggets on the way! 3 silkies and 3 Ayam Ceyamis (the gothest chicken ever named after me, holla). Our menagerie gets more joyful every year.

Everything has changed this year, in ways I imagine so many of us could have never imagined. In March Covid hit the US, and San Francisco went into a strict shelter in place. In June, we were sick of living in our little attic so we went to Bend, OR to get some fresh air. We fell in love with this town, bought a house, and now we live here. So many of this years events h ave been significant. It's been a wildly. intense year for everyone.

Got a new job again... I am grateful, relieved, resentful, inspired... the whole bit. It's really validating to feel like I am being recognized professionally and that I'm succeeding. But also, I also often doubt whether or not I really am succeeding. I feel so disorganized that it's impossible to get anything done. But I also communicate openly about my shortcomings and I think people understand that it is difficult to get anything done in this environment where I am in meetings for 5 to 7 hours a day. And, in general, I think people have been impressed with what I have been able to accomplish and now that I'm reflecting on this, I think I should give myself permission to feel good about that.

This whole unfortunate experience makes me more appreciative of so many things I took for granted- people and places I miss terribly.

David cheated on me with his married coworker said he ended it and didn’t. It shook me to my core again because I didn’t see it, felt like an idiot. I’m still resentful, always suspicious and don’t trust him or myself. Quarantine with that as the backdrop was tougher than it needed to be. But I feel a lot stronger. I’m standing up for myself and cutting out bullshit

In March and April I thought I had Covid. I panicked. Then last month I was actually diagnosed with breast cancer and to my surprise, I drew on a reserve of optimism, positivity, courage and calm I did not know I had to successfully cope with the diagnosis, gather information, line up doctors, decide on a treatment plan, and prepare for and recovery from my recent mastectomy. While somewhat mystified at the discrepancy in my handling of the two illnesses (the admittedly more unfamiliar and uncontrollable Covid and the more expected cancer to which my knowledge and my research and planning skills could be applied), I am gratified and encouraged that I have coped so well with the cancer diagnosis so far and relieved to have gotten as far as I have with my treatment and recovery.

Oh geez, what hasn't happened. It's 2020! A polarization between my son and I around politics and other hot topics. What I learned was we were looking at one another through a skewed lens and responding accordingly. He thought I was exerting power over him while I thought he was doing the same. AND, since the divorce w/ his dad, my son and I both have been finding and using our once oppressed voices, creating much needed boundaries and space for ourselves as individual human beings separate from the power of someone else. Thus we have been bumping up against each other during this process not understanding the impact one was having on the other based upon a mutual misunderstanding. So grateful to have found clarity as we navigate our growth simutaneously.

Leeroy and I went completely polyamorous. He found Renee and they are in love and she may end up moving in with us. Sometimes I’m happy sometimes I’m jealous sometimes I’m resentful but usually happy. We got Morticia. She’s a sweetie. I started dating Deb and we’re not sexual but are loving. I am a lot happier in general than I was this time last year. Jason is better, I’m better :)

I discovered that being told that my role at work was being made redundant was far more psychologically painful than I prepared for. This despite my having every intension to leave the organization anyway. It was difficult to face the concept of being useless and not valued. I carried much resentment for months even though I knew this was the opportunity I needed to start my own business. It was also difficult to absorb that colleagues with whom I had worked for years were indifferent to my situation. I have reflected a great deal on this during the year to put this pain behind me. I'm still working on it. Now having learned that many members of my old team have suffered the same fate, I can see that it wasn't personal, it was just business.

The only thing that has been greatly affecting me this year has been the killings of people who look like me. It makes me feel unsafe in the only country I have ever known. It makes me afraid for the safety of my family members.

Covid hitting and quarantine was a significant experience for everyone. Personally, it meant starting to work from home. Educating kids from home. Isolation from the outside world. We are living in a much different world than in 2019.

I would like to believe a lot of things happened last year but the biggest thing is Papa almost died and we survived he's good he's he's walking he's able to go to office and I am so relieved I am so thankful and so grateful for every moment that I have with my father it doesn't mean that I don't fight with him I fight with him everyday but I just can't believe that I'm so lucky and my family so lucky and we are so blessed to be together with each other and that even if you make mistakes with obviously we do we find a way to be with each other we find a way to find my parents have people who love them who will support them no matter what such challenges we lost our lives savings we lost everything in so many ways but we have each other and we're still surviving and we're still doing that and god's grace is upon us so relieved yes inspired yes resentful no blessed yes grateful yes loving caring yes forgiving yes but not forgetting for sure taking care of my family is the most important thing to me right now and it tends to be in a dichotomy against who I am at times because I'm I'm a loner as well but I can be a loner because my family is always with me

OH MAN! There is no "a" significant experience. There are so many. It feels like too many. No one on this planet this year has been left unaffected by the Covid Virus!!!!! The bug that has swept the world seems to have ushered in a sweeping sea change in humanity. How it will all play out politically, economically and environmentally and personally remains to be seen. And living here in the west with the biggest fire season yet with 4 million acres burned (so far on 10/2) and weeks and weeks of smoke and unhealthy air and devastation to lives, livelihood, homes and mountains is monumental. The explosion to the underlying racism in the US and the police violence and the awakening of non blacks to a reality we can't know is a painful constant ache. All this change leaves me hunkered into my own little reality which is actually somehow blessed and fine. I, like most, am in a constant state of bereavement for the world and yet kept in balance with gratitude for my own blessings. I suspect one of the many spiritual impetuses behind all this is to awaken humanity to our oneness and that each of our lives matters. My life matters. Your life matters. Life matters. Choose life.

Working from home. I am grateful to be employed, but going to the office was one of the thing I liked about my job. Seeing people, getting good food at the cafe, being able to talk to people about work and life. My days are very quiet now. I have lived alone by choice for a while, but after this experience, I don't know. The days blend together and it's not really how I want to live.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, my then fiancée and I realized it was not safe to go ahead with our original wedding plans. We quickly planned an elopement with only our close family and friends in attendance. Our marriage has been a constant source of joy and fulfillment in a chaotic, stressful year. While we didn’t have the marriage ceremony that we had planned, it was more personal, meaningful, and special than I could ever for.

Moving back home from Israel once COVID started becoming more serious. It's been a little over 6 months since my mom forced me to come home and it still is extremely difficult for me. I was the happiest and mentally healthy I had ever been. Since I've been home, I think I have actually cried more in these 6 months than my 24 years of living. My mental state has been shit and I am just not happy. Living in Israel was the first time in my life where I was truly happy overall, rather than just experiencing moments of happiness. I felt a type of confidence and sureness of myself that I had not felt prior, or since I've left. Despite my conflicted feelings with Israel, I still feel like my heart and soul is supposed to be there.

Gabi was born this year in May, something Allison and I have been working on for a very long time. It filled me with hope and a sense of relief after our tragedy with our daughter who passed at 18 months that life can continue and we can fulfill the life we want to have.

Of course, it's the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. It sent us home in March, we've had two rounds of layoffs, one furlough, and several other resignations. We've weathered the storm, we're closer-knit now as a team than we were. I have struggled all throughout with my self-esteem and my sense of belonging and purpose. I actually feel better now than I did. I am grateful for how much the Lord has protected me and my family. I have been inspired by the grit and determination of our team. I am proud to be in a position to make things work. Today I am on the good side of it. A few days ago I asked the Lord to please find me another way. Today I feel better.

I guess Covid19, which wasn't too significant for me personally. I really enjoyed getting to slow down so much. It was wonderful, beautiful, fantastic. I loved that bonding time with my son - now 3.5. I can't believe I've let myself get so 'sped up' regarding life and work again. I also thought I hated our walk up apartment, but being away so much during/after covid19, made me realize how much I want to be home.

The energy and motivation I get from meditation. All of the the above... Grateful relieved resentful inspired. Oooh yes all of it!

I began working from home this year. I think it is more efficient and I enjoy it. I am no longer driving from meeting to meeting instead we meet on zoom or teams. I am able to focus better without the commotion and people at the office. However my downside is not having a separation between home and work.

Besides covid? I am trying to think of a personal event. I guess the biggest thing besides Andrew getting his PhD was traveling to Maryland. It was difficult and scary but I am glad I was brave enough to do it. It's always better to err on the side of making memories. Even if it's type 2 fun.

I moved to California - it upended my world but I am in a happier job, in a place I love, I have come home. I found a home. I have been loving divinity school. Relieved. Inspired. Grateful.

My daughter got engaged. So happy!

I dropped what I thought was a solid career path back in Ohio where I thought I was going to start over and moved to New Orleans with my boyfriend of three months. It was weird because I don’t have a safety net here, just Jeff. In Israel Nissim was my safety net and it had many holes. Jeff is reinforced. It feels good to know that I am going to be okay.

Well, I'll go with COVID-19. Obvz. Actually, it seems to have made everything since March feel like a different year. Like, there was 5780, and then there was COVID-19. It all started (for me, personally) when my employer was diagnosed in early March, and then my coworker was out sick on March 9, and her COVID-19 diagnosis came back + over the weekend. It felt less dramatic at the time -- though a bit unnerving -- but now in hindsight it's a critical turning point. That was when daily life changed quite suddenly. I am so incredibly grateful to have maintained the same quality of life throughout this global pandemic. I've kept my job, my home, my spouse's job... i.e., income has been steady, we can afford all our needs just like we could before. There are so many other of my 10Q's that will be affected directly by COVID-19, so perhaps I'll avoid too much detail in this one.

A significant experience that has happened to me this year would be learning the tools to overcome depression and having my rock bottom moment. I had suicidal thoughts in the shower after self isolating in my bedroom for 48 hours. I am grateful I experienced it. I have learned so much, especially how to recognize what the issue is. I am relived that I had that experience early in my life and surrounded by family, because I feel stronger by it. I am also inspired to support others going through that situation and inspired that I was able to learn it!

I moved in with my partner. It's the first time that I've done this without a significant commitment in a relationship - engagement or marriage. I have to say; it feels terrific right now. It's interesting to know that at the end of the day, he comes home, but if we're coming back together, it's not out of obligation. It's out of love, which is different than anything I've experienced before.

Rapid transition from 4 states to 1 as COVID-19 triggered lockdown. Our family of four. From PGH, Boston, and Northfield back together with papa in Boise. Worried we didn’t have enough toilet paper. Wondering if I should have a better stocked pantry.

My husband was not feeling well for several days. This is unusual as he rarely gets sick. When the pain became unbearable and he could barely move I insisted we call the doctor. After managing with great difficulty to get him out of the house, off the porch and into the car, we made it to the office for x-rays. Upon returning home and again struggling to get him out of the car, through the porch and into the house, the doctor called and said go to the hospital for blood work and and MRI now. He told us there were no blockages seen on the x-ray but wanted to test further for a cause. I was not allowed into the hospital as the pandemic shut down had begun, so waiting in the parking lot I get a call within 15 minutes saying they were rushing him into surgery. Whaaat? His appendix had ruptured. Not only was it a surprise, but it was scary and sad, too. His pain was not in the area we would have guessed related to his appendix. I couldn't kiss him or comfort him or be there when he came out. I was encouraged by my cousin to go home, which felt very disorienting. However, I realized how G-d was with us and watching over us the whole time. The doctor told me that the reason why the MRI was available so quickly was due to his assistant working late. His exact words to me were if that were not the case "it could have been disastrous". Gratitude fills me every time I re-live that day and every time I see my husband's life-saving scar.

A coworker retired in May of this year and, for a while now I think, it had been expected that I would eventually take her position. Although I have always been ambivalent about the idea, I accepted the new position. The problem is that she retired on short notice which didn't leave much time for training/transitioning. I'm still discovering things I'm supposed to have been doing that I was never told about. So I guess I'm resentful that I didn't get adequate training and that I haven't been given enough time away from my regular work to focus on learning all that is encompassed in my new position. This has caused me a good deal of stress and anxiety. I suppose I should be grateful that my manager values my work and feels I'm capable enough (though I sometimes doubt myself) to take on this new role. Inspired? Not yet. Relieved? Far from it.

This year has been full of significant experiences—I’ve had more than my share! Since Rosh Hashanah last year, I have: moved in with Theo, left LA after living there for five years, drove up the west coast to move to Portland, started a new job at Five Oaks Museum, opened afroLAtinidad back in LA after two years of working on it, adopted our rescue dog Macy, and on top of all that have been surviving a pandemic for half of the past year. The overall feeling in response to all these experiences is that I’m tired. I need to rest. It’s been a constant sense of pushing myself into new situations so that I can grow and learn and expand my comfort zone, as well as being pushed into new circumstances that I didn’t want and am still somewhat afraid of. I feel like Covid-19 stole my first year in Portland and I am resentful of that fact. The confluence of leaving LA, moving to Portland, and then a pandemic breaking out has left me feeling in limbo, stuck between two cities. One still holds my heart and loyalty, but only because I haven’t been able to develop a relationship with the other. It’s not fair. So much hasn’t been this year. I’m hopeful that 5781 will deliver on some of the promises that 5780 broke.

This year, it has to be COVID-19. Woof, what a crazy time to be alive. I am so incredibly thankful that I have a solid, stable job that has suddenly transitioned to remote work nearly seamlessly. And to have that job be newly in HR, right when HR has jumped front and center; how to employ people safely, effectively, efficiently, and well. I am so grateful that so far, we are well, we are safe, and we are hitting 'reset' on so much of our lives, and taking time to think about what we intentionally want to keep and what we want to let go.

This is all going to be about getting engaged, isn’t it? I’ve had a lot of adventures and have done a lot of things in the past year (primarily the part before COVID hit), but finally getting engaged to Jenna a few weeks ago was a significant step in my life. It’s hard to pin down a feeling about it. It’s not like giving her a ring significantly changed our relationship, but I do feel a stronger bond with her. There’s more of a partnership.

The relationship with Rick and his girlfriend Lori did not end as I had hoped when I answered this question last year. After three short weeks of courtship they got married, October 16th, 2019. That has been 11 months ago. I was hurt terribly and very, very lonely for many months. I did not know if I was going to survive it, because the loneliness was so overwhelming, and because I missed Rick so much. Even though he and I did not get along and I knew that it was better in the long run that he was not living with me, and that he had gotten in a new relationship, it still hurt me deeply. It still brings tears to my eyes when I think about it now, but I know that it's best that Rick moved away from my home. The thing about it is that I spent almost six years concentrating on him which are years that I feel like I wasted. And I feel like it was a setback that has caused permanent damage to me. And by that I mean that just like when I first got with him 24 years ago, if I had not made that choice, my life would have turned out differently and better, and if I had not gotten him back in my life 6 years ago, my life would have turned out better. But as ironically as it sounds, Rick is the only person that I have to call to help me to do anything, so where would I be right now without even that. However, my problem with the loneliness is not over with. He and his wife come over here and shower and wash clothes every few days, but then he gets to leave and go home with her, and I'm still here by myself. I would, however, not want to be in her shoes at all, because he's the same Rick that he was for all this time that I've known him. He turned back to God again, but he will not hold a job, when he has one, and he will not make finding a job a priority. He still has some kind of an ego and/or mental problem that causes him to argue about everything, and think that his way is the only way. He just does not have moral values or care for other people like he should, although he thinks he does. He says he's a Christian, and I believe he is born again, but he truly thinks that he has been humble or that he is humble and that is the farthest thing from the truth. But even though he don't belong to me in any way, he is all I have here. The other thing that bothers me more than anything else is that I haven't been able to see my son yet. I just need a good dependable car, and then I can figure out gas money somehow. But even with all that being said, I know that God has everything under control and I'll continue to do my best to have faith in him. It just seems that to know the truth is getting harder and harder, and to understand what is happening in our current lives is getting harder and harder.

The fires in Oregon. We had some very small exposure in California, but here it was very much in our faces. The smoke rolled in on a Monday night, and Tuesday the sky was red all day with AQI up to 450. That Friday, we got an evacuation alert to pack our bags and be ready. We were not ready and we learned a lot. It stayed that way almost 2 weeks before we got some rain. This makes me feel very empathetic for those that always have to deal with fires. It was a terrible experience, but we will be much more ready for anything coming our way going forward.

I got into Berkeley Haas. It changed everything for me - the place I was going to be living, the people I would be holding court with, the things I would be learning and would be challenged by. Am I grateful? Yes, absolutely. This has opened up everything for me, but it has also disrupted everything about my routine and the way that I live my life.

I moved quite a few times this last year, but the final time I moved into an apartment with my Ethan! There have definitely been challenges associated with moving in together (HE DOESN'T TURN CLEAN SHIRTS RIGHT SIDE OUT BEFORE PUTTING THEM AWAY?!) but they don't matter in the slightest because I get to sleep with him every night and I get kisses from him every morning. Panini has him totally whipped and he will do everything to make her happy, especially moving to give her space on the bed or couch. He's the best roommate I've ever lived with and I love him so much. This was a big step and I'm glad it took so long cause I was more than ready when it finally came.

I met with Money Muse for a financial advising session and it immediately saved/earned me money, gave me confidence, and I joined the "Commusity". I am SO grateful for this new clarity and power I have over my life as I build a healthy relationship with money.

I wrestled through the process of obtaining a new mortgage. It was quite to rollercoaster, and it showed me what I can rely on in myself for strength and where it comes from externally. Grateful and relieved, for sure! Spent but not exhausted - what reserves I used to get through have been replenished to the point I have plenty to give.

I finished school, "graduated" from Vanderbilt, and moved to New York to start off my adult life working for WeWork. The pandemic definitely affected all of these things. I wish I had gotten the senior year that everyone before me was able to have, especially given that Title IX clouded over it the whole time. Still, I'm grateful for my experiences at Vanderbilt, and I feel really lucky that my post-grad experience was still able to be incredible.

So much has happened. Everything that's unraveled cause of COVID's brought many realizations and emotions into my life. But aside from it, I'm just so thankful to have my job and one that I LOVE. I surprise myself and am amazed at how much I can pull together even when I'm feeling my worst. I've grown a lot because of GA. I'm much more confident in who I am and my abilities at work.

The most significant thing that's happened in the past year is me finally moving out of my dad's home. I knew I was living in a toxic environment just by being there but I think it took until I moved into my new place for me to realize how fucking toxic it was. For the first month after I moved I literally had nightmares that I was going to wake up and be right back where I was. Like it wasn't real and I would be stuck there forever. Since moving, I have a new found sense of peace and happiness. I feel like I can focus on my goals and living my life as opposed to just existing.

I’ve been working from home since march. It’s definitely a weird experience and I miss seeing my colleagues. I’m stressed and anxious about not showing enough deliverables to justify my work

My husband's dementia became more impact full. On alternate days ot within the same day I feel angry, sad, thankful, frustrated, loving, disappointed with how life turned out, resilient, grateful, lonely, disengaged. supportive, patient, impatient and driven to make this time the best it can be.

Bob and I broke up. But also, what isn't significant? 2020 has been a clusterfuck in every way possible. How did it affect me? for starters, i thought i was going to be marrying him. i thought he was going to be the father of my children. but that's okay. we are still amazing and wonderful friends. we love each other dearly; we just don't work together. and that's okay. i'm almost grateful for it in some way. i feel like if it wasn't for covid, we would have just stayed together out of convenience. we would have been happy. we would have been content. but we wouldn't have been head over heels, in love. it was a companionship and comfort for both of us, for sure. but we weren't in love. we didn't have that passion.

I just felt in love out of nowhere! It happened so fast within 7 days... The feeling is amazing, it was though after Rosh Hashana... If i have to answer before that I can' t believe how well I felt during lock down...

Wow, the pandemic! Affected me so deeply. So much quality time with my kids. Too much quality time with my kids! But grateful at this time I still have a job, and we are all healthy.

Deciding to move back to Lexington from Bowling Green was one the best decisions I’ve made. It allowed me to be closed to my parents, get a steady job and be stable during the pandemic. I’m grateful for moving back since it would have been very stressful losing my job and being all alone in Bowling Green.

My back went out again, but it gave me the opportunity to start playing out in hockey and that has been an amazing experience. I’ve had so much fun skating and getting exercise in that way, way more fun than running! I’m grateful to have gained a “new” sport/hobby out of an injury.

Wow. There are so many significant things that happened this past year. A big one is the trip to Europe. Hubby and I went to France, Luxemburg, Germany, Holland, and Belgium for our tenth anniversary. The trip was amazing but we were at our lowest point in the relationship. We got along ok at the beginning, but by the end of the trip at the airport in the US, I wondered how I ended up on this trip with the one person in the world I hated the most. So glad those days are over. Another significant experience is that I started a podcast! It's changed my life in the best way possible. I am finally happy again. It's perfect for me.

I ended a 10 year relationship, started an open-ended road trip that was interrupted by COVID, ended up settling somewhere I never intended to live, and sort of just rode the wave. I have struggled a lot with regret and resentment, and appreciated relief. Feels more down than up, but then again, so did the last couple of years.

Scott's cardiac arrest and near drowning, Jan 2, 2020 was the most shocking, stressful event I've ever experienced. It shook me to my core and made me realize that one day I may be alone. I'm not ready for that yet, even though I know that statistically I may out live him. It has forced me to look at life with a with a different perspective as I'm not in charge! I appreciate him much more and I'm grateful for everyday we have together.

My father passed away this year from a long decline with early dementia. He passed away on my birthday and I could not safely fly across the country to be there for his funeral. It was held over Zoom. It went as smooth as one could expect given the circumstances. I am both sad and relieved that he has passed away. He is no longer suffering from the disease but I'll always miss him.

Definitely has to be COVID... My general mood is much, much lower, but also I suppose it's good to know that I can deal with something like this? I miss seeing some of my friends, and I miss physical contact quite a lot. It's made me question what I actually want out of life, now that there are fewer distractions outside of work...

I became a certified Group Fitness Instructor. I was relieved, grateful and inspired.

I turned 40. I made myself a party in my house and had a dozen friends over. I gave a toast about my challenges and journey in my late 30s. Although I don't have children of my own I am more motivated to teach and nurture young people of the next generation. I started teaching in a local school this year and it was very gratifying at times. I'm slowly starting to feel more confident and shed some insecurities. I'm more open to the idea of getting married than in recent years. I'm ready to give myself to a relationship at least. I'm not so troubled about my age, per se, thank god my health is reasonably good. I just have regret that I wasn't more productive and actively dating for much of my 30s. Now I really feel the crunch of finding somebody special to be with while I still have my vigor and still look and feel young.

I became Jewish. I am so profoundly grateful to finally be on to the next chapter of this journey. It happened so suddenly after months of waiting due to the pandemic. Yet, it was so wonderful.

I retired from Shopify. It gave me the greatest sense of pride in my work. And freedom! My mom died. It made me sad. But I am happy with how we experienced her death. At peace. And feel closer to her and dad now.

This is the year I decided to marry Laura. She doesn't know yet. I can't wait for a life of adventures.

We opened up our 8 year marriage in May, exploring other relationships separately but with complete transparent honesty. We are are still happily married and enjoying each other and raising our family. It has been a beautiful, freeing learning experience. I've learned that I am my own unique person and am getting to know and love myself again. It has brought us closer in many ways. It feels good to see each other happy, with no shame and guilt. And it feels wonderful building relationships, learning about others and sharing my love. I have gained some good friends along the way and felt things I've never felt before. I've also learned to communicate better which has never been a strong suit.

One of the most significant experiences over the past year was the death of my mom. I've felt the affects of this experience in many ways: grief, loss, sadness, relieved, inspired. It was a significant loss for me and my family, filled us with sadness, and brought up significant grief. At the same time, there was a sense of relief that she was no longer suffering and the energy required to care for her and support her (emotionally) could be directed elsewhere, and of course there is some guilt that comes along with those feelings. Lastly, her death inspired me to live a sober life, fully present for myself and my family, take better care of my physical and mental health so I can live a better life.

Aside from Covid, which is monumental in and of itself in terms of life-altering, Being the face of our business is also life changing. My husband is off the center stage of our business, and I am the face of it. I, to some degree, hate that-I count on him so and the fact that I'm on the line, so to speak, is daunting and demanding. I'm doing my best to step up, but I'm also struggling at times. I can hold my own, but again, I'm not as strong as I want to be, yet. It's inspiring to measure up to what I'm called on to do. It's not so much that I can't step up, it's that I'm hesitant. I believe getting my broker's license will give me the courage, background and status I want and as a result, I will be ready for anything!!

I will not reference COVID-19 as that will be addressed in the Supplemental Questions but I would be remiss to not at least reference it here as it has been a significant experience that has not only impacted me but every person in the world. My daughter graduated Middle School, my son began College and I returned to Poland for the first time in more than 20 years and these each in their own way impacted me.

I had to have knee surgery. It scared me but also required a physical strength and commitment that I was not prepared for. So it’s taught me that endurance is earned and that I am stronger than I think I am AND that it’s okay to advocate for what I need

I am fortunate and privileged to be able to work from home, have supportive friends, and be healthy enough to vote. So far, I have not lost anyone close to me due to coronavirus. It has helped me practice gratitude and be more focused on how I spend my time.

Certainly, the covid19 pandemic has been difficult, but I wanted to focus here on how my experience during the pandemic has informed my understanding of the black lives movement in a small but significant way. So, to be honest, I am quite privileged to begin with, but the pandemic has revealed even more ways: we kept our house and our jobs; we haven't lost loved ones; our lives didn't change in fundamental ways. After school ended last June, we've just enjoyed ourselves quietly and with limited exposure to the world. What I did become aware of was how my privilege means I can step away from lots of the stress of this time. I have a huge yard and a nice neighborhood to spend my time. I have the comfort of money and in-laws who are generous with theirs. I have healthy kids with whom I enjoy spending time. I have a spouse with whom I get along and can depend on for most things I need. What I have realized is the exhaustion and fear I feel this year -- with covid, with politics, with life -- is something that black people can never step away from. The stress of someone harming them (which I feel in *small ways because of the virus -- and can control through distancing) is an everyday thing for black folks -- and rarely something they can forget or escape. With my privilege I can escape most evils in this world: racism, poverty, slavery, restriction to healthcare, etc, etc. The psychic and physical load to me this summer were immense (cardiac pains and symptoms from anxiety) -- AND I AM PRIVILEGED. What must it be like to experience that all the time based on your immutable skin color?

Well Covid-19 was a pretty big part of the last 6 months so it is hard to think of much else to be honest. The 6 or so weeks of full lockdown were definitely interesting. In a way it was nice not being able to go anywhere and having forced down time but that was short lived and then I really missed physical contact, especially with family and seeing friends. Things are slowly feeling like they are getting back to normal but imminent stricter restrictions are coming, got to make the most of this freedom (ish) whilst we can! It will be very interesting to see where the world is at in a year's time.

My son Judah had his Bar Mitzvah on January 25, 2020. I am relieved that both kids have reached that milestone. I am grateful his was pre-Covid (as far as we knew at the time) and he was able to celebrate with many friends and family in closed places including the synagogue as well as the evening party, dancing the hora and playing games without masks or worry.

I tore open my hand at work on a Lathe. I was stoned. I had to go to the hospital and have my hand stitched up. I couldn’t claim it on workman’s comp because I would have had to take a drug test. I obviously would have failed and gotten fired. My work never asked me and i never told them. It’s been a rough year. For a lot of reasons.

Covid has to be the obvious answer, in the first instance. It affected everyone. This in itself is an amazing fact. The loss of life, on the literal plane and also the loss of all kinds of resources, was saddening and chastening. In addition to that, it was an unparalleled opportunity to evaluate what we take for granted, to reframe our expectations and mindset, and recalibrate behaviour patterns.

The most significant thing that has happened to me this year besides Covid 19 hit our world, has been that I have paid off a tremendous amout of credit card debt. That debt had been strangling me for many years and it is finally under control. While I still have some credit card debt, it is now totally managable. The remaining debt that I currently have is due to my beloved dog Billie getting diabetes over the past year. Without her Vet bills, insulin and syringes, I would be completely out of debt today. I love my dog and she has been worth every penny that I have spent so I have no regrets. I am proud of myself that I have paid off so much debt and very relieved.

The big one for everyone this year is obviously COVID-19. And that was huge for me, too. But living in southwest Louisiana means that I was hit HARD by Hurricane Laura as well. I'm relieved that the storm is over, and grateful that my home wasn't damaged more than it was, but my heart is beyond broken for SWLA. There is immeasurable damage to so many homes and businesses, and this area will never be the same. We are determined to rebuild, because that's what we do, but the landscape here is forever changed.

I started PTSD therapy this year. It was so hard, and exhausting at times, and made me think more about my abuser than I wanted. I felt raw for weeks. But I came out of it being able to say that what happened to me wasn’t my fault. I didn’t deserve it, no matter what mistakes I’ve made. Being able to say out loud for the first time that I’m not to blame, he is, was powerful.

The practice of looking back is interesting... I don't think I could measure one experience by its significance as compared to another. Living in the now sort of inhibits that kind of frivolity. Nor could I separate one experience from another they're a continuum... or perhaps it was just a boring year. Are you grateful? Relieved? Resentful? Inspired? Yes.

We were getting ready to move and it affected me by taking me away from all that was familiar and as soon as we got here COVID-19 started so I feel very resentful because there's so many things I want to do but I can't do them. I can't even do simple things like go to the store even if I take all the precautions.

Ignoring, of course, the global pandemic, I think this is the first year where I am truly doing the work to become an ally to the Black community. I've previously sat in the background, rooting for change while not doing anything active to support it. This year, I have changed where my monthly donations go (locally and nationally), I am reading more from Black authors about race, systemic oppression, and bias, and I am having uncomfortable conversations with other white people about things like privilege. It's not easy, but it must happen, and white people must be a part of changing the system.

COVID changed everything. More stress, more family time, more gardening, more insomnia, more connections with old friends. I feel lucky to have daycare- this keeps our sanity. But my anxiety and stress definitely amplified this year. My fear of interacting with strangers (could they have COVID??), my reluctance to hang with friends, even socially distant.

Since I retired 1 year ago it has taken me more time than I thought to adjust. I won’t call it depression but it is unsettling to understand you are in the last quarter of life. I tried very hard to stay busy with BSA and Swimming. I decided to take the Master Gardener course. I missed the County deadline so I drove to another town for their course. 8 weeks, 3 hours a week was easy. Then Covid-19 hit. With both of us home, there was some stress of being together to much. We watched TV a lot which is not my style. I started the gardening merit badge at 2 locations, Amend Park and Skyview HS. That outlet got me out of the house working on something. Once a week I was able to get barley husks And hoppes from breweries for amending the soil. In Oct 2019 I was asked to be Chairman of BSA and accepted in early 2020. With C19 it is a challenging year to get everyone to communicate and maintain units. We are trying to keep up good program to get everyone out of the house in a safe environment.

Moving out of a large two-floor apartment, into two units in one building, and then back together into a three-bedroom, one-bath apartment with my husband and kid. The first move just over a year ago put us in two separate homes, in anticipation of our eventual separation and divorce. I am resentful that in moving back in together, and then getting stuck here in isolation, has meant I have had to do all the work in the household and parenting, while my husband just shows up whenever he wants to but is almost always watching a show or playing games or surfing the web when he does come into the shared living spaces. I am trying to use this terrible experience to jolt me into paving the way to finding a job, being self-sufficient, and moving on. But it's hard to get a job when having full time care of a kid and a house and having depression and low energy are in my way. I know I will get out of this but it feels like my life is being eaten away right now. The pandemic happening after we made the decision to what we thought would be temporarily living together has made it even more clear that we need to split up, and I am so so resentful that we are stuck together. Okay, to be fair: we made a poor decision not thinking of the long-term ramifications. But I'm not so stuck that it's miserable. And I have to be honest about how I have managed to keep our kid happy and mostly stress-free. I am grateful and relieved that she and I have kept our relationship strong even while I have resorted to thinking of my husband as an annoyed teenager who wants to be back at college instead of here with a family who expect him to act like part of the family and help out, and be with us when he's with us.

This year I got really into embroidery. I actually technically started last Christmas time, when I made Brenda’s embroidery hoop of her and North. But this year I got really into it, which was certainly timely, considering the COVID shut downs. I even learned to sew masks, so I made and sold a bunch of embroidered masks, and gifted some to friends and family.

I got very sick in March/April with some sort of pneumonia/breathing issue. I suspect I had COVID-19 but can't say for sure as both diagnostic and two antibody tests were all negative. I feel grateful for my health, that it wasn't worse, and that my partner didn't get sick. But I'm also low-key traumatized and very much feeling my mortality as it left me with mild asthma and other minor health issues.

Going through the process of deciding to move to Tennessee was a landmark experience for Jonathan and I. A lot of the change was due to the growth and learning he had accomplished on the road. I now see that we would not have been able to make the decision the way that we did without that growth and learning, and he would not have been able to achieve that growth and learning without leaving Glenwood. I understand why we left now. I understand what he was looking for, even if he didn't at the time, even if I didn't at the time. I feel immensely grateful for the open communication and the feeling of consideration, clarity, and sincerity with which we went through that process. I am so hopeful that we can continue to live along these lines. I also know it's a much more wearying way to live. It's work to maintain conscientious living. I'm trying to remain realistic about our capabilities -- we are both humans, we both have limitations and blind spots. We aren't going to escape those things, even though we've grown and learned. About our relationship I'd say I feel better than I ever have before. More openly loved, in a straightforward and uncomplicated way. About our current path I am hopeful, but also a bit wary. I will let our life here evolve organically. If there will be warm ties with this place, they will happen. I will open my arms to them. But I won't despair here in the place before I know them. I will let it be whatever it really is, as much as I can.

I mean, there's the obvious. I'm not sure what more to say about that.

This past year, I feel like I had a spiritual awakening. It has occurred around religion, but more than that, it was an awakening to my true self: authentic, unadulterated Leah. Her power and strength astounds me. I've learned that I am always stronger than I think I am, my journey of finding my inherent value separate from what I do or output will be lifelong, and that I deserve love from myself. I deserve deep compassion and grace and above all, true love from and for myself. I am grateful daily for these revelations, and I can make a choice to continue them in the coming year. I still write my "I love myself today because" daily in my journal, and I try to practice gratitude even (and especially) in trying times.

I got really sick not once but twice, I honestly think they were both Covid. I have had the flu and I have also had cancer and neither one felt like that.

My mother in law passed away. It was really hard on my husband, who became very angry while he grieved. It was scary because he is normally a very gentle, soft spoken man. I, on the other hand, was relieved in many ways. She was rude and hurtful to me on many occasions and was a source of conflict in my marriage. While I felt awful for my spouse, I wasn't sad.

The most significant experience this year for me has been the lock down. It has affected my life in many ways. I have been unemployed for half a year. My wife has been working from home for the same length of time. Our daughter moved out of the house just a week later, and we've only seen her a handful of times due to keeping distanced. Our travel plans of doing a getaway once a month ended abruptly in March. I am now doing everything for both of my parents; groceries, errands, doctor appointments, etc... My wife and I have had no social life outside of a few online meetups. We have only gone out a few times for a drive, once to an outdoor concert, once to an outdoor trivia night at a pub, and a few times shopping for garden supplies. At first I was extremely stressed, discouraged and unsure what to do with my time and life. I tried playing music on Facebook Live and making music videos for YouTube. That was ok for a few months. But, I felt pressure to do it every day, so I stopped. I have gone through almost everything in our house and organized and decluttered. I only have boxes of keepsakes to look through now. I am grateful for the times I said yes to doing things before this all happened, but at the same time, I regret saying yes so little. It's as if I am suddenly retired and have nothing to look forward to. I most likely won't be able to work again for at least a year, and I will continue to take care of my parents declining abilities to function. Things just get worse around the world politically, environmentally, socially, and for us financially and socially. My world has shrunk to only a few places: home, grocery stores, drug stores, the post office and my parents house.

Getting pregnant and miscarrying at 12 weeks. It broke me more than anything ever has. I have been sad, mad, and resentful all at the same time. Despite it all, I have hope.

About ten days ago, I went for a routine colonoscopy and unfortunately my doctor perforated my colon. I had emergency surgery and am recovering at home. Though very unpleasant, some nice things happened. Years ago, I studied Spanish at my school and when I volunteered at my hospital, befriended an immigrant who always helped me, and spoke to me. On my way to surgery, who did I see? So lovely! And then, my nurse was someone I worked with on the psych ward with my therapy dogs. That was so nice. My husband baked a loaf of bread for her. I am grateful that I will never have to have a colonoscopy again! And that I won't have a problem with diverticulosis! My daughters came and took such sweet care of me, and my darling granddaughters were a ray of sunshine. The doctor who nicked me came every morning and evening to visit and has called almost daily. I will see the surgeon next week. I was able to speak to every person who came to my hospital room about their experiences with Covid. It was incredible. Such heroism and dedication.

I made Aliyah. Finally. How did it affect me? Still trying to figure that out. I mean, I am in a new place... I'm sort of forced into independence. It didn't go as planned. Took me months instead of weeks to get my own place (in TLV), didn't find a job before covid-19 turned the world upside-down. I was in limbo before this worldwide state of limbo even started. Now I just wonder what the experience would have been after I moved to TLV had there not been a complete lockdown that started a week later. Would I feel more grounded? Would I have a community, a social circle, people to support me who don't live an ocean away? I don't really feel anything regarding my Aliyah... It was something I waited nearly 10 years to do and in the end it just feels anticlimactic. Which I suppose makes me feel a bit disappointed. But it is what it is.

The obvious answer that will likely be given this year is Covid. I thought about avoiding writing about the pandemic, but it is very hard to. It is one of the most impactful events in most of our lives. I am grateful that school and synagogue shootings for the most part went away during Covid. I am thankful that no one close to me has gotten sick from Covid. I am relieved that my wife and I were able to spend so much time together and still get along. I am inspired by the health care providers who put their own lives at risk to save others. I resent some of my co-workers who are distrustful of what we've done to make the workplace as safe as anywhere else they are likely to go. After the death of RBG last night, I need to write an addendum. The dark cloud that I’ve felt over us since the election of tRump just got darker. The thought that tRump will steal a second SC pick and then the election is terrifying.

COVID. I really tossed aside things that were not essential. Six months later I can much more easily say no. I'm grateful and relieved that it's ok to say no.

Besides the virus , there was the thing that happened last year that took me till the virus to recover from. I felt shamed ( and did it because i made breakthrus to start feeling better) and depressed and paralyzed. Amd lucky and priviliged. Now i am motivated to use that privilege for good

I broke my wrist. I could hardly get dressed or shower on my own, much less prepare my own food. It was traumatic and I am still not 100% better, but feel certainty it created space in my life for the partner I was just getting to know. For that, I am forever grateful. In the context of a pandemic, where your freedom to (fill in the blank: travel, fly, ect) is being limited, the freedom of mobility within my own body was a level of suffering I hadn't anticipated. I lost my job, during lockdown I lost the ability to leave the house and finally, I felt I lost control of my own body. The experience filled me with gratitude for all the love and friendship that helped me get through it. And each day I healed and regained independence has reminded me to take nothing for granted.

Someone I thought was a good friend accused me of something grave that isn't true, and as a result I lost a group of friends that I felt very connected to and cherished profoundly. It made no sense and it felt like a cruel deliberate attack. It was quite painful and it brought up intense feelings of hopelessness and abandonment, because of the false accusations and because nobody gave me the chance to defend myself. The way it all happened led me to the painful realization that those whom I believed to be good friends whom I could trust and feel safe around, didn't really care and really weren't friends at all. It affected me in very deep ways, and still to this day I don't quite understand why she did what she did and why things happened the way they did. I will probably never get an explanation or an apology from her or anybody else involved, and for a while that realization used to follow me around daily robbing me of happiness and peace. But with God's light, time, reflexion, support and care from those who genuinely love and respect me, I have been able to see and feel things from a higher perspective. I am grateful for the experience because it was the catalyst that brought me closer to God; I started meditating with intention every day twice, and through the daily practice of stillness I opened the direct channel of loving kindness we all share with God as our birthright, finding the divine within myself. Very subtly but so powerfully this is transforming me and it has allowed me to transmute emotional pain and frustration into compassion, for her, for everyone I considered a friend in the group and for myself. Furthermore, I have been able to transmute it all into forgiveness, which has freed me from the victim identity and has liberated me into a new level of consciousness. I feel inspired in the sense that the experience has allowed me to be aware, understand and dive deep into myself and the karmic and spiritual side of all we go through in life. I have understood that as spiritual beings living a human experience, we act in many ways determined by our conditioning, our karma and our karmic bonds with others, and to not take things too personally; Instead, taking the chance to learn to honor emotions without attaching to them, freeing ourselves from the burden of identifying with the suffering they may cause. Finally, trying to learn whatever other lessons the experience offers for our personal growth and our soul's ascension, always keeping in mind the real purpose of life: To Live, To Love, To Learn and To Forgive– And to be able to see life through that lens is beautiful and liberating. That is why this has been such a significant experience: the pain it caused has opened me up in ways that allow for God's unconditional love and divine light within me to flow and fill me up with grace, compassion, healing energy and loving kindness. And for that, I am forever grateful. Thank you. I forgive you. May you find peace. May you live by loving kindness. May you find God's loving presence in all you do, every day of your life.

Like everyone, I am sure, the most significant experience is the lack of social closeness due to the Coronavirus. I thought I was a pretty independent Jew, doing my own thing when I wanted to. However, the virus proved me wrong on both accounts.

Pandemic changed everything. Masked life is isolating. I have been so proud of my wife, my city, my writers, artists in general. I have been so heartbroken over theater and restaurants and urban life.

I moved out of my mother's house almost a year ago. I cannot believe the changes that have happened in my life since then. My mental health is so much better; I'm glad I took the chance.

My god, where to begin. Pregnancy. Surprise wedding. Fires. International move. Global pandemic. Traumatic birth. I suppose everything really centers around the move. We left Australia on February 18th. Coronavirus had already begun in earnest in Asia and parts of Europe. We first viewed our apartment on March 4th. I had taken one week of a 5-week German course when everything shut down on March 15th. James was picking fights with me constantly and I was miserable. We received our keys on March 19th or 24th. Moving in was a nightmare but I enjoyed setting up the furniture. We didn't botch the kitchen situation too badly. We both worked very hard to get the house set up in time to welcome our baby, and when she was finally born on June 10th, we had a wonderful home to nestle her in. My overwhelming emotion is one of spiritual and mental exhaustion. Germany has been an absolute nightmare, if I'm honest. I miss Australia every single day. I miss having friends. I miss not having horrible visa snarls and lists and paperwork of every description looming over me at every instant. I wish I spoke German better so I wouldn't have had such a difficult birth. I wish our family's could meet my baby and teach me what to do. I feel so alone here, with no end in sight.

The Covid pandemic. This has affected my life in two major ways: My work has intensified: more clients, students, classes, opportunities brought a sense of expansion, grounding, learning, growing. Secondly, my relationship with religion/spirituality: Less time in shul/community led to more grounding, peace in myself. More owning who I am, what and who is important to me.

The covid virus didn't let us go to my for Puri. And beyond. We still haven't met our newest grandson. He'll probably be walking by the time we can fly again:)

My beloved transitioned and I have experienced the deep grief that so many experience. My grief was agonizing at times due to feelings of guilt, anger, betrayal, and loss of love. Am I grateful? Absolutely grateful for my practices that held me together and allowed me the ability to observe the changes in my body and mind. Am I grateful he passed in the way he chose? no. I am very sad he was unable to turn towards me in his transition, and that he was unable to actualize his dream of a communal living situation dedicated to spiritual and community evolution. That makes me so sad. Gratitude comes thorough his staying close to the edge and my hanging out on this side, close to his energetic field, channeling him in my daily work, aligning with his energy. I felt inspired (once again) to look for a living situation for me that might incorporate what we dreamed of. However, I only was able to visit one co-housing community in Santa Fe, which really did not seem to have a center of community other than age, before the coronavirus shutdown. I am still holding the dream and open to what comes towards me, and if I am unable to pursue that dream, I will be satisfied. In addition, my sister's recent diagnosis with cancer -- again the HPV cancer. And due to the coronavirus situation, I am unable to visit -- so we talk each day about her journey and her husband's devotion to "doing" for her. It is quite remarkable and a loving tribute to her -- zen garden, labyrinth, spirit walk. Life itself inspires me. I am grateful for this opportunity even when I fall to my knees in grief. I know I can be of service and share in a much deeper and profound way the suffering and the joy of my clients and students. Life is good!

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. It's changed the world and made the future a relatively scary thing. I'm resentful, angry, and frustrated but also inspired and grateful. The former because of the pain and death it's causing and the lack of good response by our leaders. And the latter because I've gotten even closer with my family and been forced to think more critically and creatively about our future.

I learned to create boundaries with someone who could not love me for me and all my faults. This experience moved me further and deeper into self love. I feel grateful for my resilience and relieved of toxic influence.

Woah, this year has been like no other. Worldwide pandemic, teaching from home, all of us at home, travel and camp canceled. I would say that the whole experience did make me a bit anxious and worried about the health of my family and loved ones. However, it also made me appreciate all the blessings that I have in my life. I realized that so many others could not say the same.

Losing both of my jobs, losing my boyfriend, and a global pandemic in less than 3 months. I'm tired I'm scared I'm angry I'm kinda grateful though too.

Started toward management at work. I feel proud and stable.

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA. Okay fine: first of all, the fucking president is a fucking nighmare monster being enabled by a party and a country full of nightmare monsters. Every new revelation about the depths of their depravity and outright evil fills me with rage. I have felt pre hatred more this year than any other time in my life. Then there's COVID-19, the pandemic affecting the nation which affected me personally when I became ill in mid-March. How did it affect me? It left me mostly-bedridden for the better part of a month, and with damaged lungs (and maybe a damaged heart? who knows!) that still haven't fully healed. Then there's the western wildfires, which filled the air of my city with smoke for over two weeks and exacerbated the aforementioned lung issues, bringing back the fear I had felt the first day I woke up in March unable to fill my lungs with air. Beyond the physical experience of being unable to breathe in my own home, the emotional experience is that of grief. We've all been cycling through the stages as we reckon with the loss of our landscape and what that loss signifies for the future. I'm angry while writing this but truly, the overall takeaway for me is how deeply fortunate I have been. While sick, I realized how much I valued life. While scared, I realized how lucky I have been to feel safe most of the time. I am filled with despair at the state of the world, but grateful for what I have. I'm also filled with a fiery rage that can only be directed towards mutual aid, direct action, and beating back the tide of fascism as much as we are able.

Since March 13th I've been working from home due to COVID-19. It's now a little over 6 months of this year that I've been telecommuting and it's to continue to the end of the year (which will be the majority of 2020 at home). As such I've been grateful for having continued employment, I'm resentful for horrible leadership from our president, and I'm inspired by federal leadership from New Zealand that there are some countries that will usher in a good and humane future for mankind. Just not America, which is disheartening.

It would be very easy to default to COVID, which has affected all of us in so many ways. But I will go with post-tenure review instead. I feel good about reading the situation appropriately and positioning myself well--doing as much as needed to be done while not over-investing myself in activities I don't care about. I'm relieved to have been approved, which means that I will likely not undergo significant scrutiny again before I retire. I can become dead wood, as long as I'm fulfilling critical roles and expectations don't change. I can relax. On the other hand, I feel a little guilty about coasting, and I've been coasting since I got promoted. But I rationalize it based on having not been appropriately recognized and compensated when I was busting my ass and making large contributions. And I'm probably undervaluing the contributions I make because of how undervalued they are on as institutional level even though they as mission critical. But overall, I'm relieved. I feel safe. I feel freed up to move on to other things.

Covid. It has prevented me anything normal in my life. Ruined kid’s experiences like high school graduation and living in college dorm.

I got divorced after 29 years of marriage. As I made a decision that I was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Roger made a decision that he did not want to be married to me. He asked for a separation, in essence, kicking me out. Let me back up. Larry died in late March. In August Barbara fell while out picking blueberries and broke her hip. She needed surgery to place a rod and a couple of screws. She convalesced at the Mennonite Home for almost a month, then was released home. There was no way for her to care for herself so we all called Robert and Pamela and Deborah and made the desiscion to move in with her. Roger decided it was too far away from work so he stayed in town at our house and he came up to visit on his days off. This went in for a couple of months. He finally decided to move in fully. While Barbara was at the Mennonite Home, and Roger was off hunting over east, Alex and Courtney came to me and told me they had no place to live. They couldn’t afford their rent. They asked if they could move in with us for a short time. I said yes. So we Set it up with Sonja that we would remain in the rental agreement but we would let the kids stay here. We would maintain the yard and be responsible for everything if it all fell apart. So they moved in and we moved out. Fast forward to October 19th when I told Roger. A little after his birthday he told me he wanted the separation so I moved back home, in with the kids. Roger and I met and talked several times. He said that he would not go to marriage counseling until I got my “head on straight” and knew that JWs were wrong. It wasn’t enough to not go to meetings or not participate, I had to know in my heart. Eventually I realized that he was not going to change his mind about going to counseling to try to figure out a way to live with me and I needed to be able to survive so I filed for divorce. January 15th we filed the papers and Jan 17th it was approved. It was all over but the crying. One thing I have come to realize, and pretty quickly in fact, is that I was miserable married to Roger. I feel like things changed when Trump ran. I guess it emboldened Roger to be a misogynist openly. I am happier on my own.

Covid situation and first time isolation for 2 months. I was very inspired even though the pandemic not a funny episode in life. But I was so grateful for this free time which I dedicated only to my personal development, self-love and education

During the last year, I got sober - officially on April 26, 2020. It has changed my life, made me capable of things I never thought were possible for me. All the changes feel simultaneously subtle and significant. I also started an (almost) daily meditation practice, started running and practicing yoga with consistency, began writing fiction, and started making serious strides towards financial security.

I have to speak about this because it is significant for me, though I feel like I want to diminish it for some reason. I've lost 100 lbs this year. Writing it is sort of dumbfounding. It's difficult to believe I could have carried an extra 100 lbs. on me, but I did. It's hard not to think I was going to be dead much sooner than I would have wanted. And how do I feel? It's mixed. I FEEL physically amazing. I LOVE the way I look and that I have made a commitment to myself, friends, and family to try to stick around as long as possible. I am angry at myself for not doing it sooner. I am scared that I will revert to form and regain the weight. Almost everyone seems to tell me that I will. I say "I've lost 100lbs" and many folks reply "well, people usually gain it back. I am sad for the path my life might have taken had I been in this shape as an actor in New York and/or Los Angeles, but it's all speculative.

Jess and I got married- despite a lot of external turmoil and tears from the pandemic. I’m so grateful that I have her everlasting love and devotion- it’s what most people could dream about! It inspires me to be as kind and devoted to her as she is to me.

The Novel Coronavirus and having to/choosing to shelter at home for the nearly the past 8 months. While it has been limiting, especially in regards to being social, being at home all of this time has enabled me to sink more fully into BEing instead of DOing.

This is the year of COVID 19. Who has NOT been affected? I am resentful that a virus can stop our world, have many dying so hard to breathe, that the "routine" I had for Yoga and Tai Chi with the instructors I was attuned to may never happen again. Senior Center, Senior instructor Urmala will probably not ever be available again.

The collective global, experience of Covid 19 has changed the shape of our lives, revealed cracks and neglect, highlighted the importance of leadership and governmental response. While I have adapted routines for safety and health, the pandemic has brought enormous suffering and loss.

The George Floyd, Breanna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery murders finally became a tipping point for awakening the world to the violent racism the pervades our policing. It pushed me to take my education on these issues much more seriously - to learn, to read, to discuss, to reach out, to speak out even more forcefully. I feel ashamed and hopeful at the same time. If there is a will, I think we can come to terms with our history and create a better, just society. If there's a will...

I moved to NYC again. For the third or fourth time. I am so grateful. It taught me that where I used to find comfort in sudden change and instability, I have become quite comfortable with stability. This has it's pros and cons, but I realized that spontaneity was not as exciting to me as it once had been because my priorities have changed and truthfully, spontaneity with this experience scared me for some reason. Possibly because of my comfort, or maybe it's that my nephew was born and I was sad to leave. Maybe it's that I was returning to such a familiar place instead of starting fresh where I could reinvent myself again. Regardless, I am so grateful we moved back. I feel more myself. I am proud of myself for learning that I can handle anything. I am learning that I need to be much more self reliant and brave like I used to be. I miss the woman I grew into when I was younger in NYC. I am inspired by the braveness of who she was. I know I am still her, but different. There are similarities, but the balance has shifted. I am going to become more in balance and let that side of me free.

I have been moderating the HRP Council in addition to being the Moderator of the Presbytery. I am grateful that I have the skills needed by the Presbytery at this time, and also grateful that I have time to handle both jobs!

The move to New Zealand. This has been much harder than my move to Australia after college. For one thing, after college, everyone was disbursing - I just disbursed further. For another thing, starting "over" at 45 is different than starting "out" at 22.I've spent the past 20 years in the US developing roots - yes, my family is complicated and often frustrating, but roots nonetheless. I had easy escapes to see family and friends on a whim. And of course moving on from Stan has been extremely hard.

George Floyd’s death and the movements for racial justice. I’ve wrestled a lot with my own blind spots and white privilege. I’ve embarked on a course of education and evaluation. I realize that changing society and structural racism requires me to start with myself.

COVID-19. There is a world wide pandemic. It started in March. The world has been changed unimaginably. There are food shortages. Millions of people are out of work. There was a state by state response because Trump refused to lead any type of Federal coherent response. States fought with states for medical supplies. We've gone through so many different understandings of the virus as data has evolved in real time. First it was wash hands, don't touch face, it can be transferred on surfaces, but wearing masks wasn't that important unless you were sick and we didn't have enough of the right type of mask that would make a difference. Then the data suggested that it was more air born and less about surfaces and that masks were actually useful, and now masks are believed to crucial. People have started treating wearing a mask, however, a safety measure that scientist have said is extremally important, as an attack on their freedom for fuck sake. It has now been politicized to a point that people are flocking to town halls to explain how their rights are being trampled by being asked to take this step to keep the community safe. Conspiracy theories run wild, fueled by Trump himself. Madness reigns. Stacy has been furloughed and we don't think that she's going to get her job back. Right before the pandemic started, Dad died. It's been an immense relief. Now that mom has control of purse strings, even though Stacy isn't working and we were all out of work while the shut down was in affect, we're ok for money possibly for the first time. I am extraordinarily resentful of this entire situation. I feel that it could have been handled better by a brain damaged monkey. Our economy has cratered, millions of people are out of work, Stacy among them, and the future is a giant question mark. I am terrified and enraged by turns. I am so, so angry and furiously bewildered as to how people can STILL support this egotistical, racist misogynistic piece of shit. Non COVID-19 Answer. A significant experience of the past year. We got a dog. Getting a puppy was nothing like what I thought it would be. Puppies. Are. Awful. They bite and bark and scream. I was extremely resentful, and at times scared that I couldn't do this, and that we were going to have to re home Silas, but even the thought made me nauseated, the idea of giving away an animal is just so awful. But having a puppy was miserable. We couldn't get him to stop biting, despite all the advise we could find on line, and in books, and friends. And then one day, he just stopped. I was doing yoga and he bit me and I popped him really hard on the nose and he yelped and that was the last time he bit me. We were still having trouble with him chasing the cats, and potty training him and getting him to take baths. We set up a meeting with a trainer, her name is Millie Travis and I love her so fucking much. She's amazing. She does fantastic work. Silas has become so much more manageable and it is an immense relief. Still there are things that I'm disappointed about. I was looking for Simon, as I always am. I didn't find him. Again. Silas is sweet but he won't cuddle with me. He scared of people where Simon as fearless. He requires so much time and attention whereas Simon was a cat so he just did things himself without needing me to help him. I was his world, with Silas, several people are his world, despite my best efforts to bond with him. He's sweet and fun and I love him. But he's not Simon.

I moved across the country to help out a family member. I expected it to be a more or less permanent move, but I moved back "home" in under a year. The whole thing reminded me I'm strong and flexible and don't have to live down to other peoples' expectations.

This year I started seeing a therapist and was able to finally feel permission to end my marriage. Once coming to that conclusion, I felt an immediate weight off my shoulders. I feel relived, empowered, and optimistic. I also decided to start Owen on stimulant medications and have seen a significant improvement. I'm relieved to see his progress I got a second dog as well. He's a dear sweet pup and they kids and I adore him but he is so much work. There is constantly dog hair on everything and his walks are so anxiety inducing. Some days I feel a little regret in getting him because of the amount of work involved in caring for him but other days I just adore him.

This past year, I got on the dean’s list for the first time. I’ve struggled with schoolwork and high achievement since I was a child, and it was really affirming to see my hard work reflected back to me.

This year I froze my eggs. "A" came down to visit, helped me pack up all my things, and shortly thereafter I headed to her home. I stayed with her and her family again, and went through 10 days of turning my belly into a pincushion. When I didn't have the chutzpah to drive the needles into my belly, A did it for me. When I was whiny, I fed her dog little anchovies and pet his bony head. When I had bad side effects from the drugs, "K" (my naturopath) chimed in with advice on which supplements to take, and within two days I felt my brain coming back to normalcy. My parents helped pay for the procedure and my travel expenses. They say it takes a village to raise a child. I don't know if any of these eggs will ever turn into a literal, live child, but already, I can feel the presence and direct support of my village. That alone has been powerful. As a woman in her late 30's, I feel a huge relief that my eggs are on ice. While I know this doesn't buy me as much time as I feel I need to come to a clear, empowered choice about parenthood, it certainly buys me more time than I would have had if I hadn't done the procedure. For the last two years I have felt like somebody was holding a gun to my head, screaming, "Are you going to have children or not!?" And with the completion of this procedure, I feel the assailant has lowered the gun. For that I am beyond grateful. I was one of the very last women to undergo egg retrieval in early March before the clinic temporarily closed due to Covid-19. I juuuust slid in under the wire. If I hadn't done the procedure then, I likely would have needed to wait much longer than I'd wanted to, and I might still be ruminating and crying and freaking out about the unspoken but obvious your-eggs-are-getting-old attitudes I encounter every day as a divorced, childless woman in this society.

I attended my first 10 day Vipassana course in January 2020. The significance of this experience is beyond words as it completely uprooted my existence. This lifestyle of meditation continues to reveal the intimate truth of any given moment that I find myself in. Deeper and deeper, I am discovering all that I AM.

It's hard not to focus on the experience of COVID-19 and climate change, as well as the public uprising about racism following the murder of George Floyd. I've felt more anxiety -- shaking in my body, shallow breathing, fearing I had COVID -- in the past six months than I ever have. I have a lot of fear that we are squandering this opportunity to do things differently before it's too late.

The Covid Epidemic has affected my life in many ways. I have adopted a bunker mentality, which is about making sure we have enough to survive an extended disaster and to protect ourselves if need be if things turn ugly. I do feel resentful at times that we need to wait in long lines to do things we once took for granted. I am inspired by those people on the front line risking their lives fighting the epidemic in our clinics and hospitals

I was supposed to go to El Salvador on a humanitarian trip to drill a well. Because of COVID-19 I was unable to go. I was hurt, resentful, and a tad depressed about it for the longest time. But now I feel more prepared to find my way there to help out, and to help out in different areas in my community.

Well there was this corona thing. No biggie. Just the ENTIRE WORLD staying home and losing jobs and reinventing new jobs and getting sick and recovering and dying and schools going virtual and people not able to pay rent. Who knew jobs were so important. Covid affected me in my ability to see friends and family. My dad and angela have not been inside my house since Feb, nor I theirs. I am a teacher and had to do virtual teaching last spring. I gained a newfound awareness of how important jobs are to ones sense of purpose. I basically had nothing to do from March until Sept and felt that sense of purposelessness. So I am inspired, in a way, to see how the world is changing, but also scared bc armageddon seems to be coming, getting worse by the day. Fascists, fires, a pandemic, an election where the fascist in chief has admitted he will not leave if he is beaten. But for me personally I'd say the biggest thing is seeing how the world reacts when there are no jobs and when there is a feeling of purposeless.

So much has happened - marriage, Covid, deaths and riots and unrest, a new job. How can you describe any of it? It's all earth shattering. I'm grateful, relieved and inspired by marriage. Grateful and relieved to have found someone to be with. Inspired to be a better person for my marriage - to judge less, to be slower to anger, to partner more than steer alone. I love my new job - I'm so grateful to have finally been accepted to the PDO's and so relieved to not have to be a felony 3 prosecutor and so inspired to learn quickly and do my job well.

Coronavirus pandemic.While many things in my life were already isolating and restricting, it helped me to shift out of constant FOMO and forced me into a kind of self care I have been meaning to undertake for some time. I learned new things and learned that learning is key to my happiness. Relieved. Grateful.

The best thing that happened to me this year is meeting Jakob. He has made me feel more alive again and I look forward to getting through the day for our nightly calls. Of course, this couldn't have been possible without the Pandemic. Kari is the worst thing that happened to me this year. As she spiraled down, she brought me with her...luckily I was able to get out of it, although not in the best way possible. I am sorry it got so blown up but resentful that I was so taken advantage of.

The fact that I was able to travel did wonders. It was amazing to finally take my dad to Israel. I'm so glad we did it before everything happened so he could experience the Kotel. I felt like even though I can't always do everything right, I did the right thing in making sure we were all able to go to Israel and my dad had a chance to see Jerusalem. I am so grateful that my father got to have that. And then when I got to travel up to Northern California by myself, I was able to find parts of me that I had forgotten, forgive my mother for her sins, and overall find what matters most in the world to me.

I can’t even recall much of the year. It’s as if I have lived in a blur. The world I knew is upside down, my daily occupation, to try to right myself in it. Perhaps, the event I recall most clearly was my first poetry reading from Bearing Witness in January. It was around my 74th birthday and at Taste Full Beans coffee house. The room was full, some for my reading, some there for the open mic afterward. I cannot take credit for “packing the room.” Ha! But I was especially grateful to see a respected local poet who’s a bit of a recluse, arrive. “Wouldn’t have missed it,” he said, giving me a confidence-building stamp of approval. I sold ten books that evening...a handsome number by poetry standards. And yes, that has inspired me to continue writing, to publish through the good graces of Robert Canipe at Red Hawk Press.

In December my 26 year old pony, Amy, had to be put down as she had damaged a tendon, she was the first horse I’d lost in 21 years if horse keeping. It was heartbreaking. In May my 95 year old mother in law died of old age, it was a relief. In June my young homebred horse Tim died with an abdominal rupture, he was only 11. I was gutted. It took some getting over. In July I found my 32 year old first horse, Chocolate dead in the field. It was a relief. Three horses and a mother in law is enough for one year!

My mother fell and broke her hip in February. I went to Oregon and helped her recuperate at her home off and on during February and into the beginning of March. I stepped into the situation willingly, feeling it was the right thing to do and what I wanted to do. I hadn't spent that much time with my Mother since I lived at home with her before I graduated from high school. I got to know her better and we have a closer bond than we have had in years. I now call her every day at 430 to just check in. I am grateful that I had this opportunity, it has felt like a blessing.

Probably the most significant experience of this year has been the arc of feeling regarding being back at work. Over about 6 months, from de-rust-ifying my skillset, to feeling inadequate connected with strong feelings of accomplishing too little yet not wanting to let my team down, to a feeling now of participation, teamwork, mutual gratitude, and sufficiency in my abilities, I'm actually feeling quite nourished by this remote project that I now see as artisanry when I don't overdo it, and the bonding and teamwork that speaking the language of our common goal has engendered.

We moved to Az and then moved back to CA. I miss the family, but I'm glad to be back.

My grandson became a Bar Mitzvah last October. It was not a traditional ceremony, but very inspiring. I was so proud of him. Although my daughter (who married a non-Jew) belongs to a Folkshul, which is very different from a Reform Synagogue, I'm grateful that she and my son-in-law have chosen to raise their children to identify as Jews. It's a different perspective and I admire their commitment to recognizing and working to change the inequities in this world. Raising children who follow this commitment is the most important thing for the future, and the goal of Judaism in the end.

I'm inspired by the BLM protests and upset and be simultaneously feeling disengaged from national politics and a sense of hopefulness about the future. I'm distressed about climate change, and the pandemic. Feeling better about family life while also generally resigned, and striving to make sense of my will to do good within such a deeply broken world.

I graduated from graduate school with my dual master's degrees! And I was commencement speaker, which was awesome. While preparing my speech was quite stressful, I felt really good about how it turned out and how I was able to inspire and energize my classmates while taking necessary and deserving digs at the administration. Now that I graduated, I feel ready to take on any challenge in the nonprofit sector and help an organization (or organizations) succeed and thrive.

I bought my first home! It's a lovely two-bedroom, two-bathroom loft in Bucktown, Chicago. Of course, I bought it one week before Covid got really serious here in Chi. I didn't shake any hands at my closing. Not many people have been able to visit. I am grateful, though. I am grateful to have such a sunny home to nest in. It has provided some distractions in a time when I've needed them. I'm really proud of myself for this. Feels like a big step in the correct direction.

I had a heart attack this year. It scared the hell out of me. I bought an EKG machine to watch my pulse and heart beat on regular basis. It really it’s really scary face in your own death. It really changes your mindset, well at least it did for I have a husband who is totally support and help me get through this difficult time.

After four years...and a very intense four months, I completed the Space Torah film. It received a fabulous reaction from over 200 people at the Premier. It makes me feel proud, grateful (that I had the mitzvah of doing it...and such a super crew dedicated to making it happen), relieved (that the audio survived and that I was able to pull it all together)...and inspired and confident in myself and my professional abilities.

COVID. Makes going out a bit scary and problematic. On one hand it’s a terrible tragedy for the world, but for me, it has upped my creativity and productivity. I enjoy the space at check out since before I didn’t like people pushing their cart against my hip. Sad not to get together with people, yet relieved to have an excuse NOT to see people.

I think the obvious answer is that our country got hit hard by COVID-19, and ever since March, we haven’t really been able to do anything other than staying home, and doing limited activities. I don’t really know how it has affected me, because it’s still happening, and it has really put my emotions in a jumble. I grow more and more resentful of it as time passes, because I feel like I’m losing chunks of my childhood. I feel like it was also at the most inconvenient time in my life, considering I missed the best part of 8th grade, my graduation, and the first part of my freshman year.

The pandemic, obviously! One upside is that the pandemic curbed our travel and allowed us to truly settle into our new home(s).

Janette died, and her death has given me a fundamental pain. I know I have to deal with these feelings. I will in the days and months. I'm grateful that the health of my friends and family was unaffected by Covid. Although the physical restrictions due to the Covid pandemic have changed everything. In some ways this has felt a like reset, rethinking day to day life. Remember when the most important task was to get milk and delivered. Remember how it felt to go into a shop for the first time. Remember how charming it was to get bread at Hart and lova. And fun to watch Maxi play and grow. Good to spend time with ma. Challenging to spend time with ash. Remember all the online activities, and being delighted to find and have physio. This time has affected me in a profound way. Partly life-enhancing , partly challenging to the core. I hope when all is truly done that I'll feel grateful for how I've learnt and grown through the challenges. Tbh I don't know when that will be. I accept that my main feeling is one of doubt.

So this year: working from home. I'd done it once or twice before and it seemed odd, but now I work from home full time. Getting up much later and no commute seemed like such a treat, but nowadays I do actually miss seeing my colleagues sometimes. Work did make me go out and socialize even if I didn't feel like it, whereas nowadays I just stay in. I still prefer working from home, but there are some downsides I never considered.

My relationship ended in Feb. It scared me how long I ignored being unhappy and uncomfortable. I was quickly relieved after he initiated the end. I resent how he treated me and have been working to be kind to myself that I didn’t stand up to him more, sooner. I am proud that I moved forward and resisted his gesture to reconcile. I am proud that I know what joy feels like and prioritize being myself and feeling celebrated and wanted on a daily basis.

I cut a piece of my thumb off while cooking dinner one night at the very start of COVID. It’s a silly experience to elevate to the level of meaning prompted by this question, but I learned a lot about myself and my relationship throughout that process. 1) When we arrived at the emergency room, I was nervous bc it looked very different (bc of Covid) my partner could not come in with me, people were very blunt and everything was sterile. I was scared but I realized that when I’m faced with being alone through something scary - my instinct is to stop, center myself and be strong - not something I knew I would do. 2) I had been practicing meditation for the first time the week before this happened - I learned mindfulness actually works when processing pain. They had to clean my wound with saline and pick at it to remove debris. I tried to focus on my breathing and remind myself that I can separate my thoughts from what I am feeling - this helped me get through the pain 3) My partner took care of me. He washed my hair everyday bc I couldn’t get my bandage wet, and learned to put it in a ponytail bc I had trouble with hair ties as well. He cleaned my wound and wrapped it everyday. I have been with my parter for 7 years, I know he’s a great person, but I have trust issues from a rocky relationship with my father (he wasn’t always there, and his presence during difficult times was not unconditional - he would leave if he didn’t like something you said or did or didn’t do) so I think I would have said I think my parter would be there for me if I was hurt, but after this experience, I know he would be. 4) I witnessed how amazing my body is. I cut a piece of my thumb off and day by day I watched my body heal - by the end of the healing process my nail grew back and my thumb smoothed over - you can hardly tell unless I hold both thumbs next to each other. The human body is amazing, which leads to my last point 5) as a woman, I’ve always feared childbirth. Ive always wondered if I’m capable of going through something like that mentally, if my body can handle it and heal after something so traumatic and if my partner will care for me or my child if I can’t. I know it’s silly bc it was a cooking mishap that wasn’t anywhere near childbirth, but the experience taught me that I will be strong if I need to be, if I had to give birth somewhere random without meds I think I could say, “ok, I have to do this, so let’s do it” and my body is amazing and I have confidence in it’s ability to heal, and my partner is caring and will be there. So I am grateful for chopping my thumb that night - the lessons learned have been invaluable.

Dad transitioned to full time residential memory care, and he declined into severe dementia. It has been agonizing to see his decline. But it's also been a chance to get closer with Mom. I've realized that the dad I knew is already gone - and I'm going through my own process of grieving that loss. Now, I talk on FaceTime to someone else - he has echoes and shadows of the dad I knew, but he's also changing into someone different. It's beautiful and ugly all at once. There have been a lot of tears. I'm doing a lot of grieving along the way to his eventual death. I wonder how I'll feel when he physically passes away?

In March I became ill at the same time the country was locking down due to COVID19. I had ALL the symptoms, beginning with loss of smell (something I did not know was a symptom at the time). As breathing became more difficult, I started to consider going to the hospital while thinking "If I go in, am I going to get out alive?". I called the doctor the next day and was prescribed RX of breathing treatments, antibiotics and an oral steroid. It took me four more weeks to be "better". Today I saw a doctor to explore what I feel are lingering effects of that illness. I was never tested for COVID because they would not test in March unless you were SURE you had been exposed. I am awaiting results my antibody test. Through that experience I quickly understood that I do NOT want COVID. I do not think it's a trivial virus. I lived through swine flu in 2013 and this is much worse. Even if what I had in March was just a distant cousin of Mr. COVID, it was enough that I take the masks and hand washing quite seriously as a means to stay alive and to keep whatever good health I have left. BTW, I am only 49 years old and considered "healthy" before this.

I got married! My wife and I planned our wedding, and then re-planned it in response to COVID. Throughout the process, we adapted, stayed connected, and were on the same page about what mattered most to us. We adopted the motto for our wedding: "Don't postpone joy!" I learned that I could pivot from our plans and be ok with it. I learned I could get married and not feel afraid of the commitment. I learned what settling in to something that feels right feels like. And now I'm adapting to this new status of being married. Saying "married" still feels outside of myself. Saying "my wife" still feels outside of myself - very outside! My self perception is still catching up with my new reality.

taking Jeremy's heart healing workshop made me realise it wasn't other men causing trauma to my heart but my mother. It made me sad at first to think she was the one at the root of my pain but knowing it and taking the steps to heal has transformed my outlook on life and love.

My daughter and I were invited to spend level 4 lockdown with my friends at their house so we had 5 adults and 7 children all isolating together. I was so incredibly grateful to be able to be with other people in such a stressful time and to feel supported and able to support and help others through it all.

Went to Israel with Hands of Peace. We had such a wonderful time walking through history and seeing what the conditions are on the ground that our kids have to deal with. It’s a very complicated situation that is made so much worse by the illegal settlements so that there is no contiguous land for Palestinians to have their own state. We really loved Tel Aviv and had no idea that it was the center of Bauhaus architecture. We were there at the exact same time the Covid broke out. It was interesting to note the difference between an educated country that actually cares about its people taking sensible precautions in the United States where our dear leader cares only for how his life is affected with no care to the hundreds of thousands of people who have died due to his denial that there was a problem.

My mother died in the fall. I am grateful she isn't alive to be almost a hundred years old and living in these times. I was so happy that so many people came to the funeral, and grateful to hear about the ways they knew her. Listening to what others had to say about her showed me that I didn't know her in all the ways I could have, which is awful because there isn't anything I can do about that now. I miss her every day.

Ezra severed his thumb. Reminded me how tenuous life can be and how we need to careful all the time. I am grateful that he had good health professionals how could reattach his thumb and help him heal. I am inspired to be watchful of him all the time, which is hard because I am too relaxed on the way I let kids run around.

My child broke his leg, turned two years old, and I was diagnosed with Neuroendocrine cancer so it's been a ride, for sure. I've done my best to keep my cool and stay centered, but my worries about the world have sent me into a tailspin more times that I care to admit. I've become aware of my own mortality this year, as well as how fast and precious life truly is.

Honestly this feels like a weird joke after last year, but I’ll try. Jeff matched. Thank god. That was the hardest fall and winter season I have ever had. He was so afraid he wouldn’t and I was so afraid of what it was doing to him. And then the week of Match the whole world closed down for Covid-19 so our relief and joy felt strange as every celebration was cancelled and our 2 years late honeymoon was called off. We all thought it would last a couple of weeks but here were are still sort of quarantining. Then a week later we drove to Memphis, stayed in Jeff’s dad’s empty rent house bc we can’t see anyone and bought our first house. Well we looked at houses and made and offer and then came home to OKC, looked at a house over FaceTime and bought it that way. Although this whole year has been madness those 2 weeks were some of the most life changing I can imagine.

When my back pain struck me in Nov 2019, I woke in excruciating pain, not able to move. Since then, there have been days when I am in a lot of pain and cannot wake without having to roll out of bed. I read “Healing Back Pain” and started to think it is psychosomatic. In the past month (Sep 2020), I have been exploring solutions to help me. I started physio 2 weeks ago that has helped! It is most likely psychosomatic, but let’s see if I can rid of it! This experience had left me feeling dejected, unmotivated but I am hopeful now!

This year was a really rough year for many. So many significant things occurred this year. I think the most significant so far has been the global pandemic. Although I didn't get sick, lose a job, or have to really concern for too much here in Berlin, I'd say that it kind of put an end to all the plans we made for 2020. I didn't really travel at all, plans for festivals were cancelled, and I personally felt energetically exhausted from being highly sensitive. I stepped up, in a certain way, with my weekly meditation offerings, and helped my clients through a challenging time when things got crazy. I am resentful that I still haven't gotten my visa, and now my friends and family can't come visit me.

Breaking through the pain of my relationship with my Mother, and that Mom wound. Angry, raging, grief-struck, deeply hurt, and despairing. Released of that, then watching her decline, feeling the despair and anger dissolve into a wish for her gentle passing. And hearing her now, reduced to a simple place, grateful for our caring, and kind, and saying she loved me...finally allowing me to be there to give to her. And my wish to walk with her to the end.

COVID-19 has forced me into semi-quarantine state for half of this year. I felt guilty but for the most part I think quarantine was actually really good for me. I needed to learn how to live without filling my calendar up with so many plans that I couldn't think. I needed to learn how to spend a lot of time at home -- and that my current home was not working out for me anymore. Not having to commute bought me 1.5h a day and made me feel excited for the times I did have to go to the office. I felt like I just got so much more time to just be myself.

2020 feels like a year of nothing but significant, grueling experiences. At times it's felt like a parade of unbearably bad events and it's been difficult to process all of them. Much has been hard, devastating, impossible. I guess I have to say COVID-19 is the most significant event. Living in NYC during a global pandemic, especially when NYC was the epicenter, has probably impacted me more than I'm ready to process yet. We heard sirens, constantly. We saw semi-trucks converted into temporary morgues in our neighborhood. We didn't go outside. We saw a disease ravage the city, the country, the world. I can't put words to how it's made me feel because I've been doing my level-best NOT to feel. I'm afraid that if I open myself to feeling the weight of the past 6 months, I'll crumble. I think I'm inching toward being ready to process. I'm acknowledging that it's okay to crumble, to break in places when facing trauma. It's part of the privilege of the human experience.

Lost my husband to Leukemia. It changed our lives immensely. Angry that we need to live without him.

My grandmother died just a little over a month ago. It was not a surprise. Despite us all seeing it coming, I was still very scared. I have a history of reacting poorly to the deaths of loved ones; not violently or anything like that, but I struggle with grieving, with accepting that death is a part of life. I was afraid that I would not be able to accept my grandma passing away. I am very glad to find that, as I have matured and examined my own emotions and as my own worldview has shifted, I have apparently become significantly more accepting of the inevitability of things ending. My grief has felt healthy and full of love. My grief has not ended, but I do not feel damaged by this grief as I have been before.

Several times this year I have had a difficult health emergency. I have had an ongoing issue with a blockage in my digestive tract in my small intestine. This is a result of my surgery at birth Along with an emergency occurrence about 30 years ago. This blockage has been happening more often and has put me in the hospital three or four times this year. It did affect me and I am still surviving it. However I do need to take it more seriously eat better drink more water and lose weight.

Lost my job due to private equity firm. Relieved I'm no longer as the new management and I are not a good fit. Was resentful at first, but am getting over it. Inspired to move on get another job.

I became unemployed, I am hopeful that it will open a new chapter in my career.

My dog & I were playing & she ran into me & broke my hip. Also, I've started a new professional theatre in my small mountain community.

I left New York. I'm all of the above, except inspired I guess. I'm grateful and relieved because I needed it. Now I have a huge weight off my shoulders; everything there was all about "making it" and letting everybody know. I'm resentful because I feel like a failure, like I wasted a lot of time. I'm making big steps to recover... but difficult times are still ahead.

As Jonah walked (crawled/cried/laughed/played...) his first year on this planet, we've met a reckoning: Covid-19. I've recently realised the scale and speed of our 'progress': we went from 1 billion in 1859 to 2 billion in 1930 to 7+ billion in 2030. It's the explosive, exponential growth curve of any organism. But the parasitic patterns that have enabled this, this parasitic phase of our humanity must end, swiftly. Or these viruses, and other plagues, will simply take care of the balance of things for us. It's entirely up to us how conscious we wish to be in this dance. And to me, personally, how conscious I wish to be - in thought and in action. How has any of this affected me, personally? In a way, I'm relieved that we've been reminded we're not the most powerful force on the planet. That power doesn't reside exclusively with us. And that has allowed me to let go of some 'smaller' myths and lies in my own life too. Has it softened me? Maybe. Concentrated me? Yes. Inspired me? I hope so. Time will tell how well I can stay the path. I'm deeply grateful for everything in my life that has prepared me for the path ahead.

The end of my first serious relationship. At first I was hurt, upset and anxious - I couldn't eat or sleep and I cried everyday. But it was the wakeup call I needed to realise that I was outsourcing the fulfilment of my own needs. I was expecting others to meet my needs and make me feel more secure in myself. That was unfair and selfish, and that became the start of a new journey where I could show up for myself without wanting someone else to do it for me. And for that, I'm very grateful, because now I feel empowered and accepting of myself in a way that I'd never felt before.

COVID-19 and QUARANTINE. Jesus. But one good thing: My writing partner and I upped our fellowship game nonetheless, increasing our essay quality and polishing on our pilots -- we added CBS, BET, Austin (two submissions) and Disney/ABC to the ones we hit last year (NBC WoTV and WB). (We've gotten rejections back from 5 of the 6, but we're undaunted.) Grateful for still having my job, and for my friends and family staying healthy.

The rona - watching myself cycle through denial, terror, resignation, normalcy. I didn’t know I was such a homebody - and I’m relieved that I could be content even with so many changes. I am grateful for my peaceful home, since so little outside my home is peaceful. I’m glad so many people are spending more time with their kids. I have read dozens of books - award winners- and watched ballet, and gone camping all over the state. I’ve loved this time, life being so much simpler in many ways - and I’m so grateful to have a job where I can basically make as much money as I want. I’m so grateful to past me for working so hard in school and creating this security. I feel guilty for being a nurse in the Rona , but for lots of reasons staying out of the front wave. It’s just an accident of timing, but I’m so glad I’m not trapped in an ICU or on a floor right now. It was interesting how frightened I got, it really seemed like the world was ending at the beginning period as the disease smashed through Italy in New York and resources got so short in grocery stores and hospitals, I truly felt that my home might be under attack. It seemed like people were going to run out of food, money, and PPE and that the poor would turn on the house and that crime would go through the roof as people fought to get resources. Honestly thought my house might be broken into or the storage container because people would run out of food and money. Interestingly, even though it seems like people are running out of food money, I don't know any of them. I don't personally know anybody who is newly homeless partly because almost everybody in my social circle is in medicine or in some industry where work has continued. It didn't seem to make a huge effect, even though the newspapers keep talking about social collapse and the government collapse and economic collapse and housing bubble collapse, and many people are impoverished and parents are having to struggle to educate their kids, there has not been this large scale American crisis per se. It just seems like an extension or escalation of the ongoing slide towards poverty for poor Americans. I'm also kind of suspicious of all the shutdown stuff because there is a high recovery rate and the people that are dying often have significant comorbidities. Although many of the people that are sick or dying are young, the vast majority of them are beset with other issues that make them more prone to get sick or die. At the moment, the recovery rate is 87 to 99%. So I'm not sure for my own purposes and interpretation how much shutdown seems reasonable and I wonder sometimes whether all these job losses truly make sense and all the homelessness and poverty truly is reasonable in the end. I have no way to evaluate that, I'm not an epidemiologist or sociologist, but I share my questions with several other people and I don't think it's crazy to question some of these decisions and not just take public policy at face value in response to this pandemic

COVID 0 good GRAN - releived? Work: Confused . Do I suck. Or was I not given enough direction / guidance

COVID -19: our unit was selected as the covid unit and we managed through 2 months of constantly changing information, lack of ppe, and the general unknown. In retrospect I’m grateful over all, it was certainly a once in a lifetime experience. It was hard, but to be able to be involved and make decisions on such a high functioning level was rewarding

COVID was the most significant experience of the last TEN years! I am grateful for the slowing down and I feel much less stressed and grateful for all I have.

My divorce was finalized November 15, 2019. Although I didn’t want to file or leave my spouse, it was the best decision for me and my mental health. At first, I felt very fearful, upset, betrayed, embarrassed, codependent, low self esteem, stupid, etc. I felt worthless, empty, alone, ostracized, used, abused, and every other emotion you could think of. However, on the flip side after going to counseling, CODA meetings, and focusing on myself and my needs/wants I began to become inspired to write, to creative, to share my story and be transparent, to not be ashamed of myself or my life lessons and mistakes, to take accountability and learn. My trauma became my peace, and even though I am not healed and still working on myself I am far from where I was mentally and spiritually.

Covid 19 Enjoyed Lockdown. Grateful & Relieved xx Enjoyed Walks with my hubby & spotting the slate stones that the children & adults painted to find on our walks x we actually got to enjoy our own village minus the tourists lol xx everyone was kind & stuck together & respected the NHS & key workers xx there were some idiots throughout though xx

Definitely the most significant experience of this past year was getting engaged - it’s not that it was unexpected (though the particular moment and way in which he asked me sure was unexpected!), but it came with all sorts of joy and excitement that I didn’t know I knew how much I needed in the weirdness of this year. It has been so wonderful to experience other people’s joy around it too. People are so genuinely happy for us, and that’s a really amazing feeling.

I fell in love this year. I am surprised, grateful, and a bit anxious. As is to be expected, the man with whom I have fallen in love is not what I would have imagined for myself: he has been married twice and has four children! However, I love who I am when I am with him because I don't feel like I must be anything but myself. He makes me laugh, listens to me when I cry, adores me, and challenges me. I am praying earnestly for God to show me His will and direct my path. I would love for this to be the last time I fall in love, but I don't want that more than I want God's choice for me.

There are a few, I guess. My son graduated from high school, got his license and started college. All very special and meaningful. It was not quite the graduation we imagined because of the coronavirus but it was special and meaningful. And of course the pandemic has affected everyone. I've been working at home since March. In ways I am grateful for the ways life has slowed down because of being at home.

I was able to take a trip to Hawaii with my husband to celebrate my 50th birthday. It was amazing and I felt to lucky to be able to have that experience before the world shut down in March. I was also grateful to be able to see my in-laws who stayed with the kids since it would soon be apparent that I wouldn't see them again for many months. But I also feel a little guilty, as I've had many friends who have also turned 50 this year who either celebrated alone or with little fanfare.

It's hard not to answer this question without making it be about covid. Seth and I made plans for this year to go to Greece, Israel, take a family cruise and start family planning and then our world turned upside down with covid and quarantine. It was stressful, scary and tested us in more ways than one. There were parts about it initially that were nice and I welcomed like working from home. My morning walks became my favorite part of my day. But to adjust to this new world when there was so much surrounding stress and worry was difficult. I was thrown right into crisis management at work redesigning training. I was scared for my family. But through this my family grew closer through our weekly chats. Seth and I found new ways to appreciate each other and communicate and I kicked butt redesigning some incredible training solutions. I am proud of how we pulled through, pulled together and are continuing to weather this storm. We don't know for how much longer we are in this, but I do know I feel confident that we will make it through this on the other end stronger.

I got married. To a truly wonderful, kind, loving, smart, funny, wise, generous, creative man. We wed via a very traditional ceremony in a less traditional venue (a nearby farm-to-table cafe), surrounded by about 40 friends and family members. Our ketubah is framed and graces the wall. We both could not be happier with our choice to wed one another, and I am grateful every day.

I think without a doubt that Covid-19 is the most significant event to have happened this year to pretty much everyone. We were lucky - both my husband and I kept working, albeit at home, when the economy shut down. None of us caught the virus (although it's possible C and I did and it showed up mostly gastrointestinally...we'll never really know). It's been difficult splitting my time between motherhood, household care, and work....all at the same time! At times it made me resentful because the burden of childcare fell 100% on me yet given the responsibility of his job vs mine it made sense. I had a hard time after a couple months feeling like my attention had to be constantly everywhere, which meant is was mostly nowhere, at any given time. On the other hand, I'm grateful for aspects of this experience too. More time at home meant more time for family time, leisure, home products, and fitness. I've essentially gained 3 hours to my day by not commuting anymore. I love working from home. And my daughters had a chance to bond since they spent so much time together, which has been a blessing.

My son Owen was born on February 26th, right before the pandemic changed our lives. My wife and I could not be more grateful and blessed to have him in our lives.

*My daughter's 1st birthday. *My daughter's milestone moments. *Dental surgery. ❤ GRATEFUL ❤

This is the year I have accepted that aging is a really significant factor in Bob's life and mine. I know I don't move as vigorously or easily as I did before. i am stiff. People don't want me to climb ladders and I am beginning to accept that idea. Bob is in much worse shape. I have to cut his toenails because he can't reach them. I hate that. He has gained way too much weight and has AFIB more often and more intensely than he used to. I feel some acceptance of the decreased function which comes with age. I still want to fight it off as much as possible, but I know it is real and happening.

Besides the global pandemic? The light being shined on systemic racism has really affected me. I am so grateful that we are now aware of our privilege and that we are taking steps to be equal and safe. I always thought I was so forward thinking, liberal and aware, but I have realized there is a lot of deep seeded racism even in myself that needs to be dealt with and worked on.

The past year has been a blur of significant experiences. I feel resentful that there have been so many. But when I try to pick out one that makes me feel something positive, it would be becoming more comfortable in my job, or deepening my bond with my cat or my partner or my dear friends. Rather than one significant experience, what has been meaningful this year has been the slow sediment of tiny experiences and time and love, a gentle acretion

2020. The most anticipated year which turned out to be the most fucked up year so far. Clay and I started the year well - we rang in the New Year in Carmel and we had a good time. We also flew to London (me for work) and he managed to get to go to see his idol Tolkien's grave. Our flight back was one of the last ones that were allowed without event before the pandemic hit the US. We are both working from home, which means we moved to a bigger apartment. I haven't seen friends in a long time and every interaction feels fraught with fear that I will inadvertently be a carrier. I cannot believe the havoc this has wrought in this country. I feel exhausted from everything but I am also grateful. We have not seen a decrease in our incomes yet, we are both tremendously busy at work and growing in our respective careers. In other global news, Kamala Harris made history as the first Indian/Black American to be on a national ticket and as an Indian immigrant. I have been encouraged that the world is not all fucked up.

Let's go by seasons Fall: Yom Kippur, exactly one year ago today. My friends were at the synagogue that was under attack. Gladly all of them were ok. Sadly a woman and a man were killed by the terrorist. I reconnected with that someone, but while things didn't want well, at least she got better. Winter: I got depression again. Bipolar type 2. Got my heart broken. Spring: world came to a stand still. Summer: moved back to Denmark. This place is as close as it gets to home.

A significant event that happened in the past year is me breaking up with my ex boyfriend. It affected me a lot but at the same time it opened a door for me to live a better life.

George Floyd and Breonna Taylor and Amaud Aubrey and and and where and when is the fucking period at the end of this sentence? Happening during covid and I am by and large comfortable and at ease while BIPOC are dying and experiencing major serious economic hardship in disproportionate numbers as they watch people who look like them get killed on camera, almost invariably with no justice served after. Yes they should be breaking shit, and so should I. I am horrified and mortified at my own inaction and ambivalence up until too recently, but one foot in front of the other. I feel inspired and empowered to take action and to commit to anti-racist work especially in myself, my classroom, and my school community for the rest of my life. Excited to be connecting with other local white people around this work. Committed to not letting my efforts dwindle but rather, with time and in small, manageable steps, to building towards making anti-racist education and mindfulness the center of my teaching.

The last year has been somewhat overwhelming. I retired in May 2019 and we were traveling almost constantly through February 2020. We had some amazing trips, a summer trip in the east, trips to see our kids, trips to Toronto to see Torah Stitch, making new friends, biennial in Chicago, Reno, Yosemite and back and forth to see my mom. It was a relief to look forward to a month at home and then Covid hit, stopping the travel. I resent being able to visit my mom and kids but am grateful for electronic media to stay in touch and, that for the most part it has not impacted our life style. Both of us had light cases of covid although I find my brain is still not completely back to snuff. I am enjoying the time for quilting, exploring my style, improving technique. Surprised how much doing art with grandsons is impacting my own work. Missing physical contact with friends and family. Our son being cited for drunk driving was a biggy. I hope that we are learning to let him solve this problem, to respect his decisions and pray that this being in the open he will get the help he needs.

After 30 years of living in Greece without legal residency permit, my application was finally approved! After which, I immediately bought a new car! Relief!

The only significant experience this past year has been COVID-19 and I’ve tried to make the best of it. I look for the silver linings, so I’m grateful for my family’s good health.

I was asked to design high profile costumes for the TV and they loved what I did! It's inspired me to trust my creativity more, and try to make more money from it.

Living in a homeless shelter for about six weeks really changed me. So many times throughout life I hit rough patches. But this year I had to go into a shelter. For good reason. I started a new job and I needed to be close as possible for commuting. It all was a blessing in the end.

Lots of things have happened this year. The obvious answer would be about COVID. But I think postponing and replanning our wedding and then finally getting married has been the most important. The process was extremely stressful but reminded me how important it was to make the wedding happen and continue with our lives, even amid the pandemic.

I felt a turning point came when I said no to joining Frank and Frankie Corrado at Robertson Stephens, to be an employee and help them build out their Financial Planning center. By saying no, I said yes to continuing the exploration of what brings me joy, and bringing that to my work with others. I feel alive, creative, grateful and inspired to do the work of discovery and outreach.

I graduated from grad school with my masters degree! It has opened up innumerable doors for me, both in my career and personal life. Now I get to work with kids who struggle with their mental health. I get to wake up excited (most days) to do work I am passionate about. I’m grateful to have spent the past two years immersed in studies of a subject that moves me. I’m proud of myself for reaching this milestone against many odds. I’m relieved not to have to pull all-nighters in the basement of the library... I’m excited to look back at this answer next year, hopefully from a larger office in a linen Eileen Fisher lesbian power-suit.

My mom moved within a mile of us. She was 2500 miles away. And yes, I am relieved AND grateful. I am grateful that as she ages she will be here with us. I’m grateful that she will be here if we need here. And as covid runs rampant through the country, I’m so grateful that if she gets sick, with her comprised respiratory system, she is here. Where we will be near her if we can’t be with her.

Tims death together with the pandemic have significantly impacted me. First to watch Alicia go through hospice care as I did with my mom brought back that experience vividly. But the blink of an eye change in our world with the pandemic and varied global responses was such an emotional roller coaster. I went from scared-trying to pretend it wasn't happening to frustrated to beside-myself angery at the Republican enabling of the chaos that Trump craves. Much sole searching and hopefully some growth

RGB's death. I admired her strength, determination, intellect and perseverance. It made me feel grateful for all the she did to make the world a more just and fair place and her likely successor will undo a lot that she accomplished

COVID. The federal government's lame response made me realize why we need responsible leadership at the top. Cant just sit back and watch our clown president. His actions or inaction is dangerous with lasting consequences for the rest of us.

When I had a bit of an anxiety relapse. I forgot how far I had come and what I had learned, or so I thought. It was all within me but I needed to trust that and also to come back home, to swim back to the shore, so that I could see more clearly and calmly. I needed to soothe my anxiety and take good care of myself. And that is exactly what I did. It took time, but coming out of it gave me greater understanding and perspective. At the time I was overwhelmed and so scared, again. I felt exhausted and powerless at the time, but coming out of it I felt grateful for first of all being able to see more clearly and feel like myself and also that I kept going, that I put to practice what had brought me thus far: rooted in reality, soothe anxiety, forgive and be kind. It helped to empower me.

This year I got married. I am so grateful that we were able to have a wedding, even if by Zoom, and that we were able to bring joy to so many people early in the pandemic when people really needed to feel joy.

My husband had a bad fall, causing a new injury to his knee, which had not completely healed from a fall the previous year. I have been very sad to see him suffering, but also deeply impressed with his determination to heal, his strong spirit and his stoicism. I’ve been inspired to appreciate and value our marriage even more.

The pandemic! I am grateful to have maintained my physical and mental health.

I met my girlfriend. We found each other online in a completely platonic environment, but we both knew from the first words we typed, "I want this person in my life." We had no clue what we would turn into. We had the beautiful experience of seeing each other in person a few weeks ago. On the six month anniversary of our first interaction, we went on a picnic. She cut strawberries all fancy for our salads, pushed my wheelchair to the park, and kissed me as the sun just began to set. It was a perfect day. A little dose of sunshine, both literal and metaphorical, during these dark days of the pandemic. When it was time for me to go home, it was brutal. But the experience of holding her and living within her space even for those few days felt like a gift. Things haven't been completely smooth sailing with us. We're fairly different people, though our core morals are the same. We've had opposing life experiences that have shaped us. We each have baggage from our last relationships that we're still working through. I've cried more than I'd like to admit over my fears for this relationship. But it's been more than worth it so far. I don't know what's going to happen in the future. The virus and my disabilities make everything so uncertain. But I'm praying to G-d every day that I may live through this pandemic, so that one day, she and I can build a life together. "Her home" will be "our home." Maybe we can be mothers together, sending our kids to Hebrew school and teaching them to lead lives of love and acceptance. The thought makes me hopeful. She makes me hopeful. She gives me more will to live than I've ever found before.

Many things! Perhaps the most distressing and also an example of immense resilience was moving to distance learning as a 3rd grade teacher. While it felt like it took (and is taking) a huge amount of my bandwidth, I still find the transition - that started in March - and now at a new school, with new kids, new colleagues, and new systems I am resilient more than words can say.

In March I got laid off after making the heart breaking decision to shut down a project I had been working on for more than a year due to the pandemic. I had never worked harder on anything in my entire life, so killing that project felt like killing someone I loved. I cried for days. And then the Monday after getting everything packed up and out of the site, my boss, who I thought was my ally, fired me. It was shattering. I felt so betrayed. I felt like a failure. I felt like the collateral damage of forces so much greater than me. It was gutting.

Last summer on a hike for fishing in Colorado, I became lost for several hours. I felt very vulnerable and I felt a sense of being older. It was quite remarkable. Those i called for help were not as helpful as I thought that they might be.

I already know so much of my 10Q will be COVID-19 related. Our world is changed. And it needs to STAY changed. Outside of COVID-19 my significant experience would be working for the Jewish Federation and then, ultimately, leadership at the Jewish Federation failing me professionally. Failing me so greatly that my personal life was compromised. My mental health was damaged. Shock. Mostly shock that a Jewish space could be have so NON-Jewishly. And then, as all of this coming to a head, finding out about the lonely departure of a grandmother that would not accept my Judaism. Finally, thankfully, having the support of a friend who found a better space and job for me. Working at Borderland Rainbow Center is, by far, more rewarding than what JFED every could have offered. I am so grateful.

i stopped seeing my therapist of several years. she took a new position where she would no longer see cleints, so things would have terminated regardless, but rather than matching me with another therapist we ended up just taking me out of therapy completely. it was time. neither of us had considered it at first, then suddenly the idea came up and the decision was easy and clear. we agreed it was the best move. i remember our last session, and discussing what i would do without her help, and just nailing all the questions. as things were closing down, i would come in describing a problem from the past week and then discuss how it resolved. i've been somewhat depressed with the pandemic, but i know how to deal with it, and i'm still seeing a psychiatrist. i have the skills to succeed. i know what i need to do to be well and healthy. the execution is hard, but i'm capable. a part of me thinks about going back but i remember all the skills i've learned and all the resources available to me and the progress i've made and i know going without is still the right choice. i may need friends to talk to more intimately, but i have the strength and the ability now to take good care of myself. i'm proud of that.

Melissa took her life. I’m still processing it to be honest. I’ve never felt grief like this before. It has also made me reflect on my life and where I’m generating meaning.

Wow. So many things. 1. Retirement due to conscience. I decided that I did not want to work for the new board, as they are rude people. And I later learned that the new CEO is a liar, which made me relieved that I left. But... I wish I had some work that I could do remotely 2. Quarantine due to COVID-19 - affected me in so many ways. I hate that I haven't been able to be with anyone, anywhere.

Lockdown struck and I moved home to North London to be with my beloved family. My friends responses showed me who is worth my time. I felt judged by Laura, and respected and supported by wonderful people like KT, Mac, Lucie and JoJo. The move brought me closer to mum, and we have spoken about heavy topics like anxiety and self-compassion. M and I painfully split (after a couple of prolonged attempts) and Dom and Aistis boundlessly came into my life and showed me overwhelming kindness and easy togetherness. They have showed me what a loving partnership can really look like, even if I didn't fully find either of them attractive enough to build them into lasting relationships. They have helped me learn that I deserve to feel loved on the level that I am willing to share it. Em was diagnosed with cancer in Jordan during lockdown, and it was a hair-raising and ghastly time. Everyday there was another horrid piece of news and sense of helplessness as she was so far away. Thankfully she is in the comfort of her home in Milford-on-Sea, and I have been lucky enough to visit a handful of times in her beautiful garden. It has taught me that our time on earth is precious, that you can always wear a smile even when times are hard, and that true friendships can weather a storm.

I finished the first study for my PhD and submitted the article for peer-review and was a turning point in that I feel very accomplished and have had a resulting confidence arise from it which is very welcome. I feel empowered and confident and strong. I feel that I am in the right place for me and where I am supposed to be. I feel like I am on the right path and will be able to make a contribution to my field and will be able to have a career that is meaningful to me.

I got married. It is crazy to think about the day, because almost immediately after started the pandemic. But the wedding itself was happy. It was really a day of joy and fun. I remember waking up in the morning feeling calm and ready. The things that I thought would be stressful that day, weren't stressful or didn't happen. I think back to the night of the wedding and even the 7 brachot, as a time of just pure joy and love. It was also the last time I saw my friends and family. And due to the pandemic, it is unclear when it will be safe again to travel - so I don't know when I will see them again. So the wedding pictures are pictures that are bittersweet - moments of remembering love and joy, and the pain of not knowing when I can see my parents, my siblings, my friends who are family again.

I lost my beloved Rosie. I grieve.

December 2019 was bittersweet. During my first week at Hotel Indigo (my first front desk hotel job), Mother Em suffered her 2nd stroke. After this stroke, my mom and I have to take care of Mother Em and get a caregiver for extra help. Mother Em is nothing llike how she was before this stroke. Mother Em was an avid reader but now no longer wants to read the news paper. Mother Em loved to discuss current events but now rather sleep all day. I never thought I would miss hearing Mother Em talk all day about the news or politics but I truly miss how my grandmother was before the stroke. This experience has showed me that I need to treasure every moment I spend with my family because I never know when things will change.

I started reconnecting to my jewish heritage and background, and joining jewish spaces and listening to jewish podcasts. It's more important to me that I expected it to be- I didn't expect to feel the deep pull towards it all that I do. Even being religiously pagan, I feel like there is space in my life to celebrate my jewish heritage and culture that I never expected to be there.

Covid. Inspired. I published 6 books and will add 3 more before the end of the year.

I met Adam this last Jewish year. In about 2 weeks it will be one year! I am so beyond grateful for him and his family in my life. I would say I’m relieved that I don’t need to go on dates anymore but it’s just beyond that. The happiness, connection, and future is on another level than comparing it to that. I’m inspired to continue living a life I love and sharing it with him and our family and future family.

This is likely to be the basis for a lot of answers this year - and the experience is the year itself. It started with the Australian bushfires which resulted in half the main street of my home town being destroyed. And the loss of people I knew due to the fires. I felt hopeless, knowing that climate change was a significant in the severity of the fires, yet our leaders continue to refuse the do anything, or worse, pretend that they are. My anger continues.

In early August I learned about how grandpa Morty really died. And It's hard to say how this affected me or how it makes me feel. I was and almost still am being overcome with emotions. It saddened me to find out that my grandfather this man I always saw as the jokester, crazy, incredible rabbi. I felt so much pain that he had to end his own life. And feel so much empathy for my dad who was only eleven when he lost his dad. However if I know my dad and what I've hear of his dad, I know that they would want me to look at this as something that he struggled with but not something that defined him. He died by suicide the same way someone dies of cancer so the way he died is not to take away how great of a person he was, regardless of the mistakes he's made. In all honesty I feel closer to my Grandpa Morty more than ever before. Sometimes when I'm sad or confused and feel least, I talk to him. He knew what it's like to struggle and I feel a connection to him greater than many of my family members who I actually knew in person.

New job, I’m relieved and grateful

COVID-19 hit hard. Portugal went into lockdown. I got scared, realising that I might be stuck in Portugal, stuck with my choices: living in an apartment with people that are not easy to live with and a puppy not properly taken care of by its owner. I was relieved, having the sense of an opportunity to catch up with my life, without having to focus on real life distractions. I felt inspired, seeing how human beings cared for each other at a grand scale. Although lock down is not on at the moment, I have re-evaluated my life and re-positioning keeping in mind a possible second wave of this pandemic.

The pandemic and shutdown happened. While we were quartantined inside and it was a scary time it also meant Lobsang, our son's nanny, could no longer come. While working a full-time job I had to watch him as well. Every morning we would go to Central Park and have a great timing watching the turtles at the pond, playing with sticks and rocks, and distancing ourselves from other people. We grew closer in that time and I wished it never had to end.

My son graduated from high school and it threw me for a loop that I am old enough to have an “adult” son. And my daughter won’t be far behind. Will it be a relief when they are launched? Will it be awful?

The birth of my daughter, Ester, profoundly affected me. It altered the way I perceive time - that it moves both so quickly and so slowly simultaneously. That I can love something so intensely, yet be so bored with it at the same time. That I am both myself and another person at the same time. That I need to be more patient with life - that it needs to unfold and I just need to be present and show up for it. I am in awe of my daughter. How she learns, how she absorbs, how she finds joy.

My aunt Meg died last November, after years with dementia. It was such a relief, but it also hit me hard. It was bittersweet and exhausting cleaning out her apartment. My sister helped, and that was wonderful. It was especially meaningful to sit at Meg’s desk and read her anguished emails about her beloved grandmother Bea, who died in a nursing home. It felt good to know that I took care of Meg the way she wanted to, but couldn’t, take care of Bea. I’m proud that I kept Meg in her home till the end. It was hard. It’s still a relief that she’s gone, that I don’t have to wait for the next phone call about a crisis. And I’m so, so, so glad that she died before the pandemic hit. Going through her apartment helped me reconnect to the person she was before dementia: funny, creative, exacting, beautiful, larger-than-life.

Covid seems to dominate my every thought. I can't ignore it or think of anything else. Early on this year I had travelled to India to find some new schools for the foundation to work with. This seems so unattainable and so remote now. I can't see us visiting India any time soon. We also seem to be spiralling into another lockdown so any plans seem immaterial.

Well, an obvious answer comes to mind: in the first week of January, I resigned from my job of three-and-a-half years and temporarily moved to Mexico City, to enroll in a language intensive at a university. But I'm going to reflect on that decision in the answer to the supplemental question. For now, I'm thinking about having coming back home. The road trip with Becca was a lovely way to transition from one moment of my life to another, to acknowledge and celebrate the end of something difficult and strange and nevertheless occasionally joyful, and to face forward to the experience ahead. I'm living with my family for the first time in a long time, although Annie has now moved back to Queens, after a long pandemic-induced delay. Overall I'm quite grateful to be where I am, and while I'm slightly stressed by my inability to find employment, I'm also trying to take advantage of the freedom and piece of mind it has offered. I have struggled to dedicate meaningful time and energy to Dad. For me, unlike for so many, being unemployed has arguably been easier because of the pandemic, not harder. It's given me space to think and breathe and relax and leisurely write freelance pieces for Bklyner without having to worry about getting paid. It's given me time to watch baseball and drive into the city and work on a podcast and play an Instagram live show with the band of a singer-songwriter in Bushwick and see friends and participate in a Kol Nidre writing exercise. I suppose I should feel inspired. In many ways, I do. And although I think my mental health is a bit frayed around the edges, I also think it's fundamentally intact, and I feel comfortable and confident with who I am. I just don't want to be sitting on the sidelines during important moments in the world, or in my own life.

The first experience that came to mind was my car being borrowed but not returned and my wallet taken and just in general feeling taken advantage of. It made me realize that over and over I give people the benefit of the doubt, sometimes putting myself at risk in the process. In the midst of the civil rights movement of 2020, it also makes me realize that my own trauma was medicalized (he is bipolar) rather than criminalized (he is a cocaine addict/a criminal) and I think the response would have been different if my neighbor wasn't white. I have pressed charges because I do not want him to feel it is worth the hassle if he were tempted to target me again in the future, but I have generally not gotten any information on his case, and it keeps me unsettled.

Gall bladder surgery. I feel relieved and rested.

I imagine that so many "10Qers" are listing something related to Covid or Black Lives Matter or perhaps, in this season of fire and hurricanes, Climate Change. What all of these things have in common is that they are connected with human brokenness and frailty: our hubris, our lack of compassion and love for one another, our selfishness. How did 2020 affect me? I'm sad. Very sad (I slipped into depression for a while this summer, although I'm feeling better now). I ache for our broken world. And I'm scared, most of all of the continued hatred and division in the United States and of increasing intolerance and dehumanization of the other by both sides.

coronavirus pandemic. has changed many details of our daily lives. wiped out many of the "standing" items on our daily and weekly schedules. wiped out travel to visit children, Gchildren, family and friends. More time to just be and feel: bored, contemplative, sad, fearful, grateful, and so on.

This is probably the same for most people on earth. This year, we got hit with the plague of the century. I am thankful that at least until now, my family has been safe. However, the virus and the political meaningless acts have been painful. Again, thankfully, my job is not impacted but it is very sad to come to the office for 6 months and be alone. It is sad to see so many businesses go out. The absolute worse part is to see my kids not be able to go to school due to corrupt politicians and truly evil teachers unions . It makes me sick to my stomach. For a person that was on the road all the time, being stuck at home for six months is making me go insane.

My nephew, Jordan, became a father. It affected me because I absolutely love Jordan with all my heart and I'm pleased that he is now getting the opportunity to raise a son. It is also good to know that my father's lineage will continue. I'm only disappointed because the pandemic has prevented me from seeing my great-nephew.

Having Back surgery and becoming a grandmother. The surgery made me afraid at the time but grafeful for the relief it brought. It showed that I can work hard towards a goal. It also showed that I allow myself to be bullied into things I don;t want to do like going to rehab. Being a grandmother makes me feel that I need to take charge of Astrid's Jewish education and that it is a generational chain.

I learnt that my young friend, Samuel, in Ethiopia was seriously ill and needed to not only get him help, but fund his medical care and general expenses. I didn’t work out where the money was going to come from. I knew that I was his only hope in averting a potential life threatening disease. I am very relieved that the specialist has now told him that the blockage in the vein in his leg has been successfully removed. The blockage was caused by a gang of soldiers beating him up during the State of Emergency in 2016. There is no legal recourse. How many people lost their lives, were tortured or disappeared during that period, is unknown. I am powerless to get Samuel the apology and financial compensation, he deserves.

2020 will be hard to forget. for everybody. if it´s not your case, then you´re not getting it.

One major significant experience that happened in the past year is that I started my dream job working in corporate sustainability. I have been ecstatic and most days it still doesn't feel real, but I'm starting to feel like I'm accomplishing some of my biggest goals. Because of this I also got to start saving more money and moved downtown Detroit, which has been a dream of mine. It also has opened the door to me adopting a dog soon and in the future, buying a loft in the city.

I think my 45th birthday. I honestly never thought I would live to see the mid-forties. Life has been hard and I have contributed to that difficulty. Even after this most recent mania I think I am coming out stronger, and with a bigger grasp on what it means to be financially responsible.

Coronavirus COVID19 pandemic has affected every aspect of my life and lives of everyone else around the world. Personally, it has made me very grateful for what I have, my health and health insurance, being able to work from home, my partner, and my family. It has been deeply unnerving and frightening but the experience of living through this time has brought into focus what is truly important in my life. I am grateful for the silver linings. The shelter in place and quarantine have made me more in tune with my partner, more connected to my home and my neighborhood and taking advantage of what is immediately around me. I have also been able to be in regular touch with the aid of technology with friends across the globe who I only under normal circumstances connect with once and awhile. I also appreciate no longer having a two hour commute and being able to do everything in my coziest of clothes. I know I will never take for granted being able to share space with people, going to events, eating in a restaurant, or even giving someone a hug.

My sister has been sick and is now dying. I'm angry because this was preventable if she had taken her medicine as directed. I'm powerless over how others decide to run their lives, but I don't have to like it.

I failed my CE3 clinical. I feel like it is the worst thing that has happened to me in recent memory. I felt guilt and shame that took me months to get over and if I'm honest still plague me from time to time with feelings of unworthiness. It made me question the last 3 years if effort and if this was really the right path from me. I was resentful of the people that I blamed in causing my failure and only after a year of reflection can I see that I learned a great many things that I needed to before I could be truly successful.

I decided to embark on rabbinical school! Decided, applied, interviewed for and have had my first 2.5 weeks. I feel grateful, honoured, elated, pumped. Also apprehensive, inadequate, chutzpadik. Like I'm at the top of the rollercoaster, about to experience the highs and lows of the ride ahead.

This is the year of the pandemic. Covid 19 was first identified in China in January 2019. I remember listening in on a group phone call with the WCS scientists discussing the origins of the virus in Wuhan and one of them was in Wuhan under quarantine at the time. I think this was at the end of January. By March it had traveled throughout the US and was just beginning in NY. I remember going into the zoo on March 12 and we were all talking about it. I suggested to Priscilla, our supervisor that we should not be coming in anymore. I would have stayed home except that we had a tour scheduled and I was afraid if I cancelled an older or more compromised FOZ would have to take over. I will never forget, we had a group of local kids - first grade I think. I was already concerned about the virus so I was determined not to get too close to the kids. At one point an adorable young boy grabbed my hand and I instinctively pulled it away. I immediately felt so ashamed of myself, I grabbed his hand and apologized... I'm so sorry, I was thinking of the bad virus. He smiled and held me tighter, I heard about that, he said, my mom says its evil. I said I don't know about that but we all have to be careful. I continued the tour, and was careful not to touch my face before being able to wash my hands. The next day, Friday, I kept Cary home from preschool. When I called the teacher she asked why and I said I was concerned about the virus. She was surprised and seemed a little put off. By the next Monday, the zoo had closed. The preschool closed also when all NY schools closed. The shutdown had begun. I was concerned but not terrified. That came later when the news started covering the deaths in NYC.

Covid. Changed my life, as it did everyone's. Not grateful for it. Not relieved. A bit resentful (but what are you going to do), and not at all inspired.

What's sad is that I cannot think of any significant experience in the past year--at least not at this time. The last 6 months of the pandemic, I've probably spent about 85% of my time at home. Perhaps that's an experience. But prior to that, between last September and March, I didn't get any opportunities to travel and see the world. I take some of this answer back though. In the past year, I've gone to a couple of protests--particularly around black lives matter. And it has saddened me to see the state of the nation with regards to the way we are treating people. We have the capacity to do better--and we must.

My kids had a second baby in late February. I was able to be there to be with Jonah while Rose was being born, so I was in DC 3 weeks. I’m incredibly awed that I happened to be sitting in the living room waiting to take Jonah to my Airbnb when Rose was born in the room above me. To hear her first cries felt & still feels awesome in the deepest sense of the word, such a blessing.

The most significant experience this year for me was the breakup I still am going through. At the start of the year not even two weeks before my birthday, Stijn broke up with me. After over 3 hapy years, it came like a shock. From happily venturing through London, to a break up in less than a month. It broke me. I shattered my heart completely. But then.. it got better. I never imagined it could. It inspired me to go within. It inspired me to become better. To focus on myself. To work on myself, and my issues. And my dreams. It inspired me to never put myself second again. Never again. As much as it still hurts, and it might keep doing that for eternity. I am now also grateful. Grateful for the time we did have, grateful for how it made me pick myself up. To me he still feels like the love of my life. But... Not right now. Our paths are meant to differ. If it's meant to be, maybe some day. If not. I'll cherish what we had. It made me break down and build myself back up, and now I am stronger than ever. Motivated. Loving. And looking forward to the future, but living much more in the now.

The whole year has been kind of crazy and I'm having a hard time thinking of anything else significant that isn't already overshadowed by the pandemic. I'm mostly upset that I haven't used the last six months to make any substantial changes in my life. I hate the uncertainty this year has brought.

My sister, in whose home I’d lived for nearly five years, died early in 2020. I was 78; she was 87 and diagnosed with dementia three years before. At first, I thought it hadn’t affected me much; then I realized I was distracted and tired a lot. Grateful: 1 she was healthy at the beginning of our shared living, so I enjoyed her that way 2 she died as she’d wanted - in her bed in her home, with her children and me there, and in no pain 3 she died before the isolation hit 4 for a fine support group the last few months 5 for a great place to live with a member of my church after she passed 6 always for God’s constant love and having people I could talk to (or not, as I wanted) Relieved: 1 she had a wonderful professional caregiver, and I had time to get out 2 she loved the caregiver 3 she still knew who she was and who we were 4 her illness did not go on and on Resentful: 1 before the caretaker came as I realized that I was not so caring and patient as she needed 2 of my need for time alone not daily fulfilled Inspired: 1 to move in as soon as possible with my daughter and family - I’d known I would some day 2 to seek out for and admit I need other people 3 to distance myself from others as I need to 4 to accept my aging body for what it is and can be

I paid off my credit card debt, which has been a huge mental and financial burden. Now I can invest the $300 some dollars a month I was paying on interest charges. I feel nothing, empty. I'm glad the debt is gone, but it only highlights how little savings I have. So grateful I was doing a 15% automatic 401k at work, which is now at $88,254.74

A significant experience this past year was the pandemic and how I didn't get to see my family for 9 months. I felt so unbelievably vulnerable, sad, and lost. But it also forced me to make better connections with friends (the Bridesmaids), to find more community online and to catch up with old friends and distant family. It made me appreciate Sweden and to take a hard look at my "local" life, without the constant "Oh, I can always travel home" option.

The coronavirus pandemic. At first I felt panic and fear. This reduced somewhat after we took strong measures to reduce risk at work. Mostly, I feel badly about not being able to travel. I miss my children tremendously. This greatly saddens me.

The pandemic is unprecedented. It affected and broke me in so many levels. It destroyed the best friendship I ever had, it separated me from my parents and friends. I never felt more lonely and anxious in my entire life. But I can now thank God for it, it brought me back to him.

Hi Friend! It's me, Kim. I don't think I went through this exercise last year (now I remember -- I did about half of it). And while I don't particularly feel like going through it now, I know the vault is going to close soon, and then I'll feel bad that I didn't write anything down...and it will be a whole shame spiral, reminiscent of Cher's catalog of the food she had eaten that day in "Clueless." So, 202o AMIRITE? What the literal fuck, y'all. Is anyone answering this question NOT talking about the pandemic? Racial unrest? President Trump going off the rails? I mean, I don't want to talk about any of those things, but I know future Kim is going to want to hear what present Kim has to say about living through this experience. Or maybe she won't. Maybe future Kim will be like, I don't want to relive that shit. Why would past Kim do this to me? That's a fair question. I hear you, future Kim. I hear you. Pandemic: I'm grateful I'm not sick, no one in my family has gotten sick or been affected, physically, by this disease (as of 9/25/20), and grateful that I still have a job and a roof over my head, and access to more food and wine than I probably should have access to. But there's no relief, yet, because relief isn't yet in sight. I know they are working on a vaccine, but how will our world look even when there is one? I think that life as we know it may be a thing of the past...which is weird (and sad) to think about. Other than living in lockdown and adjusting to the new normal, not a whole hell of lot has happened this year. We haven't been able to travel anywhere, so I don't have that to talk about (although I did go to Copenhagen last November with Bri and Vanitha, and that was awesome). I'm still single -- when you can't get close to strangers, what's the point of getting to know someone? Ok, that's probably a cop out and an excuse (of which I'm very fond, when it comes to attempting to date), but whatever. Mom's Alzheimer's is getting worse, I've gained back a bunch of weight (how much, I do not know, since I'm too much of a pussy to get on the scale), and I'm singularly UNINPIRED in general, because, what's the point? Wow, this is fun. Can't wait to re-read these thoughts in a year. I don't *really* feel like everything's hopeless (almost wrote "hopeful" -- Freudian slip?), but it's hard to motivate and keep on track. I've managed to maintain my daily walks for 5/6 days a week, but it's less than what I did before, and it's been really hard to stay on track with the food and wine intake. I think when I started WW around this time in 2016, I (stupidly) had that baseless hope that, once I lost weight, things would change for the better in my life. Aren't I old enough now to know that that's not how that works? That you have to work on yourself, inside, and make things happen in your own life for things to actually change? I mean, I'm grateful that I started the program and I've managed to keep a decent amount of weight off, and that I'm physically active, but how I look on the outside is not going to magically change my life. Because I never really looked that bad before, fat or thin. There's something internally that is always holding me back -- fear. Fear of failure. Fear of rejection. Fear of being ridiculed. Well, that escalated pretty quickly... I'm going to move on to the supplemental question.

My grandmother passed away in our home where she was on home-hospice care at the beginning of the pandemic lockdown on April 1st and in June I was hospitalized for the second spring in a row due to another hypomanic episode, this time resulting in a diagnosis of Bi-polar Type 2. Both had major impacts on me. I am filled with grief for my grandmother's passing but also relieved that her suffering is over and happy and proud that I could help her pass from this world with the love and care she showed me my whole life. My second hospitalization and resulting diagnosis was transformative as it has brought some clarity and self compassion for how long I have been struggling with mental illness without much support. I was on an anti-depressant following my grandmother's death that worked to fuel my hypomania without a mood stabilizer on board. Having proper pharmaceutical support should mitigate the risk of me being hospitalized again but I definitely still have concerns that it will be a recurring issue. Because my second hospitalization was less traumatic than my first hospitalization thanks to my not being forcibly restrained and medicated with heavy sedatives and anti-psychotics, it helped to lessen some of my lingering resentments about my initial experience. Adam managed things much differently by calling in lots of support to help avoid hospitalization and while the end result was similar with police called and me being taken away forcibly via ambulance, I can still appreciate the differences. The other primary difference that I believe got me through was my year plus of CoDA recovery. My mindset was different so I didn't fall into the same state of hopelessness. I relied on strength and hope from the collective as well as mantras and the serenity prayer.

I lost my job at the beginning of February and it was particularly hard to deal with. I did all the right things through the correct channels and HR. I suffered through being called names, antisemitic remarks, having information withheld and gaslit to be told I didn't work well with the others. Six months later and the pandemic I am still without a job. I'm angry and resentful, but I have had plenty of time to reflect and this is okay. I am resilient.

Wow. Certainly the pandemic - grateful for the time with my kids, sad and angry for our country and the world, and so eager for a vaccine and return to normalcy.

Husband had a stem cell transplant in January, we lived in Boston for a month. We came home being cautious and somewhat quarantined, I worked for about two weeks, and the pandemic hit. We have been isolated and out of work for most of the year. Worrying about health has been a struggle. Figuring out how to get needs met creatively was a challenge, but an adventurous one. Learning how to be socially isolated with my husband and no real contact with anyone otherwise has made our marriage become wiser. On a personal level, I am trying shift my life course from capitalistic-working-to-live to doing what nourishes me while having the means to physically nourish my family.

Relocated to Rosarito MX. Then Covid hit. I don't know anyone and have been kind of locked in my casita. I am grateful to live near the ocean. The weather is close to perfect. But I'm pretty lonely.

Obviously, Covid-19 rocked my world just like it did the entire world. My wife and I did the right things -- stocked up (without hoarding), washed our hands, sanitized, and wore masks when we had to go out. We were lucky. Since we had the financial means to manage without problems, I set about trying to find ways to help those who needed help. I ended up driving for Project Masks WS, a group that made, donated, and distributed over 100,000 masks to medical facilities. I had the opportunity to deliver masks to small local clinics, nursing homes, and physicians' offices around the Triad. My next opportunity was for my church. We moved our annual auction online. The challenge was to find safe ways to accept donations and distribute purchased items. We also needed to replace very popular dinner events. In each case, I found a solution. And the auction was successful beyond our expectations. I write about these activities, not to congratulate myself, but to remind myself that I am a capable and creative senior -- sometimes I forget that and get lost in myself instead of working with and for others.

Duh. The global pandemic. I am angry and bewildered that our governments did not react in a more decisive way. Thousands of people sick or dead in the US and Canada, because the politicians did not understand exponential growth of the virus and that you cannot wait a couple of weeks to see if things get bad.

I started practicing meditation and mindfulness. It has changed my life tremendously. I’m grateful, inspired, and relieved that my whole mindset has changed in many ways, especially how I perceive and view things in my daily life.

Being forced to stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak was an unusual but grounding experience. I have never felt as grounded as I do now, with particular comfort at home in a space I have made my home. Very me.

It’s been quite a year! Jonny graduated from high school and is now away at college and we’re living in a pandemic with covid-19 - a highly contagious respiratory illness. It’s been a roller-coaster of emotions - some highs of it being Jon’s last year of high school, but more events that tripped us up and caused a need to respond to uncertainty. Some days I felt lost and disoriented - what I usually would give attention to and plan on disappeared. I felt trapped inside my home - with the rest of the family that were also dealing the best way they knew how. Took us a while to find a new way and find gratitude among all the loss.

Making it through the summer without going into debt for the first time - my wife and I began to do DoorDash to make ends meet and it ended up improving our finances enough that we are able to contribute to our religious community!

The death of my mother-in-law was strange. I felt briefly distraught, confused because it was not expected, sad for my husband, and felt strangely guilty for not liking her much (while simultaneously acknowledging that she was a product of her environment).I also wondered how she "lucked out" by going in her sleep...

This year has been probably about 12 years. But I guess my most significant experience personally was deciding to try to be actively poly again and getting back into D/s. The implications of this are still unfolding, but I feel like it's brought a lot of good to my life. I have also gotten into alternative spiritualities, though I'm not sure how far I will go with that. Opening this door has really brought me back to some tough memories, but it's also resolved some things and brought some things to light that I didn't realize about myself. My daddy issues have been brought to the fore in an unexpected way. I kind of have to accept that I will never be able to help my father and that he will die without getting to the points that I am. Or even really without knowing him in any real way. Oh, I also got formally diagnosed as autistic. So I guess this is a pretty big year. And that's all without mentioning the political and world situation. I was really relieved to actually be diagnosed. All the people who have said that I couldn't possibly be on the spectrum or that "it's all relative" are full of shit. It's probably not the best attitude to have, but it just really vindicates me and my struggles.

This year I finished my graduate program, which primarily felt hard because it happened in the middle of the quarantine lockdown. Everything ground to a halt, everyone's executive function short-circuited, and suddenly this huge thing I'd been leading up to for three years just disappeared. I try to think about how I feel about the program finishing, and there is just a blank space where I feel like there should be pride or elation or relief. It feels like a missing chunk of time. I know it happened, but it's hard to feel anything about it.

For the first time I went up to my friend's St. Patrick's Day party. My husband and the kids stayed home and let me go by myself. I rode up to CT with my honorary big brother Bill Chapman and rode home with my friends Will and Mark. As we drove home we heard of states shutting down services, restaurants, etc. The restaurant we stopped at for dinner was to shut down as of midnight that night for an indefinite time. We tipped heavily knowing that the waitstaff would likely be without work for a while. When we got home the pandemic, the lockdown began. I'm grateful I took the opportunity to go and spend time with friends. None of us knew what was coming. That was the last time I've gotten to see any of them in person this year. Usually we celebrate Easter and Thanksgiving together as well as seeing many of them during the summer. I don't know that I would have been doing as well in the early months of the pandemic if the last time I had seen my friends was December.

the pandemic showed me truth about myself. I am grateful for the information and the opportunity to live more true to myself.

Being let go from the job I worked in for 8 years, in a way that betrayed what I understood to be the values and culture of care in that place. I'm resentful and angry and frustrated still. There was injustice in the way it happened and I've yet to speak up for myself where it matters. But also I'm finding myself in a new workplace and engaged in a good way. I'm not sure it's what I would have chosen otherwise or if it will be what I continue to choose. For now I am in the learning curve and doing well and that feels good. And the team I work with is inspiring if challenging somewhat. I feel like what I'm doing matters and makes a difference and that is really good for me

The unrest in Hong Kong.

I reconnected with some dear friends from my past. I am so grateful that we are still here for each other.

I got a new job a month before COVID19 became a thing and was so excited about it too. New responsibilities and new pay. Then boom it changed within a matter of days. I have now been in my new job eight months and seven of those have been spent learning to work on crisis management from a financial point of view. It has been an amazing, growth opportunity and taught me that I am stronger than I give myself credit for.

The news that my son and daughter in law are expecting their first child has made me feel so happy for them. They had been struggling with conceiving and now, they are just two months away from experiencing the joy of parenting. I am so happy for them but also uncertain about how this might change my own priorities.

In late February 2020 I applied to a new job. In the course of the application Scott forced me to show him some of my pay statements which led to him forcing me to show him the statements from my Navy federal account which led to him forcing me to show him my cell phone which led to me taking it away from him and cowering in the bathroom until he broke through the door, wrenched the phone out of my hands, and threatened that he would call the police on me if I tried to take it back. I would say that I am traumatized. I would say that I was a little relieved that it happened because I did not and do not like the feeling or experience of living a hidden life. But I would say that I am resentful of the double standard since I've never been permitted to see his pay stubs or bank accounts. I would say that the whole episode reminded me of the ways that our relationship is superficial and ultimately meaningless. I would say that it reminded me how far I've gotten from being the person I really am - the person who wants intimacy, the person who knows how to commit, the person who values shared experiences, the person who wants a real and reciprocal relationship. And even now looking back at it 7 months later, I realize how quickly I allow things to fade from my memory. In a lot of ways this is good; holding grudges doesn't help. But in a lot of ways this has been self defeating and harmful to myself; it means that I probably am in quite a bit of denial about how unhealthy this relationship is.

Getting pneumonia during Covid. I didn't really know how sick I was. I waited 4 days before going to the hospital. I was relieved to get treated, relieved to not have Covid. Thankful that my friends stepped up with food for us to eat, bringing by meals and drinks for more than a week until I was well enough to cook. Yet another health-related concern. 3 years in a row, now!

Remodeling the basement. I'm relieved that it is done.

The new romance I found blossomed into something exquisite. So much laughter and adventure, it defangs the pandemic, and keeps me centered. I'm thankful every day, and now it seems we're moving in together.

There is little doubt that this years answers will be overwhelmingly stocked with the trials and tribulations of Covid-19. How could it not? There are are a rare few of us who can remember anything else that effected the entire planet at the same time the way this virus has. That said, I personally have gained the knowledge that to a degree higher than imagined, I am able to rise to the occasion without drama and to actually be helpful, productive, and positive.

This year I completed my conversion to Judaism. It was a long process, and the whole thing felt more "right" than anything else I've ever done. I didn't doubt it, I didn't question it, I just followed my intuition telling me that my soul was meant to be Jewish. I know my Jewish journey and my spiritual journey are just beginning, and I feel really inspired and excited by it.

I became a first time grandparent during this year. I am so grateful to acquire this role. I look forward to a very close relationship that is new and different to all of my past relationships

I don’t think there has been anything with more significance than the pandemic. Due to shortages of PPE, I was taken out of the field and told to work from home. I had to discover a new way to do the work I love. The pandemic derailed my plans - to spend a weekend every other month visiting my parents in the Midwest, to celebrate my sister’s birthday with a trip to Italy, to attend music festivals and a professional conference, to go to the theatre and to the State Fair. It pulled me away from co-workers, friends, and family. But it also taught me new ways to learn; brought more webinars; changed the way I pray (sometimes in good ways sometimes not;) helped me redefine community; kept me taking care of myself with a morning walk everyday; caused me to be more creative with my cooking, especially during two weeks of quarantine. Am I grateful? For some of what I learned perhaps, but given the toll on my country, my community, my professional colleagues - no. Am I resentful - absolutely! Even with what we didn’t know, there were so many leadership failures that made this so much worse than it needed to be! Am I inspired - yes - to rededicate myself to working for change in the world; to change how I look at and how I do my work; to put family more in the front of my life; to be more thoughtful and reflective; to make a difference; to remember the importance of hope.

Um... where do I fucking start? How about the car accident where I wrecked my 6-month old car (not to mention my groin and ankle)? Or maybe, I don't know, the GLOBAL PANDEMIC? I'm pretty resentful about all of it, if I'm really honest. This year has been a real turd.

There was one gigantic, life changing thing that happened to me this year - and that's moving to New York. It happened at the beginning of 5780 (Nov 2019) and has been the defining event of my life honestly. Even before COVID, the act of reorienting myself around living alone in Brooklyn has been the main focus of 2020. I joked that I should be proud because every day I'm living my worst fear (being totally on my own) and still surviving. But it's not really a joke in the sense that I should be proud. I'm much more resilient that I could have ever expected to be. Hopefully I can take that courage with me in the coming year.

I really want to point to an experience that is separate from COVID-19, but the honest truth is the pandemic is the most significant experience most of us have had over the past year. I've had a flood of various emotions, from anger to frustration to sadness to loneliness, and they all kinda hit at random times, or affect me in ways I couldn't have imagined. While the pandemic has left me angry/frustrated/depressed in so many ways, I have also found a sense of excitement for the future. I'm motivated to finish college and finally start a career.

I began to work remotely from home. I am grateful that I can still have work and be safe, but it has made me crave being a homebody again. I still want social interactions but it is hard. COVID has changed my perception so much. I also now want a different work life style.

The birth of my second son :). I am so happy with this little wonder :) :)

Covid 19 It has absolutly Destroyed anything that was left in my marriage I want to get out of this toxic marriage I am abused and I have been for many years and I am so over it I know I’m not worthless I’m ready to move on

I moved to Tijuana! This was a goal from last year, and to be honest, I wasn't certain it would actually happen and how I would feel. We left the US in January to visit his family and have a vacation. He stayed, and I continued to live in US, visiting on the weekends. We found a house and moved him in the week California went into lock down for Covid. It was uncertain when I could join him permanently. I finally made the move end of July - and what a difference. We are a family again, dogs and all. The home, which was empty from March until July is filled with the warmth that only being together (and 1 cat/2 dogs) can bring. In one respect, being in lock down makes it easier, since I don't have to commute on a daily basis, but we don't get to experience the city which we now call home.

Oh 2020 ... you did not disappoint. There was a fucking pandemic. A FUCKING PANDEMIC. Talk about things you never thought you would have to deal with in your life. Then I was stuck at home with my children for six months. Lets just say this year didn't go as planned. Unfortunately I am feeling very resentful and not too inspired. A bit depressed. Full of anxiety and emotionally exhausted to the political state of our country. I usually try to not wish away time but I would like it to be election day now and please let the Orange devil not be our president for another 4 years.

I have become an online teacher of art to high school students. This has been difficult for a non-digital-native; it takes a whole new part of my brain to think through all the clicks clicks clicks. This is kind of invigorating - like being a new teacher - but deeply exhausting. I should be at the top of my teaching career and here I am trying to stay relevant to students, administration, parents. Instead of success I feel the lack of connection. I have so much more to contribute ! but getting through each zoom class and prepping for the next one takes all my energy.

The coronavirus lockdown. I don't think there's been anything like it for decades and it was such a scary and stressful time. It's September now and it's starting to get bad again and it's scary to think of what might/could happen. I feel like we have to be so cautious to get through this. I am only slightly grateful that I've been able to live through and experience something global. It has helped me look beyond my own borders and I am a smarter person because of it.

Covid 19 and its existential threat has changed so much. I am over age 65 and my husband has multiple underlying conditions. Therefore we have been stringent about wearing masks, hand washing and isolating socially. I am tired of Zoom meetings but grateful to see the faces of friends and family. I hunger for hugs and fear to fly. And yet I would like to be able to make a difference.

We bought our first home, but it started to flood in the basement beginning in October. It has taken roughly a year to finally get the basement water proofed and under control. It definitely challenged our spirits and trying to stay positive. Now that we can start to rebuild the basement we see a small light at the end of the tunnel.

My mom died. I'm still struggling with it, since she had pretty severe dementia by the time she died, and because I couldn't see her, even in hospice, due to COVID-19. I had been losing her slowly for two years, so while part of me is used to her being gone, or at least not being my mom, most of me is still grieving. Sometimes I'm not sure what I'm grieving though.

I completed a grueling graduate school program. I am astounded at what I was able to accomplish and I feel grateful and empowered.

The pandemic. Nothing has had a greater impact. I feel like I"m adjusting every day and not always well. It's very hard. But I have seen enormous outpourings of community togetherness, creativity, and political outreach.

We got married!!! Our original wedding date was May 17th, 2020 but when we went into lockdown / COVID-19 quarantine at the beginning of March, we knew our 150 person wedding wasn't going to happen. On the Saturday of our "would-be-wedding-day" which we now refer to as "Marry Me Later," we had an amazing surprise dance party and photo shoot courtesy of our friends Dana and Kevin. They are so special to us and really made the weekend WAY less depressing - to say the least. That night, we were totally surprised by our families who planned a Zoom Havdallah to celebrate our wedding and bring everyone together. We must have had at least 80 people attend and each person held up specific signs that they had written for us with pieces of advice and good wishes. It was the most beautiful Zoom event I've ever been to. Our friend and one of Jeff's groomsfolks, Rabbi Avi Fine, along with my now mother-in-law, led the service and it was incredible. Our families also orchestrated a beautiful Tribute video that absolutely blew us away. Friends and family showering us with so much love and blessings from near and far. It made us laugh, cry, and we'll never forget it. After the whirlwind of that weekend, we were surprised how disappointed we were that we hadn't actually gotten married. With the help of our rabbi and very dear friend, Rabbi Lauren Henderson, on June 14th, 2020 (yes, we planned our coronavirus wedding in 2 weeks) in our friends' spectacular backyard in Oak Park, IL we stood together under the chuppah and sealed the deal. Beyond grateful for the support of our family, friends, and community who showed up for us in ways we never imagined. Here are some other significant experiences from 2020: - Riots for George Floyd / Breonna Taylor / Elijah McClain / and so many more deaths and decades of police brutality and the murders of black lives. - A fucking global pandemic which to date has resulted in more than 200,000 deaths. - As of August, 57.4 million people have filed for unemployment. - We lost 2 amazing civil rights & equity heroes: John Lewis & Ruth Bader Ginsburg. - Did I miss anything?

I had an interview for an ideal position for me in another county as a lateral transfer. I was rejected because they wanted someone with more experience but they did offer that I could apply for essentially a starting position when it opens for about half of what i'm making now. I found myself excited about a potential way out of my job, which made me really examine how unhappy I've become at my job over the last few years as the work is pushed further and further in a direction I don't prefer. I am grateful for the clarity that I wasn't as happy as I repeatedly told myself I was, and for recognizing that for someone like myself who already had limited energy, I didn't want to use all my spoons 'expanding my horizons' anymore. That what I wanted from 7 years ago has been achieved and that I'm ready to transition to something new.

The world is in a pandemic. I am grateful to be alive, but my life has changed. I don't leave the house at 5:30 am anymore.

COVID Stretched

i am all of those feelings and more! I have been fortunate with my waste device, inspired by the fact it keeps getting validated, relieved every time I can pay the rent and working with every breath to delete ALL resentment I feel towards myself, others and circumstances!!

I got married!!!!! Ahhhh!!!! On Th Bsvat. It was so amazing. And so far, no regrets! I don't mean to sound flippant. See 2019. I was so nervous about marriage in general but Sean has been super patient and kind. I hope next year he'll continue to be the amazing patient and considerate man and I'll continue to be grateful to honor the goodness in him. We must remember to be kind to ourselves and each other. Marriage has been good to me. My blood pressure and weight are down. My happiness is up. I feel more settled and sure of myself.

My Aunt Ruth died. She was the last of that generation in my close family, and one with whom I kept fairly close contact. But that became harder in recent years with my own family, trying to spend good time with my boys, and also add her health declined, it was harder to speak with her. It's sad to have lost her and I can't hide from the fact that now I am the old generation.

My God that's a doozy of a question this year. There's so much to choose from with a worldwide pandemic and loads of things going on in my personal life. I will pick something happy. I finished and have self published my novel. This is a life long dream. I'm almost 50 years old and I've finally accomplished it and seen it through fully. I am so grateful to have had the time and space to do it. I'm also grateful for all the help and the resources that made it possible. I have closed my ten year massage business for now because I am not comfortable doing that work in the midst of a pandemic. I will take the time to continue to write and publish and see what I can do with this new career path. I'm grateful my family is supportive of it and that there are now so many resources for authors and small publishers.

Taking an intro to Judaism class from January through May started me on a totally new path this year. The first few class sessions--before everything was moved online due to the pandemic--took place in synagogues. I also attended a Shabbat service at the Reform temple, and a Purim service at the Conservative synagogue, right before the shutdown. I'm so grateful to have had these in-person experiences, because being in the spaces made them feel so much more real and less intimidating. I may not know how, exactly, to navigate Jewish services and spaces yet--and certainly I am not able to truly participate in them yet--but being there made me feel more confident that I could learn. I've been keeping a close eye on my emotional ups and downs as I move through this year of exploring Judaism and considering conversion. After the first couple of class sessions, I had that overly enthusiastic, this-new-thing-is-amazing feeling, an I-want-to-convert-right-now! mindset that I knew I needed to just ride out. An impulsive decision will not do for something this important and life-changing, and I do not want to join the religion and community for insincere reasons. I also wanted to take the time to talk to my mom about this important decision, to make sure she understood my reasoning, thoughts, and experiences. So I committed myself to waiting and to, of course, more reading. That's always my go-to step when I'm learning about something new. What books can I read? I ordered several books and checked several out from the library. I followed a bunch of rabbis and Jewish laypeople on Twitter. I subscribed to daily emails from Alma. I began listening to the Unorthodox podcast. I got myself a Tanakh. I took a class that taught me to read Hebrew, and another that taught me about Hebrew roots for common biblical and prayer words. I started learning Hebrew on Drops and Duolingo. I read nonfiction about Judaism(s) and Jewish history. I read memoirs by secular Jews who were embracing Judaism for the first time, and by Chasidic Jews who were leaving the fold. I read books about Jewish perspectives on God. I read guides to conversion. I read YA and MG fiction with Jewish characters. One of the books--about the history of Israel--put me into a funk. I felt reluctant about joining a people who are often asked, intrusively, how they feel about Israel. I felt uneducated on the issues. I felt disturbed by the violence that has taken place--and continues to take place--in Israel, Palestine, and nearby countries. I read memoirs by Palestinians after this, and books by Israelis and Palestinians yearning for peace. What reignites my excitement time and again are the holidays, the rhythms and rituals of daily life and the pattern of the year--and of course, the people themselves, most of whom I know through Twitter. I read a book about a woman who set out to celebrate every single Jewish holiday for one year, and, oh, how I wanted to celebrate them with her! I've learned how to make challah. I've memorized several blessings. I've lit the Shabbat candles time and again and dedicated Saturdays to Jewish learning. I've attended virtual Shabbat and Rosh HaShanah services. As months have gone by and I have learned more, it seems ever more clear that Judaism fits ME in a way that Christianity certainly never did. It's been difficult during the pandemic, because I want to attend services and learn in person and meet people in my community. I have gone back and forth in my willingness to start conversion during shutdown. Do I want to wait until things are in person again? Do I seize the day and start now, or will I regret it later, wish I had waited for a more ideal time? The pandemic makes me want to seize the day, do what feels right, do the important thing, make the life-changing decision. But I also think there's something to be said for waiting an entire year to decide. It is only September; I have only been considering conversion for 9 months. Regardless of whether I choose to begin the conversion process this year or not, I will continue my own journey of exploration and learning. It has been fulfilling.

It’s so hard to answer this question as this year has been stacked with significant events and experiences. COVID-19, the murder of George Floyd, the resulting protests for months, the fires. Everything is significant and it’s overwhelming and exhausting. I’m so scared of what’s happening in our country, how people can see the same video footage and get such profoundly different messages from it. Time has passed in a different way this year, my memories of it a strange amalgam of outrage and despair. Did this really happen before that? I have no clue, no mooring.

The death of George Floyd, the unresponsiveness of the library's administration, and the passion, intelligence, and connection of my fellow librarians has been inspiring. I feel so grateful to be in community with so many other smart, dedicated women who care about racial justice. I've learned a lot about following (instead of leading).

Oh, good heavens. Well, let me say first that we made it to Spain in December, and it was absolutely incredible and so special. To think of the crowds and the bars and the trains is almost absurd now, given that we and much of the world were quarantined just three months later. We moved. I shifted into a coaching role. And of course, there has been the pandemic, which has caused me, among the masses, to really take stock of what actually matters to me when you strip away the flashiness of modern life. But three weeks ago, I lost my first baby. And while I cannot yet see exactly how it will shape me, I can certainly speak to have it has impacted me for these first three weeks. It has been the biggest roller coaster of my entire life: the most traumatic day, followed by horrible anticipation before the D&C two days later. I anticipated trauma there, but had the most wonderful experience, if one can say that about the most horrible thing. The doctor and nurse were incredible, comforting, and I left feeling a huge sense of relief- that I did not any longer have to anticipate the physical end to the pregnancy. But I didn't recognize myself, particularly those first few days. I just CRIED. But we shared, with so many people, and though it was hard, we were surrounded by such a strong circle of love and support. Which is why today, three weeks later, I'm not great, but I at least am functioning - I absolutely attribute this to being able to process with our friends and family. While my emotions constantly manifest as tears, for the most part, I have experienced faith in a way I never quite have before: that, while awful, this experience has gotten us one step closer to our child, and to the life that we will one day never be able to imagine having any other way. I am under no illusion that this may come without struggle, but I will say this: Hilary told me she had a really vivid dream about our child, and its name, and when she told me, I had a reaction I have never had before. A sense of truth, of YES, of peace, washed over me, as though she had reported a fact from another time. And so: I will carry that faith with me. I am reminded more than ever of the power of vulnerability, even (especially) in life's scariest, most raw, exposing moments. I tell anyone who asks me how I am, because I really believe not talking about pregnancy loss damages us all - and it turns out that has just built honesty, truth, and community. Those 9 weeks of pregnancy had already taught me what a vulnerable act pregnancy is - and this process remains so.

I recited a deathbed prayer with a dying man and then participated in his burial at a green burial/cemetery (forest). While I was serving in professional capacity, it really moved me personally. I am grateful for the experience, which inspired me to think about how/where I want to be buried. I'm glad this happened before COVID hit here in the U.S., because everything about burial and mourning rituals changed so drastically since the pandemic.

My son, Russell married Meg Shea on March 28,2020 right at the beginning of the Covid Pandemic. It was a small wedding, only immediate family members there. I was very happy for Russell as we as worried. I think that he found a good match for the future in Meg and I thought that they had a good chance for happiness. I was worried that they might have difficulties particularly since Meg is very determined and can be inflexible. Russell has really fallen for her and I am afraid that he might make decisions that he would later regret. I do think that they are both unusual people and could be difficult to match up and have a good match in each other. I hope that Meg’s worrisome nature will not become a issue to happiness. I felt some sadness also as my darling little Russell-boy was now all grown up. He and Meg are facing an uncertain future even without Covid, our present government and climate warming. I want very badly to protect Russell but cannot. Those bricks have already been laid. I have regrets about many things I did as a father. I was too harsh with Russell sometimes. I was too wound up in my own life, my swimming and my business that I didn’t have as much time as I would wish to be with him. I was worried about how he behaved and tried to wrangle him in. I did do the best I could. Amy and I were in it together and I am so grateful for that. The marriage of my son brings my life closer to it’s end in my mind and that is sad for me. Grateful? Yes. Meg and Russ are a good match. Relieved? Yes. I thought they were a good match for several years and I am glad Russell asked Resentful? No. I am happy for them both. I do fell a little resentment for Amy giving Russell what I considered my engagement ring to Amy without her asking me. Perhaps I should buy Amy another. I looked on line but would like to find one I could see and handle. Inspired? No. Just happy

Joining an Improv comedy class, and my social circle expanding in ways I could never have imagined. I suddenly have an ongoing, ever-flowing group of friends and I meet new, interesting and wonderful people every other week who are connected with the comedy and drama scene here in Prague and I think that wouldn't have happened if I hadn't joined Improv comedy.

The most significant experience was to experience the inner union of female and male energies and to experience several states of ecstasy, bliss and orgasm within me. The feeling of inner abundance is the most incredible I have ever experienced! I am so grateful and happy.

I had my second child! A little girl, which was my dream come true. The pregnancy and birth went pretty smoothly. However, I developed postpartum preeclampsia and that was really scary. My postpartum anxiety has already been really intense. Having a baby is such an odd experience because it is exciting, wonderful, I am grateful that she is healthy, and I love her so much, but it was also scary, stressful, painful, and something I'm relieved is over. I guess, just like parenthood in general, giving birth is simultaneously an exhilarating and traumatic experience.

What should have been significant is a sabbatical term full of travel, but that all went out the window. COVID is the most significant experience. I've moved through most of the stages of grief, although not quite to acceptance. I don't know where the time has gone, and former measures of productivity seem meaningless now in light of 200,000 deaths that didn't need to happen. I have no idea what my art means or where it must go.

Seeing my second child, my son, born was as significant as experiences can be. There was so much fear, uncertainty and finally relief to have a baby born during the COVID pandemic. I am so happy to have a healthy baby and so thankful to have a healthy family.

One of the most significant experiences of the past year was not only meeting my husband, but dating for two months and marrying him two and a half months later. Everything is different.

I had a baby in February. After a year of trying to get pregnant, of ups and downs and keeping it private, it was such a surprise. And pregnancy was such a surprise, with nausea and sciatica and itchy bits; and labor was such a surprise, nearly needing interventions at every corner and then not having any at all, going through 30 hours of active labor with just my own body and the support of my partner and doula. Then the baby was a surprise, those tiny ears and perfect little toes. Then everything else was also a surprise...especially the pandemic, having a newborn with nobody to help us, awake under the lights in the middle of the night, watching her learn to crawl, to eat, with nobody to share it with. Everything has been so unexpected. A blessing and a curse. I am grateful and terrified and everything in between.

I became a mother in March. It was an incredible experience — humbling, empowering, joyful, and transformative. I’m so grateful for how it unfolded, for the amazing facility I was lucky enough to give birth in, and for the people who supported me during and after the labor. Because of this experience I have become more both more confident and also more comfortable asking for help.

The most significant experience of this year is that I retired from my career at JRM as a teacher and employee.

Mom died in March. I feel relieved and sad. Also surprised that I don't feel more relieved. I thought I would welcome it because it's just been so hard for years. She was gone for so long, but it turns out being really gone feels different. Adam is moving in. It's going well so far. It's a big step for me after living alone for 8 years. Still adjusting.

I gave birth to a healthy baby boy! Happy, grateful, humbled...intimidated by the challenge ahead, this of course is just the start of the adventure of motherhood. But it has already been immense. I am so happy to be Elliott's mum.

I started my journey to Judaism last year. I reflected on my relationship with religion and I learnt about Judaism. 5780 was the year I fell in love with being Jewish. I started going to the synagogue and I (re?)connected with G-d. For me, this has and will change my whole life, and I'm so very grateful for this.

I moved into my first apartment. It’s honestly a bit overwhelming, especially during Covid. I miss my parents but am excited for adulthood and grateful to have shelter. I like candles so much more now; they make the space so much comfier for me.

I moved from a house that I had occupied for decades into a new apartment. It's in a duplex and has seen much better days (it was built during the 40s) but it's roomy and the landlord is laid back. I am grateful and relieved just to have a place to live. Some mornings I wake up and it takes me a moment to realize where I am.

I got cheated on. its sucked and worsened my trust issues

My impending divorce. Though I’m grateful it’s moving forward, I wish it hadn’t taken me as long to decide because my indecisiveness and my subsequent actions hurt my family. I read my answer from last year and can also say, I’m so grateful for therapy!!! I feel so grounded and back in touch with who I am, what I’m doing and where I’m going.

Significant: December 2019 - standing in my home, questioning what I've done to deserve this beautiful home, in gorgeous Sedona, with a fantastic husband, and my good health. The response I heard, "It's not what I've DONE, but what I am DOING and what I WILL BE doing for others in the community that merits my living this life. I am grateful! I am inspired to reach out, even more, to share my talents and gifts with others.

We launched the Mike Rowe Works Work Ethic Certification Train the Trainer. It's what I have been working on at WSU Tech since I started almost two years ago. After it was over, I experienced EVERY emotion. I was upset that I didn't perform perfectly my first time out. I was happy it was over. I was depressed it was over. I experienced post-partum. I felt vulnerable and excited. I wanted to laugh and cry. I was relieved. I was one step further along on my journey.

I have been pulled into higher level conversations at work, which I am grateful for. I have also been able to step back from all the crazy/busy and have felt like a weight has been lifted, like I have more control over my own life and my own schedule.

I went through Stage 4 Rectal Cancer treatment. It taught me how strong I can be when I feel like I have nothing left to give. It taught me how important it is to ask for help, to advocate for myself, and to trust my instincts.

make me choose huh? i renewed my love for self and life of all kinds. it is constantly ongoing and has to be in order to survive. i am extremely grateful just to be alive at this point, god knows there have been many excursions i perhaps should not have fared so well on. relief comes every morn when i regain full consciousness. my resent now, is that i woke up too late, as usual. my inspiration comes from our human brain's amazing capability.

I'm sure everyone is answering this the same way.....COVID...! I'm grateful that it has not touched my family. Relieved I live in a small community in the Up North, Resentful that we have one of the worse people in the United States running this debacle into the ground. Trump. I hope I live to see the historical content of his admin. written. Awful,man, awful family, awful constituents. How did we get here?

Getting a new job has been incredibly significant. It can't compare to having Auggie, in terms of importance in life, but it lets me reorient my sense of self-worth and direction in important ways. I'm unsure how to make it all work together yet, but I'm so relieved and energized.

Well let's remember this is the year everything changed and collapsed within 6 months. Engaged... Moving Countries...Pandemic. Broken off engagement. Pandemic continued. And moving back to my home country. Welp relieved it an understatement. I am blessed EVERY day to not be married and more importantly DIVORCED. I never knew home much I wanted a future, family, love until I was almost in all that and miserable. The pain and tears I felt will never be forgotten. I have never felt more alone than when I was with Dani. I wish I had any good memories but now I still sit in pain, hate, and hurt. And makes me stronger to know what I don't want next time around. So I guess grateful for a better future for whatever is next!

My Dad has died on lunge cancer, that he was hiding on us. Being with him in his last weeks was very important and healing for our entire family.

god, what wasnt significant this last year. i think quarantine induced or not, i feel so close to carolyn and isa. i hope it lasts! its a different kind of friendsihp, a proximity based but also life based. i think its a close approximation to what family feels like. i'm incredibly grateful, it could have gone so many other ways.

My spouse and I finally decided to split up. The only way to halt the verbal attacks is to leave. I am relieved.

I think the easy answer is COVID. But it blends in with what I’d say otherwise. I found my dream job. E-comm! I helped build this city department from the ground up and now we’re one year old! When COVID hit, the CDC and APH needed people to respond and review calls. 60 hour weeks. Not being home much. But we did it. And it was hard, backbreaking and transformative. I thrived on it. It made me feel more in control, and while everyone in the city panicked, I had a job. I’m grateful and I’m satisfied that I had the power within me to step up. It inspires me to do more every day and love my job like it’s the first day.

First Trust meeting at Montage in Laguna Beach. Upgraded to an amazing suite. Great conference. Beautiful location. Was grateful at the time, and even more grateful now.

Has to be the life and death of my time in NYC. Last year at this point, I had just moved to NYC, ready to take it in, exploring the town, and making friends. I was really happy post-grad, and work was interesting. Then fast forward a few months, and COVID came along. The first two months were pretty scary, and then we fell into this numbness that life is both on pause and still happening. Then my job changed, then I committed to Arkansas, then I thought about law school, and now I'm stuck between two categories at work (and applying to a third). And of course, the whole country is going to shit. Today (9/23) I have felt worse about the state of the USA that I probably ever have. Trump said he's essentially going to rig the election if he thinks he's losing, Breonna Taylor verdict was not indictment, riots in the streets, and no real hope. This is pretty bleak. I'm grateful for the time at home with my family, making some extra money, but I would trade that for a normal life and no political upheaval.

Well, I bought a house, sort of, and this has made me grateful to friends. In some ways this has caused me to feel relieved, as in some ways it will help there be stability for Pat and the cats. and maybe the chickens. I changed jobs to the bigger theatre, and I really like doing plays for children.

I can’t begin to list all of the significant events that have happened to me this year. 2020 has in every way been tumultuous. 1. Moved to Spain in 2019, working on my Master’s degree in Political Science. In March COVID shuts down my in class learning and we move to completely virtual. How am I going to complete the thesis I had planned without access to the main frame at the University. Answer: I am not, now I have to rethink my thesis question. 2. COVID rears its ugly head and we are stuck at home for months. No shopping, no eating out, nothing but being with Rob for 3.5 months. 3. Cancer: Cancer sucks. I can’t believe I have inflammatory breast cancer and that I have to treat it in Spain. 4: My dad dies on July 4, 2020. I remember the last day I got to spend with him. I miss him so. 5. Defended my thesis! Passed the damn classes and defended well. I have my Master’s Degree. 6. Had a Mastectomy the day AFTER i defended my thesis. 7. Moved back to the states, COVID central with really selfish people. 8. My job won’t let me telework, so I have to take seven weeks of sick leave so I can do six weeks of radiation therapy and seven rounds of HER-2 drugs. That sucks completely. 9. Then, just before the memorial service for my dad, COVID hits in a big way in Abilene. I can’t go, because I can’t compromise my immune system. They canceled the service. I love my Mom and sisters, they did that for me. I want to hug them. I really want to hug them without a mask. I haven’t seen them for a year. But with all of this, every crazy, unbelievable thing, I am stronger, tougher, and more grateful than ever. I would not change one single thing. I would not I would have everything happen again. It has has made me more forceful. I stand up for myself, and I can say that in all of this I have grown closer to my husband and my family. It has been a jewel of a year.

On the 22nd of Av, 12AUG I converted to Judaism after a dunk in the mikvah. That morning I took a walk through the woods to mediate and clear my head. I encountered a Turtle looking up at me. Staring funny-like. Looked up and saw the woodpeckers tap tap tapping at a tree. Breathed a heavy air from after the rain and sought the clarity in my head. It was all moving too fast to the goal. I wanted to take it all in more slowly. I was pulled towards the goal. With all the years leading up to that moment and it sped by all so fast. I cried at the beit dein but really thought I would at the dunk and it just wasn't there with all the covid protocols. I am feeling at peace more than ever before, but want to now figure out how to incorporate this into my life in a way that is authentic.

Dad is dying as I write this. There's almost no chance that he will be alive for the questions next year. I lost my mom and it wasn't a big deal. But now, losing my last parent, the one that I admired the most, if unexpectedly hard. I don't know how to feel. I don't know how to emotionally prepare. More than anything, I'm empty.

COVID-19. It caused me to lose my job, have difficulties in school, and be more fearful in general. It has also affected politics in a significant way. It have made me feel very stressed and tired.

My dad passed away suddenly. He wasn't really taking care of himself or listening to his doctors advice closely after having a stroke. But I didn't expect the end to come so swiftly and without fanfare. For me, when big things happen and everyone else gets flustered, I become very calm and try to be helpful. This time was no different, and I tried to be that rock of steady support for my mom and brother. I flew down to take care of the final arrangements and carry out his final request: spread his ashes on a good fishing spot. The thing is though, I still find myself waiting for the big emotion bang to happen. Like one day it will all hit me at once and I'll say "I'm so sad! I miss him so much! How can I go on now?" He passed away months ago, and I still feel kinda numb and a bit unhappy about it, but not destroyed. Maybe it will never come. I admired my dad so much, that maybe I can't diminish his memory to just the fact that he isn't around.

Of course Covid is the most significant thing that's happened. So many plans disrupted. No visit with the SF crew, no Seder with Tessa and Dan, no Hadestown and no RV trip. It's been a challenge to not let the pandemic pull me down. It's been a test of how flexible and adaptable I am.

First one was loosing my sister. The second one was loosing my cat. It changed me, it's a process that is not finished yet. I will never be the same. It has been a spiritual experience and a painful one. It tought me abot death as a part of life.

Ha, the answer to this one is the same as one of the other ones - I gave birth to my first child! Besides being in a pandemic, it was just how I had hoped it would be - my husband there supporting me, natural without epidural or interventions and the baby's sex being a surprise until he was born. I am grateful and enjoying being a mother.

Realising I could write without stimulants. I found clarity I had not previously experienced, and security as it showed al I needed was time, I am certainly grateful for that .

The biggest thing to happen to me was the pandemic ... pandamit. And I feel very lonely. And my house is no longer empty as college age son has moved back home to finish his degree on line and my wife is also working from home. this was the small home we downsized to FOR THE LONGED FOR RETIREMENT. Yikes. I haVe no privacy and it is very noiseY. I was used to having a lot ... a great deal of alone time and now .... THEY ARE ALWAYS HERE

Helped some of the 900 people from Guinea Bissau that were camping in front of my house in Milan (Italy) because their embassy in Portugal had opened a temporary office to renew the passports of those living in Italy. All of the Guineans living all over Italy came to Milan to renew their documents, spending more that they could afford and sleeping in the streets. I tried to help them out as much as I could, I cooked 10 kg of pasta for them, bought a hundred bottles of water, bread, focaccia... I felt really happy and inspired by this experience, I realised I wanna work with and for people, I wanna bring real change and improvement to people’s life.

It seems that the pandemic of coronavirus has wiped out any memory of the before time. The pandemic has shaped my life since March. I starting staying home unless absolutely necessary, disinfecting my groceries, wearing a mask, and teaching online instead of in a classroom. Staying safe was a primary focus as we watched news and health stats nonstop. Teaching online quickly became a major focus as we all had to learn how to teach this way quickly. Students had to find reliable internet and a quiet place to learn. I turned one of my rooms into an office. I also started sewing face masks, watching the online designs get better and better. We've all learned a lot since March. Will I ever feel comfortable again in a dense crowd? As if it wasn't already a ridiculously untenable political environment in this country, the president's handling of everything since January has made this country the most inept in the world in controlling the virus. I'm so frustrated by the whole situation, so disappointed in many of my fellow Americans. We also lost the 2nd of out two old dogs. Brokenhearted still. The one positive thought is that we have two new puppies who are healing our hearts.

I finally broke up with someone I was in a toxic relationship with. He and I had been friends for 20 years and tried to make a romantic relationship work. It empowered me in a way to finally move out. I am grateful I moved on and that my sister and her family let me move into their home. I feel calmer not having to walk on eggshells around someone with a drinking problem. It was hard to not know which version of him I was going to get.

I had to change employers unexpectedly. What was frustrating at first turned out to be fortuitous.

We had to start teaching online because of CoVid. At first it was very challenging to learn the programs and to figure out ways to keep the kids engaged. Also, it took a huge amount of extra time to prepare for the teaching and set up lessons. Now, as with all new things, it is not as taxing or intimidating, but it is still a new skill set. I am grateful that I continue to be flexible and at ease with technology. I am happy to have the new challenge and to keep the relationships with the students. Apparently they still like me...

Being a probable-COVID19 case, getting sick in January 4, 2020. I have had "long haul" symptoms since January and I'm finally feeling better. As more information about COVID19 was discovered, I realized I had all those experiences, only 3 months before everyone else did. Low grade fever, cough, feeling better after a week, and then suddenly worse for weeks on end. Shortness of breath, crippling fatigue, brain fog, hair loss, weight gain - throughout February, March and April, I chalked it up to my new medication (Dupixent) or stress or age or perimenopause. My sister told me back in March she though I had it. I joined long-hauler FB groups and everything made sense in hindsight. The kicker was persistent metallic taste in my mouth - not loss of smell or taste - that is now being added to the symptom list. Finally I asked my GP in June who said, yep you probably had it. I felt vindicated, but I still often feel like I'm imagining things, that I really didn't have it, and I'm seeking attention, or FOMO. I also feel freaked out that coincidentally starting Dupixent (IL4 inhibitor) in late January may have saved me from succumbing or going on a ventilator.

Covid 19. It's made my world very small. I haven't seen my friends in 6 months. I haven't seen my office in 6 months. I haven't seen my coworkers in 6 months. I'm very thankful I live in a state with a responsible Governor. I'm resentful of Trump and his rhetoric about the plague. I am resentful of people refusing to wear masks and social distance. I am jealous and very angry at people who gather in big groups. I'm sad most of the time. I miss my life

Who is not going to mention COVID-19? Last year I went through cancer treatment and this is worse in so many ways. I have battle scars from managing a medical practice through this, trying to keep 150 employees paid somehow and with health benefits. How has it affected me? I've grown as a leader, expanded my resiliency and flexibility, and had bouts of anxiety for what it is doing to the world.

This year I'm moving to Michigan! It's been a very stressful process to list the CA house for sale, pack everything, and imagine a whole new life in Michigan. I'm both terrified & excited. A lot of my identity is wrapped up in my house in CA, and right now things are looking pretty dodgy there what with homeless, fires, the election, and climate change. That said, I will really really miss that house, especially the view of San Francisco bay. Another new experience is the fun of staying with my sister. I've done lots of dinners & lunches, but a multi-day overnight is really sweet, and I can't wait for her to visit in Michigan once we get settled.

I was fired from my job last September. In the moment I was very angry and hurt. Over time, I have come to appreciate not working there and while still fearful about finding full time meaningful employment, I am having interesting experiences, meeting cool people and able to spend more time with Gali.

2020 is the significant experience of the past year. It’s been exhausting and challenging beyond anything I could have imagined. I thought it would be a two-week period where we all stayed home, and then life would resume. It’s nearly October, and I feel like I’ve aged ten years. I am heartbroken by the death, the trauma and the pain. I am trying desperately to keep positive for my family, especially my daughter, and my colleagues. But it’s hard. I know this will end some day, but it’s hard to see what or when that day is.

This past year was rife with significant experiences! Most of them awful/strenuous/exhausting. I camped at 20F in bear country, helped my sister (emotionally) as she left her abusive husband, said sister then diagnosed with breast cancer, 3 round trip flights during the holidays (I have major flight anxiety), a violent and surprising bout of vertigo, my mom almost died and was in the hospital with a mysterious and deadly illness for a month, and then all of the global nonsense: covid-19, blatant and videoed police brutality, failure of our elected leader to lead, collapse of the climate (setting heat records and wildfire records here in California). Each thing I've listed could have set an entire year on its ear for me. But they've all happened in this past year. No recovery time. After living through all of these, I feel more grateful on a daily basis for the blessings I *do* have. Every night when I go to sleep, I feel the bed, and feel thankful for it supporting me, thankful for the time to rest, thankful for waking up in the morning. I feel daily gratitude for my needs being met, which is a change from taking it all for granted.

Grandfather dying the same month of graduating high school. It made me emotionless because there were just way too many things that were happening that graduating gave no satisfaction and I just felt cold. I'm grateful that I am in a more stable place in life. But other issues have come my way where I still feel as cold and as emotionless

I meet a significate other in my life two years after my wife passed. Dating led to intimacy and companionship. Covid and distance interfered. Its over now but I am grateful that I meet her. I wasn't sure if relationships of this type were still in the cards, but apparently they are. The Covid interruption did make me disappointed in her decisions.

After 30 years I finally quit smoking!!! I'm grateful, relieved, so so proud of myself. Best thing I've ever done for myself, and my health.

RBG died on Erev Rosh Hashanah. It made me feel helpless and hopeless for the future of this country because of the response from the President and the Republican party.

Last year I wrote about my divorce. In previous years I've written about the freedom of separating and doing my own thing. I''m having trouble thinking of an equally significant moment or experience from the past year that had such a positive impact; however, I can think of two that had negative impacts. One was a conversation that occurred probably in December or January with my ex-husband in which I asked him to stop interrupting me, because it was disrespectful. And he told me he didn't need to respect any of my "boundaries" (said in a mocking tone) and that he didn't have to worry about interrupting me because he didn't have to show respect in those ways, because he respects me so much in his head. Don't I know that? This was upsetting and alarming and rattling and I felt shaken to the core hearing this. It was like no wonder I've never made progress, and clearly I never will. The other is quite relevant, because for however many years, I've written about the same person repeatedly during this process. Someone who I don't really want to be part of my life, but who is nonetheless. And just a few weeks ago, late August or early September, I was at risk of spiraling into a very deep depression, and in that process realized that I would never be free of my former abuser. Because emotional abuse, control and gaslighting is still abuse. And having a child together means that for at least the next 8 years we have to continue working cordially together, accommodating, playing nice. And in this early spiral I started to blame myself for not being able to get out of this relationship. For not being strong enough to get away. But I pulled myself away from those thoughts, and felt stronger for being able to do that.

This year, COVID-19 came to the United States. This affected my studies, as I had hoped to finish up my MBA in person with classmates and friends. On one hand, I am relieved that I had an opportunity to spend three months on lockdown with my boyfriend Gregg. It ultimately led us to getting married on August 15th. On the other hand, I hoped to travel out of the country for the second time in my life. This time to Japan. My travel plans are on hold, but I am grateful for the time I had to reflect and slow down.

Lockdown made me realize that I am actually very much at peace alone at home for extended periods. Even WORKING from home which I thought I’d be horrible at maintaining. Perhaps too comfortable though. I have been shunning invitations to do things out of the house - difficult to know if it’s being responsible during COVID times or becoming a bit reclusive.

Ah. The pandemic. I have felt all of these - grateful for what I have. Thankful that I can contribute. Annoyed when I feel like I am not working on the problem. I also (as annoyed as I am at all the "together time") - grateful and thankful for time, and particularly downtime, with my kids.

2020 has been an insane year to say the least. While so far (thankfully!) my family has not been affected by COVID-19, the presence of it has profoundly impacted my and my family's life. It has impacted everyone! From the weeks (months!) of lockdown and quarantine to limping along through the summer and now looking at the dark tunnel ahead of us for the impending winter... it's hard to think of anything else when answering this question. I am grateful for our health and for my job... 100%. I am resentful of the fact that I had such big plans for this year and with my daughter being such a wonderful baby, it would have been so easy to enjoy this year together! I feel like I have wasted a year of my life in some ways, even though I have also achieved some things of which I am very proud. I try not to lose sight of that fact, but it is difficult some days.

I told my husband that I wanted a divorce. I've been holding that in for at least 4 years, thinking I needed to stay married to him for the sake of my children. I'm beyond grateful that I made the choice to tell him. I'm relieved that it's finally out. I'm no longer resentful or angry with him or myself for denying myself what I needed. I'm scared, inspired, optimistic, terrified, relieved, and, really I'm feeling all of it. I have no idea where I'll be when I answer these questions next year, but I'm looking forward to the journey.

The most significant even to happen this year was the pandemic. It has caused depression, frustration, loneliness, anxiety, and a major disruption in life as we know it. I have been working from home since mid-March and that is very different. Not getting out and seeing my co-workers every day has been incredibly sad. I miss their faces everyday and knowing what's going on in their lives. I miss sharing my lives with them.

I was let go from my contract with a company and COVID-19 started. I’ve been unemployed for 8 months now. It was a difficult contract, and working there made me unhappy, so although the no income thing sucks, there was some relief. I wish I could say I’m inspired, but I’m not. The job market, my age and my willingness to spend my remaining days as a cog in the machine are all challenges right now.

A pandemic reached the US and has killed 200,000 people. There has been little to no socializing going on among my friend group. I've spent a massive amount of time in isolation and inside my head. This has helped me understand a lot about my psychology and my motivations in the first four months. Month five has been very depressing and has caused me to question my values and my judgments in an environment where my professional and personal lives are increasingly unstable and my creative life has been backburnered. I have been intermittently energized and exhausted since March, and as of late September, I am exhausted, and my nerves are shot.

I became a dad. This was one of the best experiences ever. It educated me, lifted me, grew my love and my purpose to living. It was just the best. I am beyond grateful. Even the COVID was in a way nice as it gave us time as a family.

I'd have to say the most significant experience of the past year has been transitioning to 'work from home.' The impact on life has been pretty significant. It is feeding my inner introvert. I'm a homebody by nature, and this is right where I want to be. But I also recognize that I am withdrawing from others, I am experiencing some depression symptoms. I've certainly gained weight and gotten lazier. It is tough to visualize new routines in this WFH environment not knowing when it will be reversed and we will be back to working in the office.

Rosh Hashanah this year was filled with so much anxiety. Would people participate? Would they watch? Would they join in? Will they pay their dues? So many unanswered questions. At the end of the day, I did work hard and am happy with the results.

COVID of course and my Sister-in-law being a trumper. My daughter graduating. I am grateful for everything that has happened to e; that is partial aspirational, but being thankful for my struggles helps me uncover my strengths.

I learned something about relying on others this year. I am usually ultra-independent because of my trauma past and my autism, and do not rely on other, however in August, my appendix burst, I had peritonitis and had to have emergency surgery, and suddenly found myself in a situation where I could not do everything I needed to. I needed to very quickly sort out what to do with my dog, since our boarder was on vacation and I was literally too sick to start calling around, wrangle her into a taxi to get across the city, etc. I had to get to the hospital immediately. I did several things I have never ever done. I gave my neighbor a key and asked to put down dog food twice a day for Winnie, and I posted on Facebook that I needed help. Immediately friends started posting that they would help. For the week I was in hospital, one of my friends came each day to walk Winnie and visit me. One of my friends made sure there were groceries there when I was discharged... And on the Facebook post, one of my friends asked if I realized how many people love me, and another responded that I always seemed surprised. It made me realize that I need to allow friendship in in ways that I had always avoided because I was afraid of imposing. And it was a new experience of not trying to do everything alone, because it is simply not possible. I am extremely grateful and even though the experience was frightening, it definitely was a breakthrough in terms of growing and overcoming a traumatic and isolated past. It manifested what I had been working toward in therapy this past year, but I needed a situation to push me out of that pattern of excessive independence. On a less upbeat note, my best friend from back in my hometown wandered out into the wilderness and committed suicide last year. I was really shocked by it, had a lot of anxiety during the search. I used to think that disappearing into the woods was the smartest way to commit suicide because you would not traumatize anyone, but that really was not the case. It was far more traumatizing for everyone because they could not get closure, had to pour precious energy into an ultimately fruitless search, and deal with the guilt of when to stop looking.

Over the past year, I have had a lot of changes at work that have happened. From them, I have been able to reaffirm my commitment to leading a principle-centered life. This has been hard for me. I had been leaning once again towards the tendency of living a work-centered life, and that is never my goal. It was a good reminder for me to remain rooted in principles and character, that way I am able to withstand change and uncertainty. Through all of it, I had to remember who I am and stay grounded in that.

In March, eight days before my wedding, Spain closed its borders to American tourists and we went into lockdown. It was supposed to last just 15 days but we spent almost 100 indoors. We could leave to go to a pharmacy or the grocery store. My now-husband and I lived in a 20-square-meter apartment which we had chosen for its proximity to the city center and to our social life and suddenly had to navigate working from home and being in the same small space at all times. It was difficult and we got into all kinds of silly arguments. We slept too much or too little and tried to move our bodies by rearranging the furniture to have space to lay out a yoga mat. We cried and laughed and did our best to stay sane. After the lockdown finally ended, we reevaluated a lot of things. We moved to a bigger space, with more light, out of the center. We prioritized each other and our relationship - not once was I upset about who I was quarantining with, which I think says a lot. We got married. While I would never choose to be in a lockdown situation such as that again (though I may not have this choice moving forward), I am in a strange way very glad to have gone through it with someone who was able to comfort me and I him.

Hmm... Nope, can't think of anything out of the ordinary... Kidding. Obviously. There's been a tiny global pandemic going around. Something none of us could have predicted this time last year. I went through a lot of phases. Initially it was kind of exciting seeing how the world around me was changing so fast. Watching humanity try to adapt was fascinating. And I had to adapt to working from home, which is something I had never really done before. And then it got boring. Groundhog Day set in. Living in uncertainty became the norm, and this was both ok and really not ok. It came in waves. So in answer to the question, I guess you could say, all of the above?

My new colleagues left me in a parking lot at our first stop during a staff retreat. Fortunately, I realized I had my own car and keys still available. That experience made me angry, sad, humiliated and feeling left out, especially when it was called to their attention and they didn't apologize. At first, I was extremely angry and resentful. I vented very intensely and to people who I now regret. In one case, it wasn't fair to put that person in the middle and in another I learned she isn't trustworthy or discrete. Overtime, I moved to feeling grateful and relieved. It helped clarify my role (official and unofficial) and how I'm perceived in the organization. It helped me focus on why I"m there and what's important to me - which is the mission and serving communities that matter deeply to me. This realization has been very helpful in how I now approach my work, my colleagues, and other aspects of my life - to keep centered on what matters to me and try to let the rest go. Interestingly, I feel better and I am treated better.

The first significant experience that comes to mind is having an ovarian cyst burst. It's strange though: give my mind even a minute to consider, and there are so many significant experiences. The pandemic. Being in right relationship with my person for life. Getting engaged. But the cyst is one that feels like I was alone in, so in a way it's the one that is really mine. The experience affected me deeply, and continues to. At 33, I'm still learning how to respect my body and how it is changing as I age. I've shifted into a time where I don't feel invincible, where healing takes work and investment and perseverence. This has required me to redefine my relationship with doctors and medicine. I always felt that I was the type of healthy person who didn't need to seek medical care, and never should have to take any medicines, even over the counter stuff like ibuprofen. But I could not have survived that ordeal without an emergency room, without technology like ultrasounds and CT scans. And I would not be healing without access to the pills I now take every day that ensure I do not grow another cyst twice the size of my ovaries. I was also forced to redefine how gratitude for my body looks and feels. I have always rooted this gratitude in how my body looks and what it's capable of, without acknowledging that these things are fleeting, will inevitably change. So: do I still love that body when it's tender, crooked, confusing? Do I have the patience to allow it time to heal, though that journey has been a winding path? My first instinct and honest answer is no, but this year I've been challenged to grow through and beyond that. And so yes, for that I am grateful.

Pandemic and furlough allowed me to bond with Pussycat

I think that the COVID-19 Pandemic has changed all of our lives. I continuously found myself saying, "How is this happening?" It put a strain on my mental health, my relationships, my physical health, and my ability to plan for the future. I find it hard to think of a post-COVID world, when this is what reality is for the foreseeable future. Any initial hope or optimism that I had in this as an opportunity for widespread social, political, and environmental change has given way to sullen acceptance of reality and the inability of society to change.

In the past year I managed my largest ever solo project at work. I was both inspired and relieved. Inspired because I felt it was the first time I was doing exactly what I wanted to be doing and all the time spend working towards the project had paid off. Relieved because it went exceptionally well, and gave me the confidence to fill my role at work. Also, it was very validating.

I am grateful... to have gotten to 5781 without experiencing Coronavirus on my body or that of my most loved ones. Living through this historic moment is humbling and scary and I just wish I could adult a little less and live freely a little more.

I was going to say that RBG died. Then, last night, my father died. I am grateful that he died at home, in his chair, two days after a wonderful visit with his two daughters and their kids. I am holding onto how deeply lucky I was to have him as a father growing up. Things changed later, but during my formative years, I could not have been more loved and supported by my dad, and that has made all the difference.

I FREAKIN GOT ENGAGED! Like how awesome is that?! I know going through the past year it has been so hard to think of just one major event, but this is definitely it for the past year. There have been so many things that have been awesome and gone on but just as a culmination of the years of frustration and heartbreak this means so much to me that I have found the woman I will spend the rest of my life with! I am so grateful and excited and joyous, and I just cant wait to see the fruit that will come from this year and the years beyond. Also, no matter where you are in 2021, #2020 #begrateful

While technically 2019, December 18th to be exact, the birth of my daughter in the context of the chaos of 2020 has given both sharp relief from the relentless cycle of bad news and catastrophe around the world and an acute, lingering fear about the world into which she has been born. My son is older, was born in a time of prosperity, feels strong enough and mature enough to find his way in this world, whichever direction it may head. But with her, this new life, so fragile, it feels different. The innocence and joy she radiates makes the troubles around us dissipate, but in the quiet moments when she sleeps the concerns about the world she stands to inherit become a dark cloud of swirling questions for which I have no answers - can it be fixed? will it get worse? how long can I protect her? what kind of life will she have? In this, I wish I were an optimist, saw hope in the possibilities of change, in human ingenuity, but the realist in me sees a far more likely decay of our society and feel powerless to do anything about it. I hope to find the strength to live the ideals and real call for change that is needed, if not for me, for her and her brother. To give them the opportunity for choice, to pursue their dreams unencumbered. To flourish and not be forced into survival at all costs.

In many ways, it is hard to see past early March of 2020, but that misses a number of months. Nothing stands out until January when my beloved dog got sick and died. He was my best friend and I spent the last two weeks of his love throwing myself wide open and just loving him as he declined. It pried open my reserve and I vowed I would never be the same kind of dog owner that viewed my dogs as something to serve me or simply obey me, but that my dogs would be my friends and I would love them as such. I miss him, but I don't grieve him because of that gift. A month after he died, I found myself with 3 dogs, one I chose, 2 I did not. Bonding with them and getting them healthy took some of the grief away too. Some days, they are the only thing that makes me laugh. They certainly warm my heart, though it hasn't been all easy. So, I am sad about the loss of my friend and grateful that it led to these new friends.

I’ve been wanting to write a book for years. Joining Right Book Buddies online writing group a few months ago gave me the spark to transform this desire from a task to a joy. And, for over a month now I’ve been writing daily in a shared space of support. It’s been wonderful to experience writing from a more embodied state of intimacy and vulnerability than from a teachy/preachy voice. I believe that COVID restrictions also helped me carve out this space I’d been avoiding for a long time, always putting everyone & everything before me. I am overjoyed that I gave myself this gift.

I was laid off in October from a job I loved-not the people so much, but I loved the work. It was a total shock to have happen, not just to me, but to my co-workers. It was nice to know that the people I worked with valued me & the work I did; I think the owner had it out for me for whatever reason. I'm still mad about it, but it was kind of a blessing in disguise.

CoVid closures. Loss of planned adventures but very grateful for my continued health and opportunity to work through the crisis

Mexico <3 Turned 30 in January. COVID-19 happened!!! I couldn't work, had to stay home for months. All school is online now. Moved into a house, and spent a lot of time working on the garden.

Wow so very many of these. Maybe I'll do one each? I am grateful for the ability to finally go on a honeymoon of sorts with my husband. Spending time with just the two of us and just really leaning in on that was just what we needed at the excact right time (literally came home when Disney closed from COVID) I am relieved that I was able to support my mother during a hard time and that she has recovered well. When we returned early from the honeymoon she was in the hospital and she was in pretty bad shape. It was traumatic and scary to have her there and to have to deal with adjusting to COVID as she healed from a five inch wide 3 inch deep wound in her body. It was scary and traumatic but ultimately our little family overcame it and my brother and I learned a lot about family and support and how we are a team. I am hopeful about this aspect of my life and it's really good to have restored him to my heart places. I resent the government utterly failing our society on behalf of the people. I am angry and scared and upset and sick and tired of people being shitty and sucky. COVID cancelled a lot of my person to person interactions and while I am still growing and learning it's so hard in this new reality. I resent it for the harm it has caused the people I love, I resent it for taking over my life, and I resent the ones responsible for our response as a country. I think the time around COVID has generally been equally disappointing and inspiring. It got me working on my home again like all the time and made me feel comfortable being just who I am. I am a caretaker by nature and I think Im the busiest and most fulfilled I've been in a long time.

There have been so many experiences this year that felt so heavy and significant in the moment, only to be overshadowed by the next event or crisis. Australian wildfires, Covid-19, police brutality protests, reopening, anti-mask and anti-science arguments, US wildfires, etc. Personally, I've been furloughed, involved in my niece's custody trial which triggered family drama, gone through a mental health crisis where I had a stay in a crisis stabilization unit and a date and plan set to attempt suicide. More than anything, I'm tired. I'm supposed to be applying to grad school right now, and I guess I sort of am, but it still feels pointless and like I won't actually get it done. I feel down and apathetic, and like the world and future is hopeless. Not

I had to move out of the Condo that I had lived in for 9 years because the landlord decided to sell it. But, because my dad had had some problems living alone, my sister, brother-in-law and my nephews moved into my dad's house to be with him and my sister wanted me to move in her house. Though the move was difficult and I had to get rid of a lot of things I am grateful to God that he moved me into a great situation.

2020 - start of the year was quite vague and then covid started... world wide pandemic. Good job it happen after I visited my mum in Lithuania. Now stuck in UK. But it was not enough for me- in the middle of this complicated time I quit my job. And now I am home already for 2 month trying to resettle myself and ... well I am going to find how to earn money soon doing something I love. I am grateful for my loved ones and for my spiritual journey.

Covid 19. Thankfully COVID has not affected my friends or family as far as health. I'm.grayeful for my sons school for adjusting tono line last year and so grateful I can afford his school this year. I'm happy my oldest is back at college even through it is far from the experience he wants. I turned off social media in match which has helped my mood. I do read the news and I am angry with the covid response and I'm angry with my government. I hold tight to the thought that the world will come away from this past year with creative new ways to work together and that science will find an answer so our lives can go back to normal.

I chose to return to work full time 3 months after delivering twins. I worked full time For a few months. Some crying in the parking lot..some guilt and questioning over my choice to work. Then three months later, pandemic strikes and my babies are home with me. Yes! While working. Full time. Drat. What a strange and chaotic time. And yet, it’s these months I am the most proud of. I reignited the fire within me to take care of myself. I found a heath coach and a lovely exercise app. I gained 70 lbs to deliver my healthy babies and I have lost 60 of it. Those last 28 being real buggers... and I did this in a pandemic! With newborn twins! While working full time. Earning over 100K this year. And I prioritized my body and my babies this year and I killed it. And damn does it feel good.

We started assisting a family with home schooling two days a week. It was one thing to talk about the disparities of equality and education, but to see them laid bare in front of us - a family working 24/7, multiple jobs, with limited English, just trying to make a better life for their family - continues to humble me. I think about my own family arriving in this country, how we are all connected. I feel at the same time devastated, inspired, connected and hopeful.

My eldest son left for college. Each day I’m more excited for him, and I love the pictures and texts (too brief for me) we get, but the house has a hole in it and I miss him fiercely. His dad’s house has a hole in it too and we text each other, trying to shore up the other guy.

In 2019 I had 5 people & animals that I loved die. I thought things couldn't get much worse and then Covid happened. I have no work/life balance. My job cannot be done remotely and if I dont go to work then my job will no longer exist. I feel really resentful. in a" normal" year I could at least take some time off to recuperate but I haven't had a break since December 2019 which is when I was mourning 2 deaths.

My partner getting promoted into the manager role of her team, and really coming into her own. It's been so inspiring and uplifting to see her go from denying interest in the role to taking it on reluctantly to really blossoming into the amazing leader I knew she could be, and being able to have a peer to talk about management concerns and solutions with. It's made me a better manager to watch her really nail the role.

In 2020, the year of Covid the most substantial even in my life has been moving my ex out of the house and trying to move on, not look back again and actually find a happy peaceful life. We tried again, had a decent Spring at the house but all in all the toxic love we had was just that, toxic and miserable for all. She's better off, and I'm better off. And I know for a fact the kids are happier. Its time to find my peace and a love that can be trusted. I'm grateful for the strength I've found recently and hopeful for a better future.

I went to medical detox and inpatient residential treatment for drug and alcohol addiction. These 30 days and the following outpatient treatment was the most significant event of my year. And possibly my life. It's give me new hope, health, and perspective on my life, those around me, and the alcoholic who is still suffering.

Jess' cancer was the most significant experience I had this past year. It caused me to consider her (and, in turn, many people's- even mine) mortality. It also caused a new understanding of our relationship, of sacrifice, and of how deep a marriage really is. The process itself was hard, it was stressful, it was time consuming and heart breaking and it showed me how scary it is to have someone dependent on you and to be dependent on someone. I see her dad, unable to walk or bathe or even shit and I realize how not-so-far that is for all of us. I suppose Covid and the consequent political divide has been impactful as well. I'm confused and frustrated and angry and not-at-all hopeful for our country, while simultaneously amazed at the cultural moment we're in right now.

My mother passed away of complications due to lung cancer. She was originally diagnosed in 2016 and fought it aggressively to gain three additional years with our family. The cancer came back last May and the original treatments were not options. We tried immunotherapy and originally thought it was working, however she started to rapidly decline just about a year ago and she passed in October 2019. I was my mother's care taker for 20+ years. She was only 50 the first time I was called to the hospital in the middle of the night due to a medical crisis for her. Over the course of time being her caretaker I struggled with many emotions. Anger, resentment, peace, dedication, loyalty and everything in between. I wish she had not been so ill for so long as there were many, many times when I put her care needs above my own and it deeply impacted my family (I have three children). However I am very proud to have been with her on that journey and although I have 3 siblings, none of them had the bonds with her or the abilities to care for her over that time period. I miss my mom incredibly. We spent a lot of time together and her needs were a huge part of my mental focus and energy. So there is an immense void.

I was able to visit Dad for his 90th birthday. It was important that I go, especially in light of the pandemic... I'm so thrilled I was able to be there.

I defended my dissertation and received my PhD after 12 long years of work. I was on an absolute high when it happened. It was such a different experience than I originally imagined because I defended online due to coronavirus rather than in person. But, in some ways, I think I liked that better. No long annoying trip to Washington! And, more people were able to be there with me on Zoom than would've been able to be there with me in person. I held my father's graduation cap on my lap while I defended so that he could "be with me" too.

Two huge things happened this year. On January 05, I started the new daf yomi cycle with Rina Wolfson as my chevruta. We shared a blog on fb which we called Sugya Sistas. Then she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and then I started my chevruta for a day project which has been life changing. On March 17, we were told to leave our offices at work as lockdown in response to the coronavirus pandemic began. For the past six months I have worked from home and/or been furloughed. I have not been allowed to go to shul or on holiday or to socialise as usual. There is no more ‘as usual’

This past year included a trip to Poland, during which I prayed at the grave of a Rabbi whose name evades me. A gravesite at which, I was told, it was common for people to bring requests which the soul carries. I was told many tales of women becoming pregnant after visiting, after praying. I was told tales of significant shift in direction, of change realised. I decided to pray there too. Why not. But in order to pray I needed first to ask myself, what do I want to pray for? A question I had not really engaged seriously with since starting to develop my relationship with prayer. What did I want? And in that moment it felt both incredibly clear and incredibly simply: I prayed, from the deep place within, "Gd, I want to know what I want." I wanted, more than anything, to connect with my own ratzon. The Gd given energy inside me which pushes and pulls my gaze and my gait. I write about this experience here, because I view it, in truth, as the start of my opening to Gd, of my recognising, accepting, and loving the everpresent. I veiw that trip, that grave, and that prayer as critical in opening the channel between me and the divine, the channel which I have been working to make wider ever since.

I had to let go of someone that I loved because they did not feel the same about me. I wish I had a better grip on my attachment issues, as I worry that I unnecessarily strained the relationship. I have apologized in the past, and they've asked me to stop apologizing. They are in town, and have asked to meet up, and I have told them several times that I can not. I ask forgiveness from myself and from Hashem for the times that I was inelegant or dishonest with myself and others regarding my feelings. In this coming year, I hope to better myself emotionally and act with more grace.

It's been the busiest year of my life that I can remember. Of course, of all the experiences that pop out at me from the last year, our wedding really stands out. It was that experience that taught me that having emunah when everything goes according to plan is easy; having emunah when nothing goes according to plan is the real challenge. And for that challenge, I'm grateful. On one hand, it is so nice to have the stress of wedding planning behind us and to be living with my best friend; but on the other hand... what other hand? I loved the wedding we had even if it wasn't the wedding we planned. I just wish I could go back and relive certain parts of our special day.

Well, it's been a crazy year nationally and globally - pandemic, racial justice movement, intense politics... And personally, as well. Probably the most significant things personally are that we completed our trip around the world, got engaged in Antarctica at Christmas, planned a wedding, had to cancel the wedding, got married (eloped, I guess), got pregnant, and had a miscarriage. Planning the wedding was stressful, cancelling it was devastating, and I am completely grateful it happened that way. Our wedding was just us. We had an officiant (our therapist), a photographer (who we'd met on the trip and convinced us to go to Antarctica), and neighbors helping out, but the essence was truly just us. It was simple, intimate, connecting, fun. We said everyone should get married that way (and yet, still we never could have chosen it). So, yes, at first I was resentful I didn't "get" to have this once in a lifetime experience of a "real" wedding. I am definitely relieved I didn't have to finish planning it and managing it (though we still claim we may do it one day, which would just be extra planning). I'm grateful for what we had and inspired to remember that simple may be better. Having been pregnant feels more significant than the miscarriage. I was grateful to get to begin to know what that felt like and begin to experience the connection with Jeff over what was coming for us. I don't think one ever feels truly ready (or at least I might not) for what's ahead when you're pregnant, but I definitely didn't feel relieved to miscarry (in fact, the experience was confirmation of wanting to have a child). I did sort of resent the lost time - going through the exhaustion and nausea and work without the expected gift of having the child - knowing I have to have more than one first trimester to get one child. And I was especially resentful that we didn't learn about the miscarriage until the 12 week appointment because of the pandemic - in 'normal' circumstances our first appointment would've been much sooner - we would've been less attached and been able to start trying again sooner, which feels relevant at our age.

Our congregation (really just a few top people) decided not to renew my spouse's contract after years of service, plus volunteer service provided by my children and me. No reason given. Relieved that we are no longer beholden to a few individuals who lauded power, but angry for the rest of the congregation, whose wishes they ignored, and resentful of the abuse they perpetrated while we were there.

Coronovirus. I am so grateful for how this virus has given me and my family a chance to look at how I spend time with family (much more), what we talk about during these times (more discussion of important topics), how this disease has spared the young and healthy, how this disease has reinforced the need for me to be healthy and put my health at the very top line of my list of to-do's.

Well. That one's pretty easy, innit? A significant experience that happened since last September is that a pandemic hit the world and the city I love in was basically shut down for months though, I still had to go out for work. And, while this is just asking for one significant experience, I think it's only fair to mention the civil unrest that people being at home and at loose ends this pandemic has allowed in light of all the civil injustices seen in the USA. So, I also loved through a curfew for a week which was very surreal. I'd never have imagined I ever would experience such a thing. In the beginning the effect was much larger. I didn't want to be out so I shopped close to home which meant no Trader Joe's and no Whole Foods. I also tried to buy a lot when I did go shopping so that I did not have to go as often. I think I've been mostly inspired by this huge world event. Watching how others are handling limitations and extra time has made me reevaluate how I spend my free time and how much autonomy I really have over the life I live. I've allowed fear to stop me doing a lot of things and I realize that I really am in control of the experience I have during my life and that fear is to be conquered. Doing it is not as easy as saying it but, I feel like realizing these things has given me further tools to succeed. And I do feel like the pandemic has allowed for the necessary attention to be payed to many civil issues citizens that only got novelty attention from the media and people not directly affected by these things.

Well, COVID19... I'm worried. Currently, I'm able to work from home but my employer generally doesn't give a fuck about staff. It's honestly super weird that they are doing the right thing right now. I'm also worried because my husband is only getting $81/week in unemployment which may end soon. Money is a big worry. Trying not to get sick is also a big worry.

I turned 40. I feel like maybe I finally can claim some of the legitimacy I have been missing in my career. I am finally old enough to demand the respect I have wanted. Up until now I felt like the little girl playing the roll of boss. I am actually grateful to be 40.

Covid-19. The stay-at-home order. The extreme stilling of so much of our daily activities. Less rushing, much less franticness, no spring sports tournaments, no separated family on the weekends. Lots more cooking of fresh foods, eating of summer tomatoes, feeling like we could give to charity much more freely because of lower expenses in other areas. A feeling of wanting to help those in need, also a feeling of tremendous gratitude that we have jobs we can do from home. The major frustration earlier was that my mom couldn't move here this summer due to travel restrictions/safety concerns, which was a disappointment. Now, a main concern is that my daughter's sweet 16 year is really very cramped by not being able to socialize freely. Her time and youth are precious and I wish she was more free to be out and about.

My migraine medication stopped working. It was like the pain of childbirth in my head. I have two kids, so I know what it's like. I started researching and am on an elimination plan of anything that might be triggering--food, medication, hormonal birth control. My migraines are slowly getting better. I feel hopeful.

I got trained to do grief groups in February. Grief Recovery Method is something that changed my life and now I want to help others.

Two weeks in November 2019 happened. To wit: 1) My youngest sister was hospitalized with severe and unexpected anaphylaxis for three days. 2) My mother was hospitalized (also for three days) with a massive heart attack three or four days after my sister was released from the hospital. 3) My father died from complications of cancer and COPD four days after my mother was released from the hospital. 4) I had to lay off everybody at my company three days after Dad died, which was two days before Thanksgiving. Writing it out all like this even almost a year later is hard. It's been a hell of a year, fighting with myself to keep a stiff upper lip with all of COVID-19 happening AND deal with everything that went on last year. Frankly, I think I'm still getting battered by it all. It's hard to fully describe everything that it makes me think and feel. Dad died an inspiring death, and that just makes everything more complicated.

Almost exactly one year ago, I changed jobs. I am relieved to be in this new position (it took some significant financial pressures off) and I'm grateful, but I feel somehow like I should still be more successful.

Of course the Corona Virus has been the most significant event this year. However hard this virus has been to many aspects of people's lives it has had some good side effects. Namely, Jian and I have been unable to to travel and have therefore spent much more time together and at Harstine and Swissmiss. We've really become closer and haven't felt FOMO (fear of missing out) by not travelling and lining up a bunch of activities. It's a much more relaxing and slower paced life style that we might not have experienced otherwise.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg died today. I never met her, never saw her speak in person, haven't even read most of her opinions. But I feel like I lost a family member. And a mentor. And a hero. Or in some weird way, a political or spiritual leader, even though she was neither. I just felt like she stood right on the line between power and speaking truth to power. Between the privilege of NYC intelligencia /DC establishment /the ivy league and a raised fist made up of the same DNA as mine that survived the pogroms and cared about nice handwriting and got straight A's in Jewish 1950's Flatbush, where she was raised to appreciate her privileges and look out for the underdog. Her little tiny person was holding up all the hope I had for the future of this country and the rule of law, all my optimism about the fairness and dignity of our institutions, the emaciated but strong framework that still has some the structure to hold up our current understanding of equity and justice. I believe, like she did, that thoughtful, privileged people can put their minds to work to show how that structure and that power can be used to protect and provide opportunity for those who have been less fortunate. I believe in the goodness of Americans to do the right thing and to mostly play fair. But now I am wondering if good really does win, or if we are right about the world. Maybe the cynics and naysayers and haters are right. Because the waves of epic losses and tragedies and injustices just keep coming. And now she is not here to stop the deluge. I feel unmoored, adrift, and way too far out at sea. I am despondent and know we need to swim harder than ever, but don't know if I have it in me.

me:the pandemic and the contemporary civil unrest over racial issues. of course the pandemic changed how we live -- we are mostly sequestered now. the racial unrest feels me with dread. why can't we have a free society with liberty and justice for all? i am appalled at trump's behaviour and afraid of what he will do to win or what he will do if he does not win. JK: The covid has been a big thing -- a challenge, a sad thing for all the people affected by it. i feel lucky we haven't had big affects. We should be thankful we haven't had any serious impact to close family or friends -- like losing lives or jobs or being sick with the virus. I was looking forward to being 70 and marking the milestone year. i appreciate getting through this relatively unscathed but i do feel sad not to get to do some of the things i was hoping to do -- like travel or see friends.

Is this a trick question? I was supposed to have a three-city celebration of my 50th birthday in March/April that was summarily canceled across the board. So my hail mary move was to try and “break Zoom” and get as many people there virtually as I could for an hour on my actual birthday. It was surprisingly moving and celebratory. A sugar high that, if hasn't quite sustained me through this long COVID haul, reminded me that there's still a lot to be optimistic about. (Even if the summer brought more solid hits to the body...)

Well, COVID 2020 happened. I also managed to get a new job at SelectHealth as a Health Benefits Specialist. Though the title sounds sophisticated, I cannot say this job got me much closer to financial freedom and it certainly hasn't aided in the "meaningful life" department. It has me feeling like I have let myself and others down. That somehow, despite knowing many people who are still figuring out, I feel as though I have failed to live up to my "potential". I'm not doubting that I have a limited perspective and am perhaps in need of an attitude adjustment, but living with my family in sich close quarters is really starting to drag my confidence down. But this is only a moment in my life, and life continues onward. And so must I.

With the whole pandemic, realizing how susceptible we are as a species, and also how unwilling we are to change our broken system. I'm grateful that it has made it obvious to others that didn't see it before, how unequal the world is, and every place where we live, because if we recognize it, we might be able to do something about it, even at a small scale. There's more conversations and reflections about how people in power are not making decisions to benefit people, but themselves. This is frustrating and enraging, but it's also fuel for collective and individual actions.

For the first time in my life, I passed out. One moment I was walking my dog, the next I was staring up at a woman who was asking me if I was okay. The experience triggered a range of emotions. First was the awareness that ask I grow older minor issues such as dehydration have a greater impact. I was grateful and relieved that a) I was in my home neighborhood (earlier in the day I had biked 25 mi in >90F weather); b) my wife - who had taken her mother home - was within a few miles of our home; c) someone saw me collapse and came to my aid immediately; d) a full battery of tests at the hospital confirmed that there were no cardiological or neurological factors contributing to my having passed out.

Well, all of my answers could be around the same thing, and they may wind up that way. I am going to write about my decision to leave my kvutza and the movement in Israel and move back to Philadelphia to be closer to my family. It was a decision that fell upon me - I wouldn't quite say I decided it though of course I did -- but it happened more below the surface. I have gone through such a whirlwind of feelings -- guilty, happy, desperate, heartbroken, confused, hopeful, sad, grateful... I still feel all of those every day. I reflect on this on a daily basis so I don't have a huge amount to write here, but I do feel that I carry all of that with me simultaneously and as confusing as it all is, it is also true. I am happy to be near family. I miss my friends dearly. I am so glad they are still friends and partners in the challenges of life.

My father died 2 days after his 93rd. birthday. I had gone up to the hospital to visit him, his wife had already left for the evening. Dad was restless and wanted to get up out of bed, the nurses had a challenge keeping him in bed. He kept pleading to let him sit up, even saying "I promise not to run away". When I got ready to leave I quizzed the nurse in his room if they would be someone with him all night, she said yes and I left. As I began to leave Ii looked at my dad and said 3 times - I love you Jacob. As I recalled afterwards it was the same thing and number of times my mother had said prior to her death in ;95. I had not been gone 15 maybe 20 minutes when I got a call from my sister telling me dad had died. I will never forgive myself for leaving him that night

the relationship i was nurturing and really believed in with forest blew up in my face. there was a moment where i was going to leave before i regretted anything, but i chose to stay. after a few days he called and said he felt i took advantage of him. my response over text should have been a call, but it was not my first more compassionate response, it was also filled with accusations. we have not spoken in a year. this experience really hurt my faith. my spirituality was challenged if not set aside. i realize i spent the year not finding reason or purpose in anything.

When my daughter in law was in the hospital delivering their latest child, I was able to watch my 21 month old grandson for 4 days! It was so wonderful to have Tommy with me - he is such a good little boy and just loves me so much! I’m so glad to be able to help my son and his wife and I got the best blessing.

Covid! Weirdly made me more connected with friends. I think people made an effort to be more connected.

We decided to look into other ways as having a home. We have register for a new senior living facility that will give us more time and less chores while allowing us the freedom that we seek

In November 2019, my big brother died. I had the privilege of flying in to help as needed. What he gave me in return, was more than I could have ever imagined. My big brother showed me how to die. Grace, dignity, Even making amends. it was unique. The biggest gift he gave me was an ongoing relationship with his three grown kids. They are truly wonderful people. I had not known them as kids.

Wow, how can you summarize a whole year with one experience. The first thing that comes to mind is helping Cass when I found out she was cutting. I am so glad that I went to the office! I was so nervous and I thought I may have done the wrong thing, but later I found out it helped her a lot. I think I am going to remember this in the future, that even if I am unsure about something it may end up helping someone significantly. The feeling I am taking this away from this is relieved that I ended up helping her and not hurting her more by telling the office. Another big "experience" i had this year was taking therapy. Wow! I am so different and I am so fortunate I was able to do that. Margot really changed my life, I would not be the same person I am today without her. I am so grateful for all the support I have gotten this year while battling my depression, inner critic, and negative thoughts that were just weighing me down like crazy!

My business is the busiest it’s ever been. I’m about 50% Interventions, 20%cash and the rest is insurance. I’m hoping to start a PAS program in Tampa

Really? Gee - what happened in 2020? The impeachment that wasn't. Covid covid and more covid. Killer wasps that were all the rage for 2 days. Supreme Court bullshit - part deux. Did I mention Covid?

My mother has decided to see the home I grew up in and I am grateful, relieved, resentful and inspired. Grateful that she is so accepting of her own limitations and that she is open to change, relieved that she is doing this of her own free will and embracing it, resentful that she isn't thinking of anyone else's feelings except her own and of her expectation that my sisters and I will facilitate everything, and inspired that she is ageing so gracefully and with much joy.

The first few weeks of lockdown when I was self-isolating were eye opening. While my world shrank to the size of my flat - and where I was suddenly alone - I became incredibly grateful for the love and support of my friends and family.

In the middle of the COVID 19 pandemic, my house burned down

There is no bigger experience in my life, let along this year, than the COVID-19 pandemic. It has effected every aspect of my life and has taken away things that I didn't realize were the simple treasures of life - seeing friends, smiling at people you pass on the sidewalk, hugging those you love. I am resentful at our government for its callousness and for the loss of life that is on their hands. But I am know that I am one of the lucky ones. I have financial means - I have a job, a home, and food. I have family who is helping us out (although for the first 6 months we were all on our own). I have a husbadn who is a partner and two children who I now know better than I could have ever known before. I know everything about them. I know what they're thinking now sometimes before they even know. And I am inspired by them - inspired by their adaptability and survival in this strange and honestly terrible world that we've found ourselves in.

This year, obviously COVID-19. We've been under stay at home orders since March 12. I'm so mentally exhausted. But Jason and I have never spent this much time together. So I'm thankful for that time and we spent 3 weeks with Max! We would have never had that time to give our nephew all the love and attention in the world.

What wasn’t significant this year? Buying a house right before COVID-19 hit, massive uprisings against racial violence, wildfires where we couldn’t see the sky for days, RBG dying, Trump being trump. It’s hard not to think this hasn’t been the worst year in history. And yet ,I’ve been continuing to right daily gratitudes in my journal, and I’m privileged to be in a better position than most of the rest of the world. I have an income, a job, a partner, a house, a support network, family. My best friend Ava and Sash gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. I feel so grateful for my friends near and far, and I feel inspired more than ever to work for a better world and to commit my life to this work, I feel a sense of obligation to focus on how I show up in my relationships and my community, and more than anything this time has forced me to reflect on who I am and who I want to be. Every year I think I make the same commitments and I don’t completely get there, but I want to continue to practice being joyful, kind, patient, a good listener, present, understanding, a good partner, friend, daughter, sister, and person.

In July, my community lost a precious soul- Yonim Eliezer Meir Schweig z"l- to a tragic drowning incident the day before his 21st birthday. His death hit our entire community so hard. It was so senseless, and unfair, and horrible. He and his family are the sweetest more pure people. I don't understand it, and I probably never will. Even though I barely knew Yonim, I knew other members of his family well, and I will be grieving for a long time. It left me feeling sad, and hopeless, and like life can be so unfair sometimes.

This past year has been just ludicrous, over-the-top, and unbelievably dramatic! But the main experience is one of growing up. We got a mortgage, my pops passed away, and I got pregnant - all within the same time frame. I was excited, devastated, terrified, confused and hopeful. But I am grateful too.

Too many to list. But mainly I'm frustrated and disappointed and feel like I got the shit end of the stick, even though there have been positive moments.

I spent most of this year recovering from vocal cord nodules, and part of the recovery was spending a month on vocal rest. This was actually a gift that the pandemic gave me - the ability to be totally silent and allow myself the time to heal. At the same time, it made me feel completely isolated from my family who I was living with because I couldn't communicate with them on a fundamental level and I couldn't reach out and connect with friends - especially difficult during a pandemic. After that experience, and especially post-surgery for the polyp that was ultimately found, I am taking care of my voice in a different way. I do vocal exercises every morning and I implement lessons from speech therapy. I wish I could say that I use my voice less or even listen more, but old habits die hard, and I'm a talker. One thing is for sure - I don't take my ability to communicate for granted.

trying to think “bigger than the past few days; smaller than a pandemic.” a significant experience has been living at home i guess. i’ve been home almost nine months, which is eight months longer than i’ve been home any other time since 2015. i am grateful in a material sense, grateful to live with others and to live in my house and to have abundance of food and space, and for my sister being here, and all of that; but overall it is not good for me. it isn’t good for my mental health, productivity, learning about myself, etc. i think for a lot of reasons it has been harder to be the reflective person i otherwise know myself to be (in these past few months), in no small part bc like, pandemic sucks and my reflections for months would have been “this sucks, i feel like shit,” but it’s also that—i think at home my instinct is to compress, distract. and it makes me mad at myself that i’m still here even though i understand the reasons why—logistical, for the most part—but also i could be doing more to apply for jobs, make executive decisions, etc.

Astounding amount of disgrace from co-workers, manager, and physician at work during the most sensitive time for young families in early COVID-19 school closure times. Felt like a shadow of darkness looming over me personally at an already challenging and physically depleting job. Not grateful but at least I know where people stand and found great therapeutic help out of it. Social worker and counselor provided the support and relief I needed that is severely lacking at home. Resentful of being judged unfairly by my team.

I broke my knee and was hospitalized twice for a total of three weeks.

I completed the most difficult design project of my career, which was a relief, after the previous year when it was a thorn in my side because authorities accused us of using the wrong code for four months but we were later vindicated we had been using the right code. The Bronx Whitestone Bridge platforms were built in the past year and turned out very well.

Outside of COVID-19, John acquired a new dog in August of 2020. That has changed our activities tremendously (although to be fair, so has the COVID virus). With his separation anxiety, we are only able to go and do things either with him or when he is in daycare. Our one night out, on John's birthday, we had to hire a sitter. There are moments of some resent, that we have to schedule activities to end before daycare closes. But I did encourage him to get a dog, and he is a love, but the adoption agency was unaware of his issues. But one adapts. And with the COVID restrictions, it hasn't been all that big of a deal.

Moving my mother-in-law in with us, and coming to realize that she was in the early stages of dementia and needed much more significant care than we had realized. The pandemic was the event that prompted this change, to move her out of her assisted living facility. So it was a small gift that came from those circumstances -- we might not have learned of her need for care if we weren't spending every day with her. I know we will look back on this time, challenging though it has been, as a wonderful opportunity to have more time with her at the end of her life.

Fire caused us to pack our 2 cars and prepare to evacuate, even though the actual warning for Phase 1 and 2 didn't include us. But we needed to wrap our heads around what to take and what to leave behind, so I made a list in my Bujo after being surprisingly detached from my Stuff, like I was in the early 70s when we had to leave our stuff and hitchhike. I only chose 4 paintings, 2 dolls (that looked like my daughters when they were 3), 6 books to read (not save), and any of my dad's pictures that I could find quickly. All the jewelry that went into bags, documents in a firebox, hard drives, laptops, and other valuables like that stayed by the door. The cars got packed with cat stuff, suitcases with 4-5 days worth of clothes, dopp kits, all the meds, gel, Clorox, masks. We let one family member know that they were the contact if we got separated. We filled tanks of gas, and parked outwards. And waited. We checked AQI and fire updates constantly. I miss blizzards. Grateful we have family in town that can shelter us. Scared Santa Ana Winds might kick up and sparks could go anywhere. I felt powerless.

I think the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been significant. This year has been a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences, restrictions enforced and restrictions eased, and amongst it all we've been watching Penny grow and change. Sometimes we wonder what kind of world we've brought her into - people have reacted to this pandemic so differently. Sometimes their actions and reactions bring us hope, and sometimes they scare us. Throughout all this turmoil, though, Penny has been our constant. I am so grateful for her existence.

Ha. I'm so angry and sad. I had to quit my job to avoid the pandemic. I work part time from home now. I had to withdraw from my nursing program before it began. I know I did the right thing but I feel so defeated and hopeless.

Hard to not mention COVID and the entire world being upside down. Many silver linings like sitting down to every meal with my gorgeous little girl. The first thing that came to mind was the most recent. I discovered that I can love and be loved. That facet of my life was not destroyed. It's alive. The impetus has moved on (i.e. that relationship) but it has beautifully and profoundly impacted my life. A reminder of my humanity....and beauty that still grows even after a long season of sheer hell.

Since last Rosh Hoshanah, I am so so grateful to be employed at a job I like, where I want to do well, and to be able to do it part-time (officiall). Unfortunately, the pandemic and quarantine and virtual learning have effectively made doing my job so much more difficult. I lack time and space boundaries. I am grateful that my husband I were successful in marriage counseling, so that as the quarantine began, we could honestly look at each other and say that we like each other. I am not sure what else to say.

I retired! I am grateful to God to have finished well, feeling good about my ending in adapting to online teaching with little forewarning.

Without a doubt the most significant experience this year is the pandemic. It is the lens that colors all else. I still, almost daily, do a reality check on it. Is this truly happening? I still find my self somewhat stunned that we could be living through this and that our country could have responded to poorly and so callously. I still have a hard time adjusting between fear and acceptance.

COVID-19 began in China in the late fall, and I felt sorry for the people there who were struggling and dying. And then in February 2020 it seemed that people entering the United States were unknowingly bringing the virus here, and people started to become ill on cruise ships in and nursing homes, mainly on the West Coast. Again, I was concerned that the virus was spreading, and yet I had not sense of how lethal it was. And then March 13, 2020, the State of New Jersey declared a lockdown. My son in Brooklyn asked if he and his family could move in with me. My son in Colorado called to tell me that his wife went into labor three weeks early, and it was clear that I was unable to get on an airplane to fly out to help them. And my other son began working every day at the bagel store as an essential worker providing food to people who were out in the community. And I was officially in the category of being at risk, given my age and issues of reactive airways. And then it was personal, and it was dangerous to me, my family, my friends, and my community. I was grateful that I had a house that I owned that was large enough to allow my children to move in and be safe. I was grateful that I had enough resources for food and medical care. I was also furious that the national government did not respond to a forceful manner to this threat, due to political motives. And people were dying. I continued to care for my loved ones and donate money to institutions which helped those in need. And yet, I was uncomfortable that it was not possible to do more, to make an impact in all the areas that I perceived needs. I was frustrated by my limitations.

A small event: when travelling through Spain in the morning, I saw the foggy color dimness that Monet actually captured in his paintings. I think respect him more for trying to accurately capture light, rather than just put a filter over different scenes. Yes, the colors are really that bold. For an art history teacher, learning to respect the difference is pretty important.

Being told I can't physically go to work. I thought I would feel relieved. No longer any guilt about spending so much time working from home. Instead, I feel unmoored. Apparently physically going to work is helps me keep my life in order.

Finding out my best friend B has stage 4 cancer was/is devastating. He's basically been my best friend for two decades... and tbh we've been drifting apart the last few years...but thats only made it harder.We...I have lost so many good people in the last few years. It's hard on my heart. I'm not ready to let B go. We have so many adventures ahead of us.

In the past year I was able to see my friend Winston after many years,and for that I am grateful Had a short Visit to Trinidad,and enjoyed spending time with my sister Angela,but now in retrospect,wish I had a longer visit to see other relatives.

Last time I answered this, I wrote about the breakup. I don't think I realized at the time that I answered it (about a month after the event happened) that the breakup was going to be one of the best things that ever happened to me. I've talked about this in my other answers, but my life and future has changed in exhilarating ways. I feel more myself than I have, and I've had so many experiences that I know in my heart would never have happened if I was still in that relationship. In a senes, even though it happened last year, the breakup was still a significant experience this year. But I'll talk about another big moment - meeting the person I'm going to spend the rest of my life with in January. Over Tinder of all places, lol. In writing this, it might seem like all my experiences revolve around romantic relationships, but this couldn't be further from the truth. This man changed my life in that he helped me love myself. He taught me how to nourish my inner child. To cherish the experiences I have. To constantly seek out ways to love the world better than I already do. To take life in stride. This is an ongoing experience, too, which is the fun part.

I graduated GSSW and moved back home to CA because I wanted to be there with my family through Rachel's pregnancy and Gramma's 99th birthday and I see a future with Joe. Joe and I finally got our own place and a dog, and I got my first job out of grad school working in residential addiction recovery. COVID-19 only solidified that choice for me. Honestly, I'm feeling a little of every emotion at once. Mostly grateful for my partner, my family, and my friends, trying not to be resentful of them too much. I'm relieved to not be going through all of this craziness alone, and instead with people who love and support me.

I fell down some stairs and broke my left ankle the day after I turned 40. It made me even more thankful for my spouse, my friends, and my family. My spouse stepped up amazingly with home upkeep and childcare duties. Friends brought by dinner for my family and offered to help with childcare as well. It also made me realize that I have been taking my body for granted and I need to be exercising more.

In the past year my dad was put into the hospital for a lengthy period of time. It was very scary and we didn't know if he was going to be ok. I felt hopeful and glad he was strong.

My brother’s house caught fire. I’m so thankful all of them and the pets got out safely. Although it’s depressing thinking about all the stuff they lost and how long they will be displaced and my heart hurts for them, I. Any imagine getting a call that my brother, SIL or one of nieces or nephews had passed away. So grateful. Makes you rethink priorities

Certainly Covid-19 comes to mind immediately. Yet it turned out to be one of the greatest things that could have ever happened to my life and business. It lead to so many revealing things about our society as a whole. It gave me at times the ability to really look within myself to see what was really important to me overall. I am truly grateful and certainly felt inspired to make a difference in the world.

Migrated from Cleveland to Ashland Oregon Extremely challenged

Couple things:) 1) I underwent the egg freezing process in 2019, including 2 "surgeries" / aka extractions which resulted in 4 little chickadees. It was an incredibly formative experience - an important exercise in "letting go", especially amidst the birth of my niece Geneve (!) and feeling far away from having that kind of life myself (partner and child). 2) In a crazy twist of events, I met Alex Britton Slone on May 28 and found out July 4, 2020 that we're expecting - baby boy due March 2021!!

COVID - I think that says it all right there. It has been a double-edged sword for me. On the one hand, it has been wonderful to spend so much time with Morgan. Our lives are normally so busy with work and family obligations that we don’t get to just relax and enjoy time together. Since we both have the privilege of working from home, it is easy to move from the desk to the kitchen to fix dinner and eat together around a table and talk. And on the other side, we can’t see friends and family in any sort of “normal” way anymore - no brunches, family meals, hugging, sitting around having coffee and talking or playing games. The best we can do is sit in the driveway and chat. It is really, really hard. Zoom calls don’t cut it anymore. I miss facials and getting my nails done. I miss massages and going out with friends to the movies. I am so very, very, very lucky that I don’t have to worry about my job (so far) and we have the money to stay quarantined but that doesn’t make this easy either.

Getting back to work after more than a year off for health reasons, and then landing a new job almost straight away. I was terrified after so long away that I’d be off my game, or unable to cope. The opposite has been true. I’ve learned so much in my personal life and development that has made me a calmer, more resilient professional. So I’m very grateful to be back to full health. And feeling relieved and surprised at the power that being unwell and recovering has given me. In retrospect, it was a year well spent.

Covid-19 has made me very health conscious and has brought me out of my per Diem retirement back to a full time engagement. I am grateful under the circumstances not only for my health but the opportunity to work more hours during this time period. We cannot travel or participate in "normal" activities so I am happy to be earning some extra money that is being banked for the future.

Umm... the pandemic. A lot has happened this year, but that came first and continues and has uniquely layered onto everything else. It’s daunting. There are still so many unknowns. Yet I have already learned an immense amount from this experience. I listen more. I am a better human being. I share the losses with my colleagues, my friends, and my family. I share the joys.

2020 has been the year from Hell. Schools closed on Friday, March 13 and by Monday, March 16, we were all in quarantine. For months, my kids and I went no where, except our house and my parents' house. I'm considered high-risk, because of my autoimmune disease. Eric is essential and because of his job, we determined it was safer for him to stay at the armory for the first month. I managed both children with virtual school, obtaining groceries and other supplies via online ordering and curbside pickup. It's now September 21, and we are still in virtual learning. I'm still ordering groceries for curbside pickup. I haven't been inside a Target since March. We all have masks in case we need to go somewhere. The kids are mildly paranoid about catching COVID. While I was high functioning depressed prior to all this, I quickly plunged into a pretty deep depression that I am still not out of. Chorus has been cancelled. We weren't able to compete. Rehearsals are held via Zoom, but we still can't sing, because of technical delays. I finally got a chance to see a few friends a couple weeks ago. I'm on multiple anti-depressants and I am always exhausted. I'm not sure that we will ever return to "normal." Maybe this is the new normal. Maybe we'll always have masks in public. Maybe we'll always be obsessive about hand sanitizer. And as much as I am struggling with everything, I still find myself being extra cautious. If school re-opens before the holidays, I don't think I can send me kids back. That's putting a lot of trust in other parents to do the right thing and I'm not willing to risk my kids. Some people are thriving. I am not.

COVID and my father's passing as a result. I was changed in a good way by the people who helped me through the experience. I felt loved, cared for, safe. I fought hard to be able to see him one last time, though I was in denial about it being the last time. And I saw him. Flew into New York at the pandemic's height to spend a half hour with him, unconscious and ventilated. It was the most important trip of my life, somehow. And by all measures, it did nothing. My father still died. I don't even believe he knew I was there--he was very sedated. So what was the point, and why was it important? Probably because I did everything I could, for once. For somebody who would never know. We are/were atheists, my father and me. I'm not earning points. I'm just growing to be a better person for the people around me.

RGB just died. My baby brother is having a baby, not on purpose, with a girl he barely knows, and I'm not, despite years of trying. Trump somehow might bully and brainwash his way into another four years. I'm sick, I'm sad, I'm scared.

Don’t think an answer to this has ever been more obvious or universal to Americans in recent history than the pandemic. It’s left me with a lot of resentment and disgust at both the system that allowed this to happen, my fellow citizens who have so little empathy or concern for their vulnerable cohabitants, and also myself for being so complicit with the system. We were warned about this when Ebola happened and did nothing. I resent not working harder to work against the election of the current administration. Had we had a better leader, we could maybe be in the resilient positions of South Korea, New Zealand, or any other role model in this crisis. I’m resentful towards the pressure from the man and the performances from all of us to be productive in the midst of this trauma. But, I am grateful for my renewed appreciation in all of the little things from the way life used to be. I will never take travel, performance, or social events for granted ever again. I’m also grateful for the opportunity to catch my own breath and get my house in order, but only in the interest of cultivating personal peace, not a performance in home making to appear productive. I appreciate how much time I’ve taken to be kind to myself.

The last year was full to the brim with challenges internal to my family and external to my family. I had a hard year with my teenager, harder than I could imagine- and that is saying something. While it was a roller coaster year, I feel we have finally settled down a little. We had the external challenge of COVID-19 Quarantine starting in March, a tense national election season, and a smoky fire season on the West Coast. I believe we have responded with resilience. I am grateful for work, health, health insurance, Grace’s increased help with kids, my parent’s and sister’s help, a safe place to love and be, my one mental health and my Jewish community. I am relieved that I am still working and paying the bills. I am resentful that I am terrible sitting still. I am inspired by God.

Had my house updated

An event that has a significant impact on me was the COVID outbreak. This event had an impact on everyone, but I feel that the impact it had on me was different. I like everyone else lost things, including family members. I missed out on sports seasons, school dances, vacations, and just daily life. The impact COVID had on me was deeper. During the time of isolation my mental state suffered then bloomed. I learned to be comfortable with being by myself and who I am. I learned how to handle hard feelings as the world was feeling the stress of the pandemic I wish I did not have to learn these things because of COVID, but I am grateful to have learned them.

A significant experience that has happened in the past year is having a global pandemic that has wreaked havoc all around the world. How this affected me was cutting my junior year short, keeping me from being able to see certain family members, etc. However I am in a way grateful for the sole reason of this bringing me to my senses about how family is super important and time is precious.

pressing pause on embryo adoption. after receiving multiple options for transfer, none of them felt quite right. i couldn't figure out if i really wanted to do it or not and none of the profiles felt worth the risk. or if i loved the IDEA of having a baby more than actually having a baby. i'm still here. wondering. not certain of what comes next.

Cancer diagnosis. My mortality was thrown in my face. I was relatively not freaked out. I was grateful that it wasn't a less treatable form of cancer, and relieved that it hasn't spread. How could I be resentful? It has inspired me to take action in my life long overdue.

Is there any way to make any of the 10Q not be around COVID-19? I don't think so. I'll just let it permeate each question like it's permeating every aspect of our lives right now, because that's the truth.

I started a new job... my first real dose of passion work. It's different than anything I've ever done, in every single way. I'm now an independent contractor and have to bill for my time. I don't get paid regularly and if I were single, that would be a huge stressor. But I've also become comfortable navigating jails and prisons, my clients are all incredibly unique, and my successes in this job are small so far but for at least one of my clients the work has been incredibly meaningful. When I look to the future, I see so many different possibilities. When people ask about my job, I'm so excited to share what I do. I'm learning something new all the time and feel like an imposter most days, but also know I'm finally where I'm supposed to be.

Hands down the pandemic is the significant event. Hoping that next year I can read this and see the crisis as a soon to be distant memory. Plenty of feelings associated with this. I am grateful for what I have knowing I am better off than so many others. I am employed (hopefully well into the future) and I have a home and my family is healthy. I am angry that with the way the US Government has responded to the crisis and I am ashamed at the way so many Americans have reacted with such selfish actions.

2020 has been a stunning year, dominated by COVID-19, the subsequent increase in business success for both LJ and myself, and a damaging loss of connection with my home in Santa Cruz. Overall, the most important facet of this bizarre gem is that my life is no longer defined by the rat-race of hustling here and there, and that this has resulted in my beginning an entirely new book, Welcome, with much progress being made on a regular basis. Who woulda thunk?

This year has been so full of significant changes, turning life as we knew it on its head. I guess since the pandemic came first, I want to name it first, but it feels like an open-ended experience of profound change that includes the Black Lives Matter uprising as well as the flood of climate events and political horrors that have ensued. Life as we knew it was racing along at its usual breakneck speed and then everything came to an absolute halt. We’d never imagined that was even possible. That the streets wouldn’t have cars on them, that everything could just close. The new normal that has emerged, well we’ve adapted to it, we’re such adaptable creatures, except for the non adaptable ones, and there are hordes of them too. Communing from a distance, that’s normal now. The part that’s the most alarming is the layering of disaster and uncertainty that just keeps getting piled on. The shockingly bad federal management of the pandemic that’s led to excess death and even worse economic outlook. The very open fascist rule we’re increasingly under, like a black nuclear cloud growing more and more ominous by the day. There’s often a gnawing feeling in the pit of my stomach. And yet I’m more inspired than ever to do creative work, to spend my time being more true to myself, and more true to others.

COVID-19 Wreaked havoc in so many ways. While grieving about all that has been canceled or postponed, or even changed, I don't recall ever naming a feeling as "resentment." I focus on gratitude, while also allowing space for the real grief at what's being missed. No relief - some inspiration in terms of the "great pause" and the focus on simpler life.

COVID COVID COVID In some ways it's not what I thought a pandemic would be. Visions of future dystopia, "the road," type scenarios are what came to mind before. Overall, I'm just staying home and cooking more, and even saving some money (much of which I'm giving away). Obviously I'm angry at how poorly it's been handled by our country's leadership, but I'm grateful for what I have and being able to reexamine wants vs needs.

In October 2019 I married my soul-mate. We practiced hand-fasting so we should be re-committing every year.

I played my first DJ gig online for an online event. It felt great to do what I love for others, but I let my anxiety take over and I didn't share the link with anyone of my friends or family. I wish I had not let that happen, because I was proud of myself, but had no one to share it with.

My marriage ended. Hugely relieved that it ended, grateful for freedom and new beginnings, resentful of the toxicity we both endured, inspired to live for and by myself as well as for others.

After getting into Fuqua I had planned to leave DaVita in mid-April to go backpack the W-Trek of Torres del Paine (Patagonia), and then hop around South America for a couple months before school, but then COVID hit and Chile closed their borders. I was pretty upset that I wasn't able to take full advantage of my time off, but Patagonia will always be there. Taking a positive look at things, it was probably a good idea to keep working at DaVita a little longer so that I could have some additional funds in my bank account. Also, staying with Julie and Jon throughout quarantine was a great place to quarantine as I felt like we all got really close, I got to be there when they got Sage and I got into cooking (Jared Thursdays). Although I didn't get to make it to South America, doing the month-long road trip with Blake (CO, UT, WY, MT, ID) was a pretty badass way to spend the summer.

COVID 19 struck the world. Initially I was not impacted or overly alarmed. When March came and Colorado began seeing its first cases. As a Respiratory Therapist seeing some of these patients and how sick they were. I and others at times felt helpless as conventional ways of treating our patients didnt work. I am grateful to have helped some of these patients. I am grateful for being healthy and having N95 masks to wear in my interactions with my patients. I am saddened that my ex brother in laws father contracted and was taken due to COVID. May this coming year be a good year for all.

Covid-19--Coronavirus--the pandemic has overwhelmed everything. I feel threatened, I feel angry, I feel a sense of loss of what might have been these past many months, had I not been robbed of my freedom.

covid-19 cancelling the entire world. i am grateful, resentful, and overall lucky to be in a situation where i feel stable and secure, and value the insights it has brought to me.

Until yesterday when RBG died, the only thing of greater import was the inhumane and cruel murder of George Floyd in my beloved city, Minneapolis. At 81 and with some COVID limitations, I could not march with my black, brown, and white sisters and brothers. But I read "The Fire Next Time" and "Between the World and Me" to my late teen grandchildren on Zoom - 2 mornings a week. For that I was glad. As my eyes were being opened and reopened, I participated in the opening of their eyes. My first response was horror and disbelief that such a murder could happen in 2020 and in Minneapolis. I remember participating in one of the many services celebrating Floyd's life, and being asked to stand silently in front of my TV for 8 minutes, 46 seconds. It was unbelievable how long that is! I was again struck with the brutality. I have been inspired over and over again in the aftermath of Floyd's death with the amount of love that was outpouring and continues to be. The miracle of that love sustains us as we continue and are recharged altho hampered by the virus to finally see the truth and plan for real systemic changes.

Without a doubt the most significant experience this year is Covid19. Initially I was guarded but proceeding with life with just a few changes; but by the end of March it was becoming apparent that we all would need to make drastic changes including a month long shut down of gyms, non essential stores, churches. EVERYTHING came to a standstill. I didn't get to be with Owen for weeks and when I finally stopped by for a visit, I burst into tears. It was at that moment I realized just how much this pandemic had impacted me. I have made some major changes as a result of the pandemic and have embraced a slower life and the pleasures of being by myself. It helped me get more comfortable with things like FaceTime and Zoom and online counseling. I have also recognized the importance of people in my life and feeling the need to reach out more. As we are approaching month 8 of social distancing I feel its effect more now. I do feel more lonely and at times wonder if it will ever have an ending date. Our partnership made some tough decisions including shutting down both the Columbia and Spring Hill offices until there is a vaccine and the numbers are nearly flattened in our area. In the meantime, I am embracing mask wearing, hand washing, social distancing and finding ways to be with others in whatever way I can

I received a grant to work on a proposed art piece. While much of the project has been delayed or changed as a result of the pandemic, I'm trying very hard to remember how that recognition felt and how excited I felt to embark on a new creative endeavor.

This has been a rocky year. Between political landscape and irrational leadership, married with global environmental challenges, the death of George Floyd as the catalyst for change and ensuing protests, inequities, world events, extreme wildfires, & COVID... the lack of normalcy and consequences is profound. I will be glad to see 2020 end... Still pending the presidential elections in 6 weeks :(

In a year of significant experiences for all of us - I've had many personal events. Each devasting in their own way. When Evan Woo died this January, I didn't think it was only the beginning of a year of sorrow. The death of my precious Q's best friend was shocking, sudden and so, so sad. Evan has been part of our family since the boys were in the 4th grade and started ELP together. Their bond was strong and Evan was Dinny's touchstone. I worried that his drug overdose would throw my boy into a tailspin but seeing the 'crew' bury their best friend was so painfully beautiful. The boys who have been friends since elementary school came together to do this one last thing for Evan and it will forever be etched in my mind.

This year we got to the end of the fertility rope - IVF. In some ways it was frightening...the last hope, the highest level of intervention we could imagine. The experience itself was a rollercoaster. Part of me is relieved, with a hope that 3 embryos is enough to give us the family we imagine, and part of me is still in the trauma of the last two years. But a larger part of me is trying to let that all go, to be present with this growing life inside me, to be grateful that it's finally our turn. Ultimately, this experience changed everything, our lives will never be the same.

This year has been challenging from many aspects beyond COVID -19 ~ My job was crazy and made me crazy from time to time - my boss (no longer my boss) wasn't as honest and sweet as she pretends to be and it stings - she told things I shared under the cone of silence with other managers and that was such a breach of trust that I lost all respect for her - they realigned territories and I have a new manager - 3rd in less than 2 years - but I had an amazing sales year - sold over 6 million dollars - in a year when budget cuts were looming - I am very proud of my success and happy to be making an honest living wage as well as getting commissions that allow me to not worry and do upgrades to my home I have been waiting for 10 years to complete. I feel grateful that I have the opportunity to continue to be successful and offer support to my fellow educators. I am learning to be more patient and still fight for the things that will make a difference. I am learning that this is only a job (I love it) but there are more important issues to be focusing on and taking time to lean in and learn more about myself is a good thing!

My closest-in-age cousin and I spent a week hiking the High Sierra Trail, 73 miles from west to east, over the mountains in California this summer. We've gone backpacking together before, including in Sequoia, and it was really special to me that we spent this time together and that we spent it doing this really beautiful, epic trek in place that's special to both of us. I was surprised and grateful that we were able to summit Mt. Whitney on our second-to-last day of the hike. Now I'm questioning other boundaries in my life.

The most significant experience of the past year was that I earned how to use the Zoom app, to begin attending Meeting for Worship with the Friends Meeting in Colorado Springs, CO, in March or early April. No meetings were within reach physically, and so I had not taken part in Quaker worship or any other sort since the autumn of 2009. This enabled me also to enroll in an Artist's Way workshop through the U of Wisconsin and to take part in online gatherings with people I have known only through newsgroups and email for as much as a quarter century. I am feeling somewhat over-peopled at this point, but I think I'll adjust as the months pass. I have been for the most part in isolation for years because of multiple chemical/fragrance sensitivities and other breathing problems. In summary, I am grateful, relieved, and inspired.

The Covid pandemic occurred. It just hurt my travel schedule and social life. I just hope that my dad and I don't get the disease and am grateful for our health and my cousin's recovery from the disease.

How many of us are answering with COVID related answers? I mean, duh? but maybe not so much. We purchased a home, amid the pandemic. We are incredibly grateful that we are still able to do that, that our jobs remained, that we have not been significantly impacted by the fallout of our economy, COVID, the natural disasters and horrific police brutality that has been ravaging our nation But also, Z has been away for three months now completing his Basic Combat Training, and now Advanced Individual Training at the Army School of Music so that he can be a part of the National Guard Band. We moved into the house, he had to leave two days later. It's been madness.

Like everyone else, the global pandemic and subsequent lock down has been isolating. It's been both difficult and rewarding to rely on my own company. I miss the easy social interactions but I also value the solitude.

Will everyone's answer to this be the same? Covid-19 has knocked us all for six, but in some ways we have all had to rethink our lives. Some have been luckier than others but strangely it has given me the freedom work-wise that I craved. At times I have felt trapped and anxious and it has limited my ability to be spontaneous. But in other ways it has made us slow down.

I received a possibly bad - possibly not bad, medical test result ... apparently through no behavior error of my own. Still waiting to re-do the test and see if it a bad result or an insignificant result due to some other factor. This result caused me to ponder the bigger issues of life and death.

The death of George Floyd, along with this administrations blatant disregard for human life has inspired me to go into the law profession. While I hate the pain everyone in this country is feeling, most especially people of color and those who have been directly effected by the current administration, I am grateful to have found a new passion and purpose for my life.

a year ago I signed my son out of the residential treatment center where he was as another young teen there committed suicide while on their watch. i realize at the time this was one of the hardest decisions and how I might be making a huge mistake and how whatever progress he had made i might be throwing away, in retrospect i am so glad i listened to my instinct, call it maternal or not. I know now whatever time my son has left on this earth or I for the same token I rather spend it with him. when people ask me what does he do all day I say He Breathes and that that is a beautiful thing.

Too many to note! Covid, political situation, losing my mom, our various health challenges. It's been a shit show! But we remain grateful and committed to walking a spiritual path of gratitude, compassion and love. Some days are harder than others! Regarding losing my mom, it brings up feelings of incredible grief and an odd feeling of relief - she will never have to age and suffer. She will no longer be stressed and worried. But I would trade those possibilities for having her back. I am sorry for all the times I was not patient.

My girlfriend of seven years and I decided that we wanted to get married. During the long reflective and miserable early days of Covid, we wanted to look towards the future - to have something to look forward to. But more than that, we wanted to feel alive again; after all of the chaos and uncertainty of the year, we knew that we only had each other - so enough already, the time to start our life is now!

There is an ongoing global pandemic that has changed everything. It has triggered a lot of resentment in me but also profound gratitude. I hope and pray that people learn from this experience and it wakes us all up to be better in the coming year and future. I hope it becomes a lesson of compassion and not insecurity.

I turned 40! Doing it in quarantine was ROUGH. But I was proud that I asked for what I needed, and my friends and family delivered in a HUGE way. I am a little disappointed in myself that I let quarantine bring me down, but I also acknowledge that I'm also holding space for others as part of my work, and we were ALL down - so a person can only handle so much weight.

COVID! I have been grateful that I started a new job the week before the shutdown began. This gave me the chance to volunteer with my local public health department in helping with pandemic response. It was a double win, and after 5 months involvement I am letting myself pivot to do more self care this fall, as my paid job ramps up more.

This has been quite a year. Personally we have been blessed with two new grandsons and 4 new grand nices and nephews and a wedding, but the world is so distressing we have COVID, Trump, Extreme weather events, Pandemic racism, the death of Ruth Bader Ginsberg...all this has left me very sad and discouraged and often hopeless. I feel I have to show hope to my children, but it is so difficult.

Getting my Level 3 childcare

How can there be anything more significant than a pandemic? Well, a wedding even if the Chupah has been postponed and it's a civil marriage to facilitate legal relationship.

I’ll never forget the day that I’ve finally landed the concept artist role in an animation studio. Not only it marks the beginning of my journey as a visual development artist after a long creative drought, it felt like rain has finally arrived and washed away all the disappointment, anxiety and bitterness that has been building up in my heart over the years. After floating around with other jobs out of necessity for a long time, I feel like I’ve finally came home to my own element and for that I’m grateful for the opportunity given.

I had our second baby. What can you say about that? It was hard, then got harder. Then got dark. Then, somehow, by the grace of God and the love of good women, it all got lighter. My pregnancy and postpartum with Huey could be the most difficult of my life -- save the first months after my mom was first diagnosed. I think back on those weeks (just 3 months ago!) and I shudder. The darkness still feels so close. My baby was mine but not me. He needed me and I couldn't give him what he needed. I had to do this alone, but could not physically stand to be alone, carrying all this by myself. My angels: Chris, Liza, Haley. My sweet respite: Nellie. What do you owe the people who keep you floating? Money? Kisses? I dont know. I don't think I can ever repay what they have given me, so I will just walk on, living and knowing that as people have saved me, perhaps I can help save someone else.

Coronavirus affected everything about our lives and changed everything. My most significant change was that I now have worked from home 99% of the time with no end in sight. It was frustrating at first, but now I believe it can be a benefit to my mental & physical health.

Finally getting my promotion as a graphic designer I think has really been an amazing thing for me. For the first time in a very long time, I am doing work that I enjoy doing and that I went to school for. Its been a very long road to get here, and now that its here, its allowing me to get things done that I've had on the back burner for so long. Preparing my house to sell. Making moves in my life. Its been good.

Deciding i had to be alone on new year´s evening. I wasnt feeling good, a bit sick. I cried a lot, send emssages to everyone i liked. I felt relieved because it was that i needed at that moment. Understanding that the bad experiences of 2019 got me stronger and focused on the right things to do, and right path to walk to 2020.

I moved to South Carolina, found a condo, and a great teaching job. I started collecting Social Security. Then the pandemic hit. I love being home and teaching too. I love where I live and how I spend my free time. I feel a lot more relaxed and settled, which is something I have been hoping for a long time.

I got divorced. There were so many things that happened as a result of this. It was a relief that the relationship was finally over, resentment over how much I'm going to need to support my ex, and a lot of emotions about how much I left myself within that. There was so much in it. It's been such a big change in my life.

I had my 2nd child. I am very glad we went forwards with having a 2nd child. I can already see how her presence expands each of our capabilities of virtue and reorients us towards virtue and what’s meaningful. I have had a tendency in the past to compare my trajectory with those of the many men in my field who have stay at home wives. There was a way I could continue doing that even after having one child that I think is in a very healthy way not possible now. From here I have to make my road by walking.

I started an emotional connection with someone at the tail end of this year that I think could be my next serious romantic partner. I'm feeling hopeful. I feel like I've been wondering for a long time, and I hope this development marks the end of my wondering.

My father died. I am relieved that he is no longer suffering. There is a way that his death sets me free because we were so enmeshed and entwined. But I am also crushed and feel invisible.

Well, we had many. COVID is on everyone's mind, of course. In northern Italy we had 3 solid months of lockdown and with my health issues I stayed on our property. Aside from taking Bill for short walks in the mornings (200 meters), I walked laps in the yard, did walking videos, worked out, and worked in the yard to stay active and busy. As difficult as it was to be in lockdown and then have such severe restrictions, I am grateful for a few things it provided: 1. Time with my husband. He had to work from home, and even then was on a reduced schedule. We spent a lot of time together and it was lovely. We did projects around the house and garden, talked, watched movies, planned, and really enjoyed each other's company. 2. It gave me the push I needed to focus on finally building my online business. I did a lot of things I enjoy, like writing, and I got out of my comfort zone and started interacting more and doing things to help me get clients. While I don't want anyone to suffer any more with this virus, I was almost looking forward to a 2nd wave of lockdown. I let myself get so busy that I've not done many of the things I wanted to do, and another opportunity to have a reduced schedule would be welcomed, although I'd much rather have it be for other reasons.

I have been praying for a way to pay off my morgtage and could not do so no matter how I tried. I instead ended up with arrears, and a court judgment giving me 11 months to pay of $500,000. With no job, no savings and no friends or relative that I could ask for assistance, I decided to believe instead that this is the answer that I have prayed for. Next year I would answer about the outcome.

I moved from Asia to America. It has been eventful and some parts have been enjoyable but over all, the entire experience has not been nearly as positive as I had expected. Americans are assholes.

I bought a house! Or rather, we bought one. After missing out on two others, it felt like the perfect conclusion to that tale to find one that was nicer than both of them and finally get it. It's so beautiful, I am so delighted I can hardly contain it sometimes. The house needs a lot of work, and the garden has so much potential, that I'm hoping I will continue to find new delight as we bring it back to full glory, discover all its secrets (even the bad ones) and make it truly ours. A side note - I feel so grateful to have been able to do this in a time of economic turmoil. I feel incredibly lucky and privileged. I hope I never take it for granted.

Well. COVID happened. The most surreal thing happened: lockdown, people queuing for food, all shops and restaurants closing, empty streets. The realisation of the absolute lack of certainty and control over our lives, the isolation, the dread for contact and touch. And somehow, just as the tide, insights and revelations when the mind is stripped of it's certainties and distractions.

The Covid pandemic. Although it's caused so much suffering world wide I'm grateful for the fact it has allowed life to reset. I'm working from home more, and enjoying the simple pleasures - riding my bike, sitting in the garden. It feels like so many pressures have lifted. I do feel a certain amount of guilt, I know I'm lucky.

I came out to my parents. Or rather, I was forced to confront the reality of them discovering it for themselves. Through a mix of unhappy coincidence and unfortunate character traits, they crossed a personal boundary that I had constructed many years before and didn't quite yet feel ready to open. Part of me is grateful that some unknown cosmic force - destiny, circumstance, chance - made this happen, but there is a part of me that feels unsatisfied with the course of events. It can't be taken back now. The breaking of trust makes the sweet taste of freedom bitter enough to resent. But hey, all things moving forward, right?

Corona Pandemic. I'm pretty cool with it. Saves me travel time, lets me work directly from my own computer with all my own materials available. Not bad at all

Living with my family again as an adult (due to COVID-19). I am so grateful that they looked beyond their own worries and invited us to stay with them - knowing how much we were struggling prior to that. I was proud of how welcoming and enthusiastic my parents were and surprised by how well we all got along after all this time.

There are two things. No 1. COVID. Completely changed the world and how I interact with it. A mixture of fear, anger, resignation and depression. No 2. BREXIT, we left the U.K. mostly anger. Not sure how’s it’s going to impact as the government is making a balls up of the trade negotiations.

in the last one year with all challenges and hickups i have been able to see the beginning of the end to my house construction which is a inspiration to start the next phase of my life which is to plan to get married

I met my boyfriend this year, mid year. He has changed my life and I am ever so grateful. I have found that expressing my gratitude to him makes me feel so good and hearing him express his gratitude makes me feel wonderful too. I am relieved because I have hoped to find someone, being widowed 12 years now. He inspires me to be a better person. I am not at all resentful.

The COVID lockdown. It has...other than the worry...been a fascinating look that made me reevaluate how I work, how our family is, and many other things. Its' made me more focused and appreciative of just being home, since that's all we've been able to do 9meaning less on going out, going traveling, etc.). I was usprised how well I took to it, and it will feel werid - and probably not suepr pleasant, oddly - when (if) if ever goes back to "normal."

COVID-19 kind of turned everyone's lives upside-down. Our summer was different, and we entered lockdown not long after summer finished. I have worked from home for almost 6 months. It has pretty much put a stop to my plan of career-changing, as many people have lost jobs and it has become even more competitive to try,

I had a baby. She's amazing. But I also was COVID positive at delivery, and I will never fully recover being treated the way I was treated, which frankly paled in comparison to the way I was sure she was going to die because of me for the first 6 weeks of her life. I am so glad she didn't get COVID from me (at the time, nobody knew what would happen to an infant with COVID). I curse the day this virus made its way into my body, and I curse the way it robbed me of a normal first year of motherhood.

When the pandemic hit and lockdown started. I felt weirdly victorious. I have been doing a bit of prepping and storing for a rainy day. It was enlightening to find that I had done enough. I had chosen well. I was fully prepared. I am not wealthy or even well off by any means, but the little bit I did do and the things I focused on completely soothed my fears and with that strength I could comfort others fully without being distracted. So weird to feel good in a horrible situation. But, there it is.

I decided to apply to SEBI for certification of a Registered Financial Advisor. I started the process in January 20. I had to pass a couple of exams which I did in March and July 2020 and I completed the certification process in early September 2020. I feel a sense of satisfaction having done through this process at the age of 54. I was surely the oldest person at the examinations. I studied for an exam after more than 30 years. But its never too late and I look forward to start my Financial Advisory practice.

I made the decision to leave my school of three years. While I was comfortable there and loved my classes I taught, I started feeling constantly disrespected while being told how important I was. Not being a part of the “inner circle” of the school put me in a position of being secondary to those who were. I used to feel excited to be there every day, even on the days I knew would be hectic or stressful but now I found myself sitting in my car every morning trying to will myself to get out and go inside to my classroom. It was a hard decision, but I had to put my happiness and mental health first.

COVID-19 has allowed me time and space to go deeper into myself for better or for worse. It has opened doors I would not have considered trying the handle to otherwise.

My company was acquired by a bigger company towards the end of 2019. The acquisition took place in January 2020. Just before last Thanksgiving I received word that my job would continue. As the only wage earner in my family this was a relief. And at the same time, I felt and continue to feel pressure: I cannot lose this job. Everything I do I fret: will they be satisfied? Am I doing a good job? Is it enough? I’m so grateful to have a job and one that’s been remote since day one so the pandemic has not changed my work. Yet, I’m always looking over my shoulder. And with so many people losing their jobs and looking for work, there’s a sense of survivor guilt. How am I so lucky when so many are suffering? How can I complain that I’m having trouble making ends meet when others have so much less? I’m still not sure how I can get it to come together financially and all I can really do is focus and keep my head down.

I took a new job. It was the best decision I have made in a long time. I work with incredible people and have a lot of support. I couldn't succeed in a pandemic like I am anywhere else I've ever been.

Oh gawd. Covid, riots in PDX, and oregon fires... it went from bad to worse, and although i’ve been ok through it all its hard to keep my head above water sometimes. Oh- and I also found out chris has his eyes on other ladies online, and has been keeping his tinder profile alive through our entire relationship. Somehow he is still pseudo living with me on my apartment, but I am not sure how long this will last... I cant get the distrust and feeling of his lack of integrity and possibly even interest out of my mind. He has excuses but I dont feel like I can believe him.

I think finally being promoted, if not just the freshest, is probably one of the most significant experiences that happened this year. I think I feel validated by it finally happening. It was such a slow-motion horror show in tandem with the pandemic, and the anticipation was awful, and with the perception of time being so off-kilter, it was all a bit much. But now that it's here, it's amazing. I'm genuinely happy for it. Not just for the work, but for everything else it represents. From the kid who couldn't hold down a job for more than a few months at a time, to my 11th year with a company, developed into a senior management position, and genuinely doing some really great things with my life. It's pretty amazing. It has helped invigorate my desire to be engaged in moving forward and improving myself. In actualizing my potential. We'll see if I like that phrasing in a year.

I graduated college!! I’m extremely grateful that I was able to finish and be given the gift of a college education in a field I’m really passionate about. Also, relieved that I can be done with school for now.

The death of George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery brought to light to the world the amount of racism and injustice that takes place for black people, but specifically for me as a black man it was hard to see those two deaths take place . And during that process it also brought to the forefront the types of people who are in charge and running major institutions whether it be schools , hospitals , Fortune 500 businesses and how they have actively not implemented anti racist practices in their way of working . I encountered a situation where my boss in an effort to be in solidarity with the BLM movement sent out an apology /acknowledgement letter to our staff but misspelled ahmaud arbery’s name. When that happened it brought into question her intent and also the impact she wanted to have in first waiting more than 3 weeks after the fact and then second not being intentional with her response. After receiving backlash from this and specifically being asked not to ask or request black employees to help her correct this mistake ....this person moves forward and not only asks the only two black male identifying to help her but to essentially write the letter for her 🤦🏿‍♂️. It was the first time that I saw in close proximity to me how a white cis women didn’t understand the privilege that she had and was actively utilizing that privileged unknowingly to continue to disregard the emotional state of her black male employees. I was grateful and sad to have this experience because I thought I worked in a place was actively fighting against this injustice and racist narrative but to my dismay the person who is leading us has no real idea what is really taking place and was sort of just going through the motions . It was very disheartening! I was inspired to make sure that I actively speaking up against racism and discriminatory actions , and continue to spread awareness and knowledge about anti racist.

Meeting Rahul's parents in person and being welcomed like I was a part of a family was a new sensation to me. It's a polar opposite experience of how my family had reacted to our relationship due to our difference in religion (my family's and Rahul's family's). In one way, Rahul's parents warm welcome has been very humbling. In another way, it saddens me that my family and I continue to be at loggerhead simply because of our difference in faith and religion.

I did an event called GISH. It was a lot of fun. I've been stretching my comfort zone due to Supernatural. It's all been great and wonderful. The support that going into the event with the teams and then the money donated to different foundations. It's awesome to be a part of something that is so wonderful.

Gunnar, my Great Dane, died this year on July 29th. He was 10 years old and my best friend. I was there for him the moment he was born - I was lucky enough to deliver his litter - and I was there the moment he died. He was the closest I've ever been to having a child. He was my everything for so many years and helped me through so much trauma. He was there to guide me, make me laugh, and to create a space for me to heal. He never did like anyone I dated, lol, but that worked for me in the long run as I had time to understand who I was without all the distraction. I am still processing his loss and some days I feel it more intensely than others. I miss him so much though and I can see him everywhere in my house and in my yard. His ashes are on the mantel and I say goodnight to him daily. I never knew that grief would feel so physically painful. I am grateful for the gift of him in my life; I am grieved that he is gone; I am trying to honor his memory and to keep living.

COVID19 I went from just being busy at work, juggling 3 roles, to crazy busy juggling 5 roles, working 7 days a week, 10-12 hours a day. I feel like I've been running a marathon for the last 6 months. I'm relieved now that the semester has started smoothly. Now I just need to plan for the spring. I'm still busy, but it's not crazy busy.

The online Women's Retreat Fri Night Service for Congregation Etz Chayim (Palo Alto, CA) that I created with Carolyn & Ruth and led was an incredible high. It was one of the best and most rewarding experiences I've ever had! I did outreach to many different women of diverse groups in the congregation to invite them to take an active participatory role. They were so pleased to be asked. The 1:1 contact makes a big difference. The goal when we planned the service was to try to create an experience via Zoom that felt as much like our usual in-person Women's Retreat service as possible -- and we did! It was absolutely amazing. I really didn't know if it could be done. I was proud, grateful, fulfilled, connected and inspired. We held the service in August and last night, a month and a half later, I had someone tell me that it was one of the best services she'd ever been to. For something to stick with people for that long that I did is very rewarding.

My niece was born in July—conceived in the before times, born into a pandemic. I'm madly in love with this little baby and so excited to see her grow up. I am both inspired to work to make the world better for her and more cautious about things like protesting in public, because I have someone for whom I want to stay safe and healthy.

We were in the middle of a crowd in downtown Seattle, WA on Leap Day, when a friend texted us that the governor had declared a state of emergency over the coronavirus. We felt more or less helpless — since we were in from out of town, we had no real way to avoid public spaces or air travel. We knew we were on the edge of something unlike we had ever been through before. It felt momentous, but it was also a feeling of total powerlessness.

This year has been a huge one. In January, I went off my anxiety meds and antidepressants and then my birth control, because we finally felt secure and ready to start trying to get pregnant. After three months I finally saw my doctor, who did some blood tests. Saw my gyn and then got referred to a fertility specialist who ran yet more tests (very expensive stuff). It turns out I have PCOS and may have extreme difficulty getting pregnant. Finding out all of this during the pandemic and trying to decide whether I still feel ready to try, while dealing with anxiety and depression above and beyond anything I've been through in years? I can barely put into words how trying it is or how many concerns and doubts I have about this being the year... I still want to start a family but right now? I really am not sure. I've started seeing a new therapist and I'm really hopeful so far about some of the things I've been able to start working through with her help (and also amazed that I found someone in-network with my insurance and I'm only paying a copay for each session!!) There are days when I feel completely overwhelmed, scared and hopeless. And there are days where things seem *almost* normal. It's going to continue to be difficult and this year feels like the longest of my life already...

By far, the most significant experience of the last year has been the COVID-19 pandemic. Our lives basically ground to a halt and I went from having time to myself to rest and even work on my own projects to being a full-time mom, teacher, playmate, therapist, scout leader, etc. to my kids. It affected me in every way; my life was almost totally upended. At least my husband can work from home so our finances didn't suffer... I am sad about all that we missed out on this year, angry that it shouldn't have been this bad, and just a little glad to have had all this time with my young kids, but mostly very very tired.

My mom was re-diagnosed with cancer that has now metastasized to her bones and liver. Her prognosis at the start was not great, but has gotten better throughout treatment. I'm honestly not sure if I've really processed the feelings. At first, I felt overwhelmed because I thought we had beaten it a few years ago. Then, I found myself getting angry. I think the most overwhelming part is imagining the future without my parents, especially juxtaposed with how much time I was able to spend with my grandparents before they passed. It's hard to imagine my adult life without being able to see my parents, they way they used to see their parents.

I announced my campaign for city council. It is terrifying. I second guess myself every single day. There are weeks where I think I haven't worked hard enough, I'm going to fail, I'm not good enough or smart enough. Then someone reminds me that mediocre white men run for office all the time and succeed so why not me? I really need to have that whispered in my ear every other day at this point

My partner got laid off from work. It's been interesting and gratifying to watch him adjust to it. I'm grateful to have him home so much.

I had apples and honey with my grandson via Skype! Best of all, his Dad, my son, taught this to him. He even wished me Shanah Tovah! I am grateful and hopeful for my family's Jewish future.

I moved jobs, industries. I left the comfortable (but hard work / challenging) job of teaching and launched into purpose-work - climate work. I feel relieved to be away from all the bullshit that can come with schools, the hours, the parents, the heartbreak, the feeling behind all the time. I am loving my new job - it's challenging and I'm balls deep in new skills, but doing exactly what I need to be doing (and would be doing anyway, now I just get paid for it).

My mother died. It affected me more than I thought it would. I think about her every day. Probably for the first four months and sometimes occasionally now I feel guilty that I could not have done more. I keep reminding myself that she died at 93 well actually 92 almost 93. I am very sad butI think it gives me perspective on the arc of somebody’s life. I resented her for a long time because she was self-centered. And her declining years I became more appreciative of all that she did for me. She made me a Jew. I have her books and I read the things she highlighted and wonder why she never followed through on the higher moral aspirations. I am grateful for the wisdom that she gave me. I wish she did not ruin my brother. He never helped although he lived 15 minutes away. But I know that my brother is grown and he is supposed to be responsible for himself. I took on the duty of taking care of everything. I feel like I never got time to actually just hang out. I was always so busy. Six years it was over six years. I lost my life. My friends. My free time. My money and my brother hates me. What I gained was insight into love. It’s not easy but I am glad that all the people showed up for me that I needed when I needed help. I am grateful to God for all the blessings. I gave my brother all the money because it was like a burden. He feels like I robbed him even though that’s all there was. My brother got the money, but I got my mother’s blessings and I miss her very much. I’m glad she was not here for the coronavirus and Kalifornia burning. I am very grateful that she was my mother.

I hurt my back from sitting on the couch too much and still cant run after 6 months. This led to some depression and comfort eating. This led to me questioning myself worth. This led me to not exercise for months. I am frustrated with myself and my body. I am angry at myself for letting this happened. I am glad I am prioritizing going to the physical therapist and even though its a long journey, I feel like I am getting stronger every week. I am proving to myself that I can be consistent in my exercising. I am proving that I can keep my promises to myself. I am hoping after this journey I come back stronger.

Covid-19. Pretty sure that is everyone's answer. I have actually enjoyed the togetherness of my immediate family and the slow down from all the hustle and bustle. I think it has been worrisome sure but nice all at the same time. More time to stop and smell the Rose's so to speak.

The most significant experience of the last year was Covid -19. It is still hard to wrap my head around what we are living through but a global pandemic is really life altering. It has been an experience that is filled with so many highs and so many lows. It is filled with uncertainty but then also makes things really clear. I feel like it could be the most life altering event of my life. I look forward to looking back at this years responses in the future because I have NO idea what the future will look like.

This year the love of my life proposed to me. I was relieved he’s thinking about our future together. I knew he was, but sometimes I didn’t. I should have known. 100%. It was perfect. Nothing has changed. Everything has changed. I’m scared and happy. This means we’re forging ahead, that we’ll need to figure out next steps. That we’re really actually going to move ahead and be adults in some new way that maybe we aren’t now. It feels new, and not. It was time, I was ready.

I want to keep this personal and local. The significant experiences of the year have been so big that focusing on the small things seems hard. The past six months have been astonishing and a lesson in how fast things can change. For this year, though, perhaps it has been Dave's retirement. In many ways, it has not changed our lives; in other ways, having him home has made our lives more relaxed. I am deeply grateful to have the time with him. In addition, Miranda and family are fulfilling their longtime plans of leaving Livermore and moving to a farm. Not having them around is a challenge. Not bad, not good. Just really different.

I planned a trip throughout Europe right before covid hit. It was 9 days. I planned the whole thing a week in advance. One of my friends bailed on me and I just trained all over and made last minute arrangements, invited Hayley last minute, and did some solo travel. I am so proud and relieved i made this trip happen. It's so unlike me to plan things like that so late in the game. It was an incredible trip from Paris to Vienna to Brussels all via train. I used the month of February so wisely, I truly can say I have no regrets. It gave me even more confidence to solo travel and to plan adventures that I can execute and enjoy!!!

Death of my mother-in-law. I've always liked and loved her. But hadn't realised how connected I was to her. Watching her slip away was traumatic, albeit quiet. Massive resentment of the ravages of cancer and how it can strip such an elegant and gracious person of their dignity. She shone through it; that's a win for her - but it was cruel and messy and horrible. I can hardly wait for the death of death. But we must all pass through the portal, thanks to Adam for kicking us off - and to the rest of us who stupidly assented to the course he chose to take.

Resentful; it's the first one that came to mind, which says something I guess. I went looking for counselling help with motivation and willpower, to get a plan together and feel better about myself, do something about my weight. But the best the therapist could suggest at the end of the first session was, "You just need to start. Get up tomorrow and do a quick 20 minute walk". OK, so you did not hear anything I said in the past hour. Fine. I need to look elsewhere for help.

The Coronavirus hit the world. When it first hit, I was scared, anxious and felt a level of worry that was unfamiliar. Alex and I rented a studio in SW Utah and I was so incredibly grateful to be out of the van and to have a kitchen, fridge, our own shower and laundry. We are back in the van now, and the pandemic is still happening. In some ways it’s made me closer to my family (who I haven’t seen in 9 months), but I’m more than ready for it to end.

I changed my job last summer after 25 years in the same position. It was a frightening thing to consider and I had been contemplating it for a long time. When I finally made the change, it was liberating! Now one year later, another opportunity presented itself and is bringing amazing possibilities. What I decided a year ago was no matter if things went well or were a flop, finding the courage to make change and have some confidence that things would work out was the best outcome of all.

COVID-19 has impacted the whole world, in both highlighting and compounding existing challenges. While I am glad that it has drawn attention to existing inequalities, I am somewhat resentful that it is being used as an excuse to avoid proper remedial action.

Luna passed away this year. It was a surprise. We thought she still have 2 or 3 years to spend with us. But something went wrong (cancer?) and she deteriorated in a 3 week period. We came back from a trip at the beginning of October 2020. She developed conjunctivitis. We started taking her to vets. She just kept getting worse. Soon the left side of her face was number and she was nearly blind. The vets didn't know what's wrong. By the end of October she was dying and we had to put her down. Losing Luna shut me and Nady down. We're sad all the time. We think and talk about her a lot. And we're not interested in anything anymore. When we lost her, we also lost a big part of ourselves.

Significant experiences this past year... 1. I took the altMBA. I decided back in December of 2019 that I was going to take the AltMBA. I am hella grateful I signed up because we were in complete lockdown by the time I took it April 20th - May 20th. 30 days of intense writing and thinking and connecting. I was inspired during the entire course of the 30 days and after taking the course I knew I had to put more out in the world and that I was capable of way more than I ever thought. I am now a part of the Akimbo community and actually just hosted a Flipped Friday!!! 2. I started my blog on September 16th!! Well Spent. welcometowellspent.com - It is for people like me honestly just trying to make all of this money stuff more clear and less gosh darn stressful. I started it because I noticed that many of my friends opted to hire someone to manage their money and often times say how confusing it is. Money is confusing for sure, but I think because it was MADE to be confusing there must be an easier way to think about it that makes way more sense. I am trying it out using my blog as the platform for sharing my experiences and things I have learned. I really have no idea where it is going to go but it has been the perfect amount of fun and hard. Alicia made the website, Ariel helps me edit, and my mom basically tells me what I am trying to say with my writing. I think maybe if we can talk about or think about money differently than it will be an easier concept to grasp overtime. It is easy to get wrapped up in the confusing terms but if you know the basic high level concepts, I think it can be quite easy. We shall see though!! Super happy I am putting my voice out there, challenging myself, and trying something new. I can't think of a single negative significant experience!! That is a good sign right?

It's difficult to think about much other than the pandemic and its impact on me, us, our community and the world. We have had no immediate impact - neither of us has been ill, no one we personally know has been seriously ill from this virus, we know of so many an arm's length away who have been sick, some have died. We feel scared, constrained, confused, in other ways we have had very little change in how our lives are day to day or run. We've had to adapt to many things in our lives. I feel grateful for the impact of the virus on slowing us and the world down for a while, I feel grateful for who we are, the nature of our relationship, our intimate and deep connection, our place here in the woods. Nothing to resent - a virus has no soul or agenda. It feels like last year's cancer was practice for this worldwide experience in some ways. I am expert on just taking one hour, one day at a time.

Trump, Racism and Hate, Covid. I’m feeling hopeless and wondering if I’ve been delusional my entire life or are things really worse. I can’t tell anymore. I know my white ancestors suffered awful times. I don’t think I’m personally worse off. I just feel like I thought we were moving towards a more equitable and just society, but now I feel like a Pollyanna idiot who believed all the lies I’ve been told all of my life. I’m almost 60 and am just realizing Americans are horrible people who place a higher value on money and comfort than on a person’s life.

Covid 19 It has made caring for my Mom just that much harder. It has changed the way I have to protect her...even from family members who do not take the virus seriously. I am saddened, frustrated and sometimes angry about it. But, a small part of me is grateful since it has pushed me to realize that what I am doing is good. What my goals are with her are good and it no longer matters what my dysfunctional family members think. They aren’t putting in the effort, they are lax on their Covid responses and their opinions of me are not my problem. They just cause disruption sometimes.

Where to even start with 2020? 2020 has stripped a lot of my capacity to feel sadness, grief, rage, and compassion. I was reading about the concept of 'psychic numbing' the other day, which is the phenomenon in which empathy decreases as the number of victims in a tragedy increases, and it felt very relevant. However, in this case, I find my empathy decreasing as the sheer number of tragedies increases. The wildfires in California remind me of the wildfires in Australia. The police murder of this man, this woman, this youth, reminds me of the one last week of this woman, this man, this youth. The protests in Portland remind me of the protest in Hong Kong. The covid outbreak in this old age home reminds me of the one in that prison, because of that wedding, at that bar. Hurricane Laura reminds me of Sandy which reminds me of Katrina. And on and on. A friend asked me yesterday whether I'm stressed about the recent instability of my housing situation and I said, no, it's so far down on my list of things to be stressed about. This year is a significant experience. It's also one of the least punctuated, most fast moving years of my life. No weddings, few trips, and few new experiences to punctuate the time. Did anything significant happen to me specifically in the last year? Maybe not externally, but when I think back over the year, I did have some significant themes. I have been getting more comfortable with being honest about what I want in and for my life and relationships, even though it makes me feel so vulnerable. I have been practicing bringing it up when I feel distance or hurt in my relationships and also learning which parts of that are my own baggage that I need to address on my own, and which are aspects of the relationship at hand. On relationships, I have also been acknowledging that romantic intimacy is something that I need to seek since it is something I want. I'm not great at the seeking, but I've at least been trying more than in the past, even in this crazy time. None of those are events, really, but they are all significant experiences of growth and of deepening my understanding of myself with others. Relationships are more strained and more important than ever right now, so they have been really worth paying attention to.

COVID-19 happened. I am a bit resentful due to not being with family and friends as much as before. But, grateful in that we have learned what things are most important in life, family, friends and experiences.

I went on sabbatical in Tel Aviv. Gave me time to reflect and to be a human again, rather than "renting space in my own head." I am grateful, and this opportunity for a reset sparked a major change in my professional life.

Well, the pandemic overshadows and exacerbates all else so just living through that and watching it play out in my immediate communities and the greater worlds around have definitely been significant. I am tired right now, a shade disillusioned, and also really ready to turn my attention and energy toward creating a better world that can be doulaed during this time.

Besides COVID? Went on a trip with my women's group and brought my daughter along. It inspired her and it inspired me and I think it's helped change her vision of herself for the future. I'm so grateful we got to go and that we got that in just before lockdown. Oh and my own retreat nine months earlier. Travel. Is. Good. And I want more of it once the pandemic makes way for it.

The whole world pandemic! Covid 19! We have been living in a bubble for 7 months. Terrified! Masked up to go out of the house. Finally stopped shaking after 3 months. I couldn't even write my name. I've seen our son Jordan twice and haven't seen our other son Lance or Grand kids since Christmas 2019!! We have a paid for home, new car paid for and food on the table. Trying to be grateful daily! BTW, GO PACK! Also it is our 50th Wedding Anniversary next Sat. NO CELEBRATION. Not even a dinner out. SAD!

A significant experence I've had has been the corona virus. It's been an interesting road for everyone and it basically ruined everything for anyone so I wouldn't say I'm happy about it.

I graduated law school! I am so proud of all that I have accomplished. I felt kind of anticlimactic and sad at first, because I wouldn't be walking across the stage, and that was a hugely important thing for me. But I was able to tap into what was internally so important to me about graduating, and my family and Dan really stepped in and showed me how important I was and how proud I should be.

Honestly, the pandemic has really affected me. I feel resentful that the beginning of my adulthood has been ripped away from me. Rather than graduating from college with my friends, I had a Zoom ceremony. Where my name was mispronounced.

I am pregnant!!!!! Due in three weeks! I am very grateful, and relieved, and scared to pieces about childbirth, and becoming a mom. We didn't announce the pregnancy until the virus was front and center everywhere, so I've been isolated from most of my community for the entire process. It's made me rely more on my husband, and recognize just how important community is.

I was hired by the Census and I've worked recruiting and now reaching out to the communities where census completion is low. It's given me some financial security in a year when there's been little. The experience has also made the scales fall from my eyes vis-a-vis how the government "works" and wastes. I've certainly grown up. I can't think of a more inefficient organization.

Oh, COVID-19. So many mixed emotions about it. In some ways, especially related to work it has been a blessing in disguise. So, maybe inspired. Smashing us into a new world out of offices, and pushing people to adopt and adapt technologies that we've neglected in favor of the old ways. Long overdue, but uninvited and forced. I've been saying lately that this is a real case study for me. I'm always a change proponent, and having this thrust upon me has challenged even my change tolerance despite the positive effects.

A linked experience - my daughter Hannah defended her thesis for her Masters Degree in Water Management Science from University of Duluth, MN. This was during the pandemic, so she was living with us at the time, and the defense was via Zoom. I couldn't have been more proud of her. Her presentation was meticulously prepared, she spoke articulately and confidently, and handled all the questions. A couple of weeks later, my wife and I, and Hannah drove from Boston to Duluth, almost 2500 miles round trip, help her move out of her apartment. It was quite the road trip, full of audio books, meals on the side of the road, and concern about whether the hotels were practicing safe COVID19 precautions. Once we reached Duluth, we spent a couple of days cleaning out her apartment, having some nice meals in in Duluth, and one glorious day driving up the north shore of Lake Superior to see the sights and go agate hunting. Ten days after arriving back to Boston, Hannah left for Atlanta to move in with her boyfriend. We were so lucky to have this time with her, and to share in these life moments.

I got fired. At the time, I realized it was good, painful, but good, even though I didn't know why. A few weeks later I found out why. I was entitled to full unemployment benefits. If I hadn't been fired when I was, I would have been laid off because of COVID-19, and would have struggled.

I reopened my school safely during a pandemic. I worked tirelessly to make sure kids and families and staff were safe. It’s scary. I’m proud.

My husband filed for divorce. It was a shock. I had just dropped off the kids at the Unitarian Universalist church, and it was a beautiful day, and I had told him that I sprained my ankle while running with our son. Once we got to the car, he handed me an envelope. It was the copy of the filing for divorce, with an official stamped date and time. I was shocked and wanted to cry but couldn’t as I had run out of tears but everything around me didn’t seem real anymore. It’s now been three months since the filing and although things are not as surreal, I’m hurt that he would file for divorce. He had just sent me love emails two months before, but this filing felt manipulative. So I didn’t stop him... In some way I am grateful so that I can begin to heal from being in emotionally abusive relationship. It has not been an easy road. Just last week I remembered a moment with him after I hugged my son and kissed him on his head. I had done something similar to my husband and the memory broke me. But in the last three months I’ve had a better perspective of his continuing control and blame and now I see that it doesn’t feel right to be vulnerable with someone who needs to control me. If I’m to learn anything from this, it’s that “putting up with a spouse” as I learned from my mother, is just a nice way to say “putting up with abuse.”

The pandemic has made me look at my life with new eyes. Who is most important to me (who do I want inside my bubble). What do I need to live a great life (less stuff, more love, more experiences, more learning, more action.). I think am all these emotions of feeling grateful, relieved, resentful and inspired sometimes all at once.

3 of my closest friends died in a horrific, nationally televised accident. Most of the ensuing 6 months were defined by dealing with, responding to and mourning with my community. Crying, almost every day at the most sudden and surprising moments. I am so immensely grateful for everything they taught me, so utterly blessed to have had them in my life, and unbelievably lucky to have been witness to their kindness, generosity and silly adventurousness. Their memory is so very much a blessing, and we are all poorer for the lack of them in our daily life. I try to carry their lessons forward, but it is a struggle to be a bigger better personally n.

I came out of the closet as bisexual, broke up with my partner of 6years, moved out and to a new space, and started my conversion! Soo grateful but lots of sadness. It feels like I'm starting to live the life I want.

I went to brazil with three of my best friends. It was incredible being in a new country, very different, and also getting the experience of traveling and going deeper with two of my dearest friends. I was grateful for the ability to switch from morocco to brazil! For such a great group of people and for being pushed out of my comfort zone.

Finding out our family would be growing! Excited + slightly terrified (b/c of COVID and - looks at world on fire).

I wonder how many people will begin their answer to this question: 'well, there was a global pandemic...' I'm sure there will be other opportunities to talk about COVID-19 in this exercise but it would be disingenuous not to say that it's probably the event that's had the single biggest effect on my life. And that's been good in lots of ways. It's allowed me to really relax into what I've always felt was my destiny of being a homebody, and I've loved having so much spare time. I've really missed people, of course I have, but on the whole there have been a lot of positives, not least spending time in the garden, which is now just the loveliest space. The other significant experience that's happened is that I got a new job and, seven months in, I don't hate it! I described it to my mother as being my pinnacle job - although I fully expect and hope that it will not be my forever job. On the whole I feel very happy with it, and I think I'm good at it. But it's difficult to be completely objective about it because I know that it's completely different to how it would be in real life. If it hadn't been for COVID-19, I would have been to New York, Washington, East Asia, Venice and Bruges by now, not to mention countless trips to London. The travel was the bit I was always apprehensive about, and it's weird to think that will come back when this whole pandemic is over. Anyway. I'm not going to pick too much at it because I am happy at work for what feels like the first time in years, so I'm just going to enjoy it.

After what felt like a very long period of floundering/soul-searching (after leaving classroom teaching), I applied, was accepted, and started a Masters program in Speech Pathology. It feels wonderful to have a solid direction again, and although the program is a lot of work so far, my brain feels stimulated and active in ways I didn't know I missed and craved so much. I like so much about the subject matter and the fact that I'll really be able to help people as an SLP, but at the same time there is a sense of wistfulness. I admit that I partially chose this path because it is stable and predictable. Maybe that means I'm growing up, but it feels very un-me. Like I'm closing the door on a part of myself behind. Usually when I take a bold step in a new direction, my heart is all-in. Usually it's something related to politics, the environment, farming, spirituality...I don't want to close the door on those passions of mine. But if I dedicate such a significant chunk of my time to Speech Pathology, will there be enough room and energy for my other passions? I long for it to be so.

My son got married in February. They were so fortunate in their timing. Our son was challenging to raise. He didn't like school and came close to not graduating from high school. He was never into drugs or any other of those unfortunate choices, but he didn't fit in to most of the slots that high school kids gravitate to. We, his parents, tried everything we could think of to help him. He struggled in college because he hadn't learned the study and organization skills that would help him. Now he has a steady job that he's good at and has found a wonderful woman. They are starting a new chapter of their lives together.

The pandemic is my most significant experience this past year. I thought I'd get a respite in July between "waves," and didn't expect that we would never recover from the first wave. That said, being in quarantine has taught me a lot about myself. I primarily feel deeply lucky--to have work and income, to have a beautiful home in which I can stay safe, to have so much extra time with my cat who is aging. Quarantine has enabled me to simplify my life, practice thoughtfulness with my schedule and space, and streamline a lot of things that I could barely even do pre-pandemic. So, yes, very grateful and often inspired.

In March, Alex, Ryan and I are were in a head on collission where Alex suffered a major concussion, I broke my sternum, messed up my rotator cuff and suffered a concussion also. It majorly affected everything and brought me more tears in the few weeks that followed than I have probably cried in teh past 5 years. Ultimately, it made me aware how much people are willing to do to help us and how much I need to let go of needing to do everything myself.

I was fired from 2 jobs pre-Covid. Then, lost a job I was doing really well at during the start of the lockdown. I had never had to claim unemployment before and my self-confidence was at an all-time low. I didn't think I could do anything right. And somehow I turned it around and turned the pandemic into an era of abundance where I am personally thriving. I feel a little guilt in that, but I've been kicked down so many times I feel like I have to appreciate when things are going well.

I went on Facebook live every Week for many weeks, and I really feel like it was amazing to connect him with my own Infinity work and offer it to so many others. I also spoke at a mark for black lives on July 18, which was fraught with violence and also opened my eyes to the reality that I don’t often face

COVID-19 is the significant experience that has happened to me this year. Am I grateful? Im starting to be. I was resentful at first, but am starting to see how I am to reflect on this. We are suffering together but I was only looking at myself, which is wrong. The more I see/hear peoples stories the more I feel more connected to others. I see death becoming more common now and what my relationship to this virus and death is. I dont have a problem with me dying but I dont want people I know to die. Not sure if that is caring or selfish. So Im thinking much more of these things in my head.

There are three significant experiences that happened this past year. 1) Our world is living through a pandemic. This has affected me in that I now work from home (not a big deal) and my kids came home for an extended period of time. During this time, we ate together regularly and spent unexpected precious time together. Additionally, the pandemic allowed me time to pause and slow down. 2) My father passed away. He had been ill for awhile, so it was expected. This allowed time and space for our family to be together and support one another in a way we had never done before. 3) I was diagnosed with breast cancer. This is the most significant, life altering experience, with potentially devastating results. I am still processing this and feel this will be a growing experience for me and my family.

I've been thinking about how this year feels both monumentally historical and very stagnant at the same time. From the impeachment to the COVID lockdown, to BLM protests and the election, wildfires, and hurricanes, it feels like there couldn't be more that happens this year. I feel like this year is going to give history students a run for their money. It will be like 1968 - the kind of year you could have a whole class on. And then at the same time, it feels like all of our personal lives are on hold. A lot of the routine is just day-in and day-out the same. No big significant decisions are being made...all the weddings were canceled, there are no trips, promotions are on hold at work, ect ect. I read about how memories are marked by special events, and so time feels like it's going really fast because there hasn't been a lot of activities going on.

I finally admitted that I have depression. I talked to my doctor and am getting the help I need. I'm not sure how I feel about it.

Covid! Agh! So disappointing to miss out on my Hadrian’s Wall hike with Owen. I am grateful that we’re all healthy, but also wish I was able to go and visit my dad. 2020 is a garbage year.

Civic 19 causing a lockdown from March 2020. I don't go out much, therefore it was normal daily living, except for shopping, when I had to queue. It stopped me attending dog shows. The overall experience has left me with a sense of calm and there's no need to rush. Reminds me of the off season when I lived in Cornwall. It has stopped me visiting garden centres for coffee etc. And extra curricular activities. Has allowed via Zoom to attend more synagogue services and partake in the learning Circle, both which were mainly in Gloucester.

My partner's grandma died amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Attending the tiny funeral, navigating familial expectations, and trying to be a source of comforting but also trying to be safe amid COVID-19 (and therefore keeping distance) was frustrating and difficult.

My time with Emily was life changing. I learned so much about my family and myself. Mayim - Brandywine Hospital

A significant event from the past year was my 6 Figure Songwriting course. It’s been such a huge part of my life since February. It’s totally changed my outlook on the music industry, it’s helped me be productive and take myself seriously and believe in myself. It’s upped my production skills 10x and has gotten me to collaborate and finish music, as well as get music signed to agencies!! I’m so grateful for the program and the friends and collaborators I’ve met. I’m grateful for the teachers and mentors for guiding me through their world and igniting the passion inside me. I’m incredibly inspired by music again, by my colleagues and friends, and by my mentors. And even inspired by myself to keep going and keep creating great music!

Coronavirus has affected all of us. I have been horrified at its impact on our world, at the lives torn apart by it. The poor are in dire straits and without an effective president taking the lead, people are in trouble. We are donating. I am writing postcards to get out the vote. I am both resentful and relieved that schools are closed so I don’t need to worry about our family’s exposure. But I am deeply concerned about the impact on our entire country.

This year my sister passed away. I’m angry, heartbroken, lost...well aware that life is short....so angry it had to be my Lizzie.

June 7, 2019, my husband had an L5S1 spinal fusion. He had a fusion before and recovered as expected, so we were not concerned this time. Fusions usually take 4 to 6 months to set. This time his vertebrae still have not fused. It's been fifteen months (15). His healing has been complicated by osteoporosis. He's lost his job, and the younger engineer that forced him out humiliated him in the process. I'm still bitter about that. My husband is still in a lot of pain an unable to work. As a result, this year I am the income earner. I feel trapped. I like and dislike my job. Mostly I feel I have lost my freedom to choose. I'm staying because my employer pays the premium for my family's health insurance, a $30,000 value. I've spent time 3-1/2 hours a week learning how to market products and coach people interested in improving their health in order create another income. Although until now I have not implemented what I've learned to generate the success I am destined for, I am grateful for the development of mindset that feels like better living without a change in income. Participating in the Next Level Goal Jumpers team training has provided an emotional and mental refuge from the world of covid. It has given me a space to decide what I want so that when I step back into the chaos of my life, I am better oriented to enjoy the ride as I paddle out surf the waves of life.

This whole year has seemed significant - we didn't expect a pandemic, after all. Ultimately, I think I'm more grateful than not. The inability to travel has meant that I'm exploring where I live much more closely. Our parks were all closed between March and May, and so for 2 months, I just walked on the grounds of the building where I live - you can go down to the water there, and I took a different route every day, to force myself to look at something different every day (it's a VERY short walk). When the parks were finally open again, I started really moving - so 5 days a week, it's 5 km in the park near home before I start work (I'm teleworking). And both days of the weekend, I hike. I haven't missed a day since mid-March. I'm grateful to be healthy enough to do this, and on occasion am inspired by the beauty around me.

We got our first “foster placement “ who also happens to be my biological nephew. I feel grateful and humbled and overwhelmed. I also feel like our family has never been stronger or more complete

So many significant experiences! This is a year of “”hyper real.” I left my job in December thinking I was spending the summer in Israel. That didn’t happen. but I did leave my job and my partners work dried up and somehow we have managed to stay in our house and stay pretty calm and survive through it all. My child has had two medical diagnoses in the past six months and we have continued to survive and thrive. I started an internship with a synagogue and even though we are only online, I’ve managed to help create an ambiance for the high holidays and to step up and serve in a new virtual community!

I'd have to say being groomed and promoted in a way that I've never experienced before, despite being successful in the workforce for well over 30 years. I am extremely grateful. I think working largely with women has been a game-changer for me, and I would never have expected that. Mostly, I am surprised. I still struggle with imposter syndrome sometimes--like "why do they think I can do this?". But mostly, I'm comfortable.

This year I was the sickest I have ever been in my life. Isolated because of CoVID with close friends leaving food at the door which I could not eat. Terrified I would awaken dead. I wrote a list of my contacts in the two weeks before-- 4 flights, 3 speaking engagements with handshakes. But the silver lining was that if I had not done those I would not have seen my mother before she died -- it before her nursing home closed down. I survived but I am most grateful that I was able to see my mother -- and if I had ot met those other commitments I would not have.

The emergence of COVID-19... how could it be anything else? In one month, all of our expectations, plans, and hopes were upended. It has been so hard, and it feels like the timing couldn't have been worse. Ever since finishing my fellowship we have been aiming for "easy times," having time, energy, and money to enjoy being unencumbered adults-- going out on weeknights, seeing shows, going to concerts, traveling... And we had just gotten there for a couple of months when COVID-19 hit. I realize that in the larger scheme we have been very lucky. We both have jobs still (even if I am under employed), we're not in danger of loosing our home, none of our loved ones have gotten sick, and we don't have kids that we are trying to wrangle while working from home. But I wanted, needed those easy times. I lost out on so much by being sick in my 20s and grad school was so intense that there wasn't really room for much else in my life. I want what I didn't have for so long. Our "easy times" were supposed to help fill that loss of fun, friendships, and adventures. And now I am mourning the loss of what we could have had. We were waiting to have kids until after enjoying it for awhile. And now, most of that is gone. And time marches on. We can't wait forever to have kids-- at this point I'm looking at "geriatric pregnancy" no matter what. So what do we do? Give up on having those easy times? Or wait even longer to have kids, knowing that the longer we wait the harder it will be?

Moving to NYC, Hapa passing, getting engaged to the most wonderful man, living far away from my family for so long, corona virus- pandemic, riots in NYC. All of these moments had its emotional and sad moments as well as its powerful moments where i was able to become stronger and prove to myself, I can overcome anything on my own, with Eli and without my family so close.

I made the experience to virtually connect to other people. This is just one amazing possibillity modern technology has to offer.

I met the love of my life. I’m really sad it ended today, but inspired by our love. Grateful for our Home. Forever floating at the concept.

Pandemic. I'm extraordinarily grateful to be able to avoid the public.

Having to figure out how to do my job from home due to the pandemic was a significant experience. When we left school, I honestly thought we would be back within a few weeks. I felt like I had minimal connection with students the last 4 months of school. We are starting off the school year still virtual and I'm figuring out better ways to be able to make connections and still feel like a part of the school community. It's not ideal, but I'm making it work.

Traveling to Vietnam in early February, right when the coronavirus was starting to make the news. Everyone was so afraid for us, and of course it turned out that Vietnam was much more safe than the U.S. I am grateful for that travel experience, which was the last one we've had since COVID-19 measures began. I wish that I had savored every moment while it was happening.

The most significant experience I've had this past year was the birth of my grandson. He was something I never knew was so important. Many emotions accompany the experience--with gratitude and appreciation, there is also anxiety about the world he is entering.

This year sadness and grief has been the reigning emotion. Both collectively and personally. Collectively due to our country's failure to address COVID-19 with a sense of real responsibility to each other. And personally because I lost my 80-year old father to COVID-19. He was in a nursing home and I am grateful that he went peacefully, but I am resentful that this happened and we as a society seem so willfully powerless in our approach to protect the vulnerable among us.

PANDEMIC! Out of work for seven weeks. HUGE Decline in business. Also got mono! Marriage failing, like many during lock down. If it can go terribly wrong, it does. Still not keeping it steal my joy😊

We got Dad moved, resettled, diagnosed with Alzheimer's....but hes doing ok.

Having the sciatic nerve pain and going to the ER was pretty significant. Very humbling realizing I can’t do the same activities I used to do when I was younger. I’m pretty resentful that my body is slowly betraying me and keeps limiting me in what I want to do.

My recent car accident falling asleep is a wake up call to change my routine going to bed. I was able to do the hypnosis with Bruce this past week but I haven’t listen to it yet and I continue to stay up like I am now. It’s going to be a long haul to change my behavior. The recent issue at work related to staying out of my lane is another wake up call to be more clear about the nature of my job as a family partner. And during this last year we had contact with CPS as a result of my out-of-control behavior with leigh and that too needs to be a major wake up call call

I went to on-line teaching which helped me to sleep better, made me feel inadequate, gave me a number of epiphanies, and filled me with anger and despair at how some people have so much and some people have so little. I struggled with technology and figuring out how to reach kids with limited English. I felt intimidated by colleagues who seemed to be working so hard, had all these amazing lessons, seemed so with it. At the same time, I loved the quiet of the quarantine. All of a sudden my street became quiet. I am grateful for the epiphanies, the chance to reduce stress, to sleep, for my car to bring me to students, and for the chance to practice technology and learn. I was relieved to get out of my school building and the painful politics and negativity. I felt resentful that some people's children got so much -- minivan rides to the park -- while some people's kids were cooped up inside without transportation and available grown-ups to take them out into Nature and explore. I felt inspired to reach out to as many students as I could and to learn more technology.

My husband quit his job 11 months ago. We’ve been living in savings, and I am the only one economizing. I can’t plan for the future because I don’t know if I’ll be able to afford it. He is just now contemplating the possibility of looking for work and discovering that it’s hard. I gave up my career 12 years ago to family. I am regretting this profoundly.

My wife and I bought a house at the beginning of the pandemic and in the midst of marital counseling. I had viewed the listing a week or so prior to me showing her. I initially didn't think it was big enough, but I thought it otherwise had the charm and character we were looking for. We had just taken a day trip for my birthday, and I was feeling so good about things, I decided to show her. We had been looking off and on, but not seriously. She absolutely loved the listing, so we made plans to see the house two days later. We both knew when we stepped in side that it should be ours. We immediately made an offer, and after a few grueling months of jumping through the seller's hoops, we got the house at the price we offered. It has been absolutely amazing in so many ways. The house fits us so much better than the one we had been renting for the previous five years. The energy here is more conducive to our growth, both individually and as a couple. Even our cats have benefitted. Our neighbors have been very welcoming, and the dog has a whole new world to explore with us in our neighborhood and yard. I now have a yard again to tend to, and we have a yard to play in. It's been a sanctuary during these times of isolation, and I am so grateful we took the chance.

During the second week of Covid, I took a step up my back stairs and heard a crunching noise like a baby carrot, followed by horrific pain. I really didn't know if I could make it up the three remaining steps to the house. There was no going to the doctor. I toughed it out, got some help from my congregation with food and dog walking. Eventually it got better, eventually I was able to see a doctor, get x-rays and MRI, get referred to a specialist. And on August 31 I got a brand new knee. My recovery has been excellent thanks to some space-age robotics (and I give some credit to strong genes.) I am grateful that I am among the privileged with health care and money to afford great treatment. I am grateful to the friends who came to my assistance--especially one friend who moved in for two weeks to help me, and another who gave unlimited rides. But the whole experience makes me feel my age, and I want to enter a new phase of my life, not just scaling back the way I've always been (work-focused) but really doing something new.

We changed our entire lives by moving from Italy to America. We left our home, jobs, friends and family. It's been extremely difficult since we haven't been able to build our lives here yet due to the Covid-19 pandemic but I am so grateful for how far we have come - especially since we're doing this at the ages of 50 and 53. It's created great strain on our marriage and personal anxiety and depression and we're still stuck in an incredibly unstable situation after 7 months, but I have hope for the future. I'm also incredibly scared but trying to trust that it will all work out for the better.

I finally adopted a puppy! Magic is a fresh puppy, just 3 months old. He is very needy, as all puppies are, and I love him more than most things. I am so grateful. I also finally earned my degree. I LOVE not being a college student. It's over, and I feel so much healthier. Oh, and I finally made it to Denver. My partner and I are in the same place, and I'm in a city where I can build my own roots.

In March and July I realized for the first time I was feeling down. I know this has happened in the past but I was so low already it just felt normal. I am grateful that I have begun to understand my feelings and what is happening in my head after being sober for 3 years. It feels good but I know I still have more growth ahead.

A significant event that happened was my conversion to Judaism. It has been an enriching year, and I look forward to growing in my faith. I am very grateful.

I moved away from John. I completed my divorce. I attempted to buy a condo. I negotiated a raise at work. I strengthened my current relationships. I learned that I am smart and strong.

The most significant experience that happened to me in the last year was the death of my father... I am still processing the way it affected me, as it has shaken all the base of my life... He was my father, my mentor, my guide, my role model, my boss, my friend, my partner....

Two experiences come to mind immediately and both are related to health. The first concerns Mum’s health which has deteriorated dramatically since last year. Whether lockdown was a factor we can’t know but it would appear to be so. Supporting Mum & Dad seems to have become central to the lives of all three of us daughters although it is Wendy & Kevin who bear by far the brunt of it. I think we are all coming to terms with this new chapter in Mum’s life. There is no indication of how long this chapter may last; it could continue on for a long while yet. I hope we can keep them at home as they wish and ensure an adequate care package is in place. Wendy has done the most marvellous job this year and I feel completely inadequate next to her. But all is ok. We will get there, wherever ‘there’ might be. The second experience, once again, is my own health. Trying to support Mum & Dad has demonstrated my limitations and also drastically highlighted my guilt and frustration at not doing enough. I have also had to face my resentment that supporting them takes everything from me and my own life is side-lined. However, there is a strong positive because this situation led me to see a private gp which has helped me to understand my own compromised health and may provide some relief going forward. I do not expect a dramatic improvement but that’s ok. Already I feel a change because my increased understanding is leading to an improvement in how I manage things. And despite everything I feel positive, optimistic and grateful.

This year I participated in Bend the Arc's Jeremiah Fellowship. This was significant because it taught me so much about social justice organizing within the Jewish community and gave me new relationships to folks with similar views to mine, all in a virtual platform. I am so grateful for this experience and I'll that I've learned, and I'm excited to continue organizing with Bend the Arc outside of the Jeremiah Fellowship.

The entire COVID pandemic which shifted the direction of everything happening to me and our family this year. Grateful for being safe and healthy, and for the ability to continue working from home, but also discouraged, depressed, anxious about where our society is heading.

I lived with my parents for four months during lockdown. As soon as it became apparent how serious Covid19 was, I made the decision to go home to my parents (I'm an only child and they are 75 and 77) so that I could be there for them if they needed support. I felt like I couldn't bear the idea of something happening to one or both of them and me not being there. I live alone, but I have two cats, who had to go into a cat hotel for this period of time. I'm grateful that I'm at a point in life where I had the financial resources to be able to make this decision. I feel like spending this time with my family strengthened our relationship and I can't speak for them, but I think I grew in ways I didn't anticipate. I spent time with my mother in her garden and have learned new skills that I in turn pass forward. I feel so loved and connected to my family as a result of spending this time together and choosing each day to love each other even when it felt difficult. I feel very lucky to have gone through these months together with my family.

A significant experience in this past year has been having my writing accepted for publication, and later being commissioned to submit a story to an anthology and to run workshops on poetry. Writing - making literature - has been a dream of mine my whole life but a whole host of insecurities, difficulties, and bad luck have kept me from pursuing it till now. I am grateful that I have done myself the service of giving it a shot. Ironically, the lockdown is what finally robbed me of my last excuses and forced me to try.

How can it be anything but COVID? It has affected everything, but for me also almost nothing. I still work, I'm job secure, I don't have kids to worry about. It has made me greatful this year that I don't have kids to worry about homeschooling. I know it has contracted my world, I don't see family as much as I would like, but this year, it's not my fault that I can't do it. It's a big emotional drain to visit or host family, and I are more aware than ever that I need to preserve my emotional energy to get through the normal day to day stuff with work. I am drained!

Covid lockdown. The whole situation is terrifying, and we are ver worried for the future, but there have also been some good things about lockdown, eg. learning how to have a slower pace of life, spending time with the family, cooking better, appreciating ur home and surroundings, and not always looking for more and more exciting things to do.

I realized I had feelings for a close friend *and* that I still deeply loved my spouse. Sharing these feelings was both the easiest thing to do and the most difficult thing, as it set off a yearlong process of exploration, deep questioning, and discovery about myself (including my newfound polyamory), my spouse and (now) new partner (friend for whom I expressed feelings), my friend circle, etc. I am still in it, but feel a mix of thrilled, curious, exhausted, guilty, alive, and unsettled.

Witnessing firsthand my dear friend’s death, being fully present for her to help her peaceful passing, and facilitating her loved ones’ presence at her bedside virtually. I was profoundly aware of being God’s vessel. I know that I have the calling to bring God’s presence to others. I just have to remember that, stay focused in the moment, and intentional on connection.

I started my graduate school program. It challenged me like I've never been challenged before - not just academically, but mentally, emotionally, and even physically. I am halfway through now, and am so grateful for this opportunity to challenge myself and overcome.

Covid-19 hit and we went into hunker down. On the one hand, it was scary; but on the other hand, it left me in a state where there was no consequence to laziness. If something didn't happen today, it could happen tomorrow since everything felt "suspended." I could relax. I feel fortunate most of all because I don't have financial pressures and children at home to educate; I am privileged and lucky.

I turned 40 this year, a month before my 10th wedding anniversary. These were supposed to be widely celebrated - a big birthday party followed by an anniversary trip to Europe complete with babysitting at home for our toddler daughter. But then ... COVID. I have always been a big celebrater - I like to feel special at special moments, since my every day often feels somewhat mundane. And although my partner really tried to make things special for me anyway, I do feel resentful and sad that these milestone celebrations were taken from me.

Living with Noreen. I am grateful for it because it made me more aware of my need for autonomy, space and gentle words, forced me to set boundaries and woke me up to my tendency to hoard money at the expense of experience.

It started with wary observation of headlines in February—"a novel virus" and "first case identified in Seattle". The first weekday of March, I spent my work day preparing our clinic to conform to public health guidelines. I wish we knew what we know now. I went home that evening and I remember sitting on the bus, feverish, holding my backpack against my chest to suppress a cough. I told friends I had just spent time with the weekend prior, that I might be ill and they should know about it. I was sick for nearly two weeks. I could barely move and my chest muscles ached from coughing. Testing wasn't available. I was afraid I would pass it to my family, even my dog (because we knew so little at the time). When I returned to work, it was practically deserted. As with any public issue, the negatives are most prominently displayed and reviewed. The pandemic has put selfishness in the spotlight. It's as if someone remarked how polarized we are and COVID-19 said, "Hold my beer." Combined with the political climate and actual climate and murders of Black persons by the state and concentration camps and forced sterilizations and the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg (z"l), it's so easy to feel helpless and so very hard to see the helpers.

I'm sure most have started this way but due to Dovid we were unable to see my parents this summer. We try and see them twice a year and this is very challenging. It hurts but I made a commitment to talk to them via Zoom every week and it really brings me great joy. I think I'll continue to do this even after Covid as I think it is truly special.

Well certainly the most significant thing this year has been the quarantine. It has increased the division between the parties, and the haves and have nots. It's really sad and disgusting what this country has become. I have never wanted to leave more than I do now, and because it's impossible, I feel very trapped. I guess a positive thing from it is that it has caused everyone to slow down a bit and led people to spend more time with their families if they wanted to. It's just led me to feel more alone. I'm doing okay with it though. I started exercising a lot more and I was able to have two surgeries that I'm still rehabbing from. So all that is very significant.

It is hard to pin point, but I think that my experiences with new friends is something I never had before. Finally have a group of friends I can hang out with, have similar interests with, be forward, be my complete self, and the massive amount of support from them. I would be a mess with out them at this point in my life. It can be stressful at times, but all relationships are. We are all learning and leaning on each other in times that we feel blocked in. I have also become closer to my life long friends. The change has been significant. We both try to reach out to each other and share our time. Even though we cannot be physically together, spend more time with each other. Our friendship has never been stronger.

Corona virus. It affected my work routine, it affected my social life. It made me go within more to get to know myself. I’m relieved because it forced changes that needed to happen at work and in my personal life. It made me even more grateful for the job I have, the security I have and how proud I am of myself that I’ve worked my ass off to get me in the financial security and job security that I have. I do miss seeing my friends, but i also love spending time by myself

The Covid-19 pandemic. I’m scared and weary, miss interacting face to face with my family & friends—especially dancing & improv, and am trying my best to find silver lining opportunities—using this time for reflection, creativity, & learning some new skills.

The COVID19 pandemic and the restrictions this imposed on our lives for a long period and still is. Also my grandma passed away just after I did this last year and that was important and I'm so glad I got to say goodbye to her. Remote learning happened, I was working from home, I worked with the mutual aid group locally to answer calls and organise deliveries for vulnerable/local people of prescriptions and food. I am a bit concerned that schools will try and go back to the way they were before, when I think changes are needed.

Corona virus has completely changed our lives and I believe that its effects will be felt for a long time to come. 5 trips abroad were cancelled, we were in lockdown for a month and s half and are now in lockdown again. I assume that we will be in lockdown again in the late autumn. We have to wear masks all of the time. Our routine keeps changing. Durring the first lockdown i was hoping to make changes in my life, but i didn't. Now, i am trying. Hopefully i can utilize this time to find the balance that i sm so desparate to find.

I did a workshop with Lieve and Yvonne and this was life changing. The better part of the workshop was on me as a person being central in all my roles. How as a therapist and human being I am trained to put others first and how this disables me. I am grateful, relieved, inspired and also a bit resentful towards those who inspired me to sacrifice myself.

My God, what a year. The pandemic, obviously. It hit Seattle early and life changed drastically in March. For 13 weeks, nobody in Seattle was allowed to have a household employee unless they were deemed an essential worker. Through some fluke of fate, both my husband and our nanny share family's husband technically have "essential" jobs, so we got to keep our nanny. Life would have been very different without that, and so many people suffered immensely with no childcare options. I don't know what we would have done. King County started a phased reopening in June and officially entered "phase 2" a couple weeks later, where we've stayed for 3 months. Weirdly, we traveled a lot in Jan-Feb: Hawaii for work and vacation, 2 out-of-state weddings, a weekend visiting our old nanny share family a couple hour drive away, and a long weekend with college friends out of state. It was honestly too much and I was looking forward to spending March closer to home. I even picked up some horrid cold mid-February that was made worse with flights... 99% sure it wasn't COVID-19, but I am in disbelief on hindsight that I was allowed to board a plane while feeling remotely under the weather! I thought my worst day of the year would be when I was feverish and exhausted and missed a flight with a toddler. Nope, it's been the 6 months that followed. It hasn't all been bad, but this is not how I wanted my nearly-3-year-old to learn what "normal" is. For me, the last 6+ months can be summed up like this: we have it so great compared to so many people, and it is still so extremely shitty.

It's so tough to choose just one, but the most recent and potentially the most impactful was meeting Darcee Ohern at Cape Scott. She inspired me so much with her stories of hardship and perseverance (the broken neck in Argentina, biking across Canada, taking her kids of that hike!) and reminded me that I can do anything I put my mind to. When she asked me what I was going to challenge myself with I knew the deep answer but couldn't say it out loud. For the first time, I accepted the answer and decided to be alcohol free from then forward, at least for the foreseeable future. I feel relieved and ready to take on this challenge. Excited for what's to come in health and non hangover mornings without regrets and self loathing.

I was an early Covid case, testing positive in the ER in midMarch after a business trip to France. I recovered at home but very slowly: a "long haul" with fever for weeks, and other symptoms lasting many months. Finally well (I think) and able to donate plasma, hoping that helps someone else. Being at the leading edge of this pandemic in the West, I find it humbling and alarming how utterly screwed up we are, fumbling as best we can -- and yet how incompetently it has been handled on SO many fronts. Sometimes with good will... sometimes not.

Our daughter has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She’s a wonderful young woman, 48, and is dealing with the shock, fear, anxiety - a huge range of emotions - by writing and drawing. Her immediate family, three children and a husband, are also dealing with this. She’s a stalwart in helping them. As a parent I’m experiencing a helplessness too. I can’t ‘fix it’ anymore. But I can listen, listen and listen some more. And help in any way she wants. She’s inspirational.

I ended a major chapter of my life, as a Jewish educator, this year when I took my new job at the BRC. I'd been an educator for so long, I never considered anything else as a career, but it turns out that all that experience prepared me for this current job in ways I could not have foreseen. I'm sad for the years I spent looking for a functional, supportive work environment in the Jewish education community (failing every single time). It makes me sad for the Jewish community at large that we can't see the dysfunction, or the abuse (emotional and verbal, mainly). Someday, I hope those still in it will be able to reform it, but for my sanity, I had to leave.

A friend of ours, Eli, decided that his New Years Resolution would be to not“fritter away” so much of his time..... This was back in 2004 and I remember wondering what that would be like. Now I seem to be obsessed with frittering in “Quarantine Time”. I have done the major projects that I have yearned to do and now I am really happy “frittering”. For example, today I decided to seriously dig up those dandelions in my flowerbeds and around my bushes. Once I started, I remembered how much I loved digging up dandelions around the pachysandra in our yard with my Mom. I feel such an accomplishment.... still...... when I dig one up and the taproot is intact when it is released from the dirt.... My Mom and I would compete for the most perfect taproots.. Another tradition that I have begun is at breakfast, while Jay is reading the paper, I read to him my diary to let him know what we were doing on today 1 year ago when we were in hiking the WHW in Scotland, 2 years ago when we were on our long retirement trip, 3 years ago when we were trekking the Komona Kodo trail in Japan. That :fritters” about 4 minutes or more depending on whether my writing strikes up a conversation. Another thing that I like to do is check the paper to see what silly, crazy national day it is and try to do something to celebrate it. An example is that today, May 16 it is National Mimosa Day, National Piercing Day, National Love a Tree Day, Honor Our LGTB Elders Day, National Sea Monkey Day, National Do Something Good for Your Neighbor Day and National Barbecue Day.. There’s a lot you can do to keep busy and fritter with all the National things that we should celebrate today. Mimosa’s... check that off my list at breakfast, Piercing.... I accomplished that by “piercing” the ground with my dandelion knife and cutting those broadleaf weeds out, I hugged a tree, called up a friend, I discovered that a sea monkey is an aquarium pet so my knowledge base is better than ever, we mowed our neighbors years because they are away and tonight.... hamburgers. See how I can fritter and feel accomplished at the same time? It’s these little moments inserted that keep every day a little different. Oh..... and I always feel that the day was a success when I see a rainbow.

Three very significant events, in chronological order: 1. First grandbaby born. My daughter and I became closer than ever during her pregnancy and wanted me there for the birth. I have waited my whole life to see a baby being born, not to mention to be with her and her husband. I witnessed an extraordinary phenomenon and fell in love instantly. Now 7 months later the love has only grown and deepened. 2. COVID-19 so much fear and work became so hard, I've been going to work daily 3. The pharmacy where I work was vandalized and looter during the civil unrest on 5/31/20.

I was confirmed in the Catholic church. Most life-changing experience of ... my life. I mean, it fundamentally changed my orientation to the whole world. I'm different now, even as I am in many ways the same. It's been difficult (but not as difficult as I imagined) to deal with the social ramifications in my extended circle, but where the Lord leads I must follow.

Well, covid... there have been some silver linings I suppose but on the whole I am very sad and very angry about it. It’s difficult to process beyond that lately but future me, im sure I will journal more before you read this. In terms of silver linings: clear lake is fairly unaffected, living at home means I don’t have to worry about money, I don’t have to compartmentalize how I feel any more than I already am doing in order to survive a job currently. And I get to spend so much time with sooka. The downside is pretty much everything else! Plus the devastation of the world/society/people around. ah

This spring I called an ambulance and was hospitalized for ten days due to severe anemia, which I assume was brought on by the fibroid condition that I have been struggling with for many years. It was the first time I had been hospitalized in many years, and the first time since moving to Connecticut. While I was at the hospital, I was given a blood transfusion for the anemia and also was diagnosed with a Pulmonary Embolism for which I was put on blood thinners. Although I do not like taking medications and am hoping that I will be able to come off of the blood thinner soon, I am very grateful for the treatment I received since it resulted in me feeling better than I have in years and finally being able to exercise vigorously again. I also found the doctors and staff at Danbury Hospital to be so compassionate and laid back compared to my previous experiences elsewhere and this was very healing for me and has taught me to be less intimidated by doctors.

I started tutoring my fourth grade Hebrew students individually on Zoom or FaceTime and the students reacted well to the one-on-one environment. I could go at their pace and not worry about the whole class.

Clearly, the most significant experience this year has been the pandemic. It has truly changed the world. Together with the current political situation and the climate change-induced wildfires, it has contributed to a feeling of insecurity and unease. The world is a scarier place than it was a year ago. It has further demonstrated the cracks in the foundation of the USA. For the first time in a long time, I question whether a long-term future in the Bay Area is even feasible.

In May 2019, I started my recovery journey through OA and more recently through step work in ACA. I’m working with two amazing sponsors, am sponsoring and abstaining from my known trigger foods. It’s a game changer. Following my gallbladder surgery, I’ve been physically better than ever. I’m currently 168 lbs, working with a nutritionist and slowly and gently reparenting myself. Big change from 245 lbs of the past. I’ve been enjoying time with my husband and children like never before. Deepening work with my partners and venturing into another round of virtual school and work. My MIL sold her house following my FIL’s passing. Not sure where her new home will be. DD is starting 7th grade and DS will be completing elementary school this year. I’m learning to live day by day, taking pauses, meditating, lead with gentleness and gratitude, and staying aligned with my higher power Gia (υγεία/Παναγία). I’m learning to ask for help. What an epiphany!

I graduated from university with my Honours BA in linguistics this May, finally, just before turning 31. I had been in uni on and off since I was 17, with many steps on many paths leading in many directions before I found a solid footing in this program. I feel a lot of ways about this experience. Relief is probably the most significant; it is challenging to go through life with no formal education whatsoever. (I'd been homeschooled as a kid, and didn't even have a high school diploma before getting this degree.) And I'm relieved that it's over. University is tough. In some ways it gets easier as you get older; deadlines and organization and talking to professors are all a lot simpler to manage at 30 than they were at 18. In other ways, though, it's harder. Undergraduate education isn't structured to accommodate adults who don't live on campus, who have to work, who have to cook dinner and manage adult relationships and have responsibilities beyond just doing homework. Before I finished the degree I thought that I wanted to be an academic. After finishing, I can't imagine doing so. I love to learn, and I am grateful for every opportunity my degree program gave me to learn, and for all of the tools it gave me for structuring how I view the world and process information. But I feel excited now to apply those tools in my own world, on my own time, without the structures and strictures and bureaucracy of academic institutions to hold me back. I feel inspired to approach the next life path I am just beginning to set out upon with all the resolve that allowed me to succeed in my BA. I feel a certain amount of regret that my dream of becoming a scholar did not come true, but I feel eager to approach whatever comes next with an open mind.

Well... I got engaged. Then broken up with. Then she moved out. Then she came back for lockdown. Then we got back together. It's been a rollercoaster, but I think it's taught me a lot about myself, about how to be in a relationship, about my patience and forgiveness, and about my weaknesses and strengths.

I had half my foot amputated in March. I was hopeful at the time that I'd be on the road to recovery. But it's now September, and I still can't walk. I feel despondent.

Oh my goodness a significant experience from this past year! Where to start or what to choose??? I have to choose Peace Corps. I followed a dream. I put in a lot of work and love and care to make it happen. And lets be real I would have been a wonderful volunteer. To be honest I think I feel grateful, relieved, resentful, and inspired for the short amount of time that it was. As much as it was special and I loved Nepal and I met incredible people, after a lot of reflection and letting go I have realized a dream doesn't have to come true. Maybe it becomes a large sadness of my year, but I learned from it. Dreams should continue to be reexamined and criticized, to make sure it is right. I do not think I will go back to the Peace Corps, I am not sure it is in line with my values anymore. And that is scary, but it is ok. Peace Corps has flipped a lot of things for me. Both the departure and the quick return has been dramatic and significantly changed my year.

Oh lordy -- I feel like there is only one--the literal overwhelmingness of Covid, and social distancing and quarantine. I am everything. I am angry -- angry at the virus and at the United States government for their handling of this. I am grateful for my privilege -- i am healthy, my family is healthy. I am in awe of the resilience of my kids. I am surprised at how much my husband and I have been able to survive this without killing each other. I am impressed with my ability to survive homeschooling. Everything that felt like a problem before is now not a problem, and yet, other things are exacerbated. and I find myself grateful for things that I wasn't before.

Brandon completed his first year of medical school. I feel proud and relieved.

I have experienced the death of my mother in law and the birth of my first granddaughter. These nearly simultaneously events my me feel less in charge but more in touch with G-D.

It has been an eventful year, but everything about it is dwarfed by one terrible tragedy: the death by suicide of my stepson in August, a few days shy of his 33rd birthday. Obviously, my husband and I are devastated, and our grief process will be life-long. Prior to that, the most significant experience for me has been returning to graduate school to finish my doctorate in music after a very long disruption. It is a much more positive experience now compared to the first time around, and I am so pleasantly surprised, I sometimes have a hard time believing it's real. I'm disappointed to find that academia is still a breeding ground for a particular form of pernicious dysfunction, though. I am in a privileged position of being able to avoid it for the most part, but I see its effects, and I hope I can be a countervailing force in some way.

So much has happened this year. Mom died, Janice killed herself, we moved and I feel like I lost all of my friends, the kids lost their friends and school, Eliot died, Cory died, and then Dora died. I just want the terrible things to stop. I want to have confidence like I used to, that things will go my way and life will be easy again. I'm scared of losing Annie.

The significance difference that has happened within the past year that I am immensely grateful is my change of perspective on the world and myself. I am living through an open heart and open mind to fulfill needs that are necessary for continue my growth.

This year a pandemic has swept across the world. It has affected every aspect of my life, in both positive and negatives ways. From this pandemic I have learned to make the most of every day, build relations, focus on potential growth and beauty and not on materialistic items, and lastly, respect my community by supporting members of it, following guidelines and helping others. It has made me slow down from my regular pace and rethink my priorities.

Break up with Fadhl. I learnt to be kind to myself and honour my needs. It was tough to start with because I cared for him deeply but I found courage and strength with the help of my friends to re-embrace living alone and being single. The end of our relationship really broke my spirit and I felt a big sense of relief. Sadly I hoped we could remain friends in the aftermath but it became difficult and nasty. This was the first person I loved after Gustav in a really meaningful way but it wasn't the same kind of love that I felt for him. I knew that there was something not quite right with my relationship with Fadhl. I must learn to trust this feeling more even if I can't rationalise it. Whatever said it was a good learning experience and I think I've really grown in terms of understanding myself and my inner world.

2020 has really been split into 2 different time periods. The first was basically the same as months in the past -- some travel, some doctor appointments, some work and just everyday, normal living. The second started in March with the Covid19 exploring in a neighboring city and then spreading around the USA and the world. New routines were required to be established, new acceptance of how survive quarantine restrictions, and still trying to accept what is the "new" "normal". No softball/sports, no socializing with friends, no exploring foods or wines, and looking inward to how to survive mentally and physically.

Graduating from a residential treatment center that I had been at for 13 months. I am grateful in some aspects, but I have a lot of sadness. I had made a strong support system, and leaving was very hard for me. I was happy, being able to return home, and completing a tumultuous journey, but I feel empty. Whenever I think about it, I block out all thoughts, because it is too painful.

The COVID quarantine required me to learn how to teach online lightning-fast. I discovered that at 64, I still like learning and trying new things, and I still like a challenge. I still get resentful if I'm forced to do something faster than feels natural, or differently from the direction my curiosity and experimentation wants to take me. I feel grateful that an old dog can learn new tricks, and frustrated that it takes longer than I want it to.

Going back to BC for almost 6 months during the first part of Covid. It was harrrrd. I had finally chosen to move and then a few months later this happened. But I am grateful that it happened. I gained clarity about my relationship with Eric. I paid of my TO debt. I got to spend time with my mom and friends. I met new people at work. I had time to myself in nature.

My health crashed while living in a motel that our landlord moved all second floor residents to in order to work on the walkway for three months, in the winter of 2019-2020. o5 Nov 2019 - 05 Feb 2020. Even though I spoke with an atty before moving and checked in with him so I could be prepared this time should things become critical, things did become critical and he wasn't available. I wasn't told that this was a possibility. Once again high and dry and really sick again. No way to be heard, no way to protect myself. Expendable. My doc at NJH wanted me to move into a larger space with a room for birds away from my bedroom in the motel, or leave the birds in the room and put me in another room close by, but the apartment manager refused. My breathing and coughing became more distressed. I had appointment at NJH and they wanted to admit me to the hospital. I have no one to take care of my birds in the motel so I refused and got a script for Prednisone instead and they increased my oxygen from 4 L to 8L for waking and I needed 6 instead of 3 for sleeping. My portable O2 will now last less than 2 hours. Plans and hopes f0r road trips and traveling and camping are suddenly looking like an impossibility. Kati Rosen at NJH wants me to get on lung transplant wait list. I think I am somewhat in denial. Since I have to isolate due to the pandemic situation it hasn't completely soaked in that this may be my life with or without pandemic restrictions. Staying home due to lack of adequate portable oxygen. Too much required for me to leave home for anything over an hour or less than 2 hours total. While at motel I developed cataracts fairly rapidly. I'm told I need surgery now. My vision has changed so drastically and fast. Reason for my cataracts have been given as my use of cortical steroids for the lung disease and possibly the use of Oxygen. I feel inner panic. I feel distress. I am alone in adjusting to this.

I got cleared to leave the Army but then COVID hit and I’ve been working full time with the public health department chasing the virus. It’s exciting but exhausting.

My mother died this year. I'm terribly sad. Still quite shocked and traumatized from some of the things that I saw, but I'm also open. Raw. Grateful that I had such a wonderful mother. Grateful that she's no longer suffering. And I just don't know how to miss her yet. I guess I mean, I don't know how to go about missing her for the rest of my life.

Finishing my dissertation proposal defense felt really incredible- it went so much better than I feared, and I so appreciated how free I felt in the aftermath. For the first time in years I had nothing I had to do that afternoon- I was done, it was over. All my deadlines (e.g. grants) were still in the future, and I could just sit for a minute. Moving into this next stage of the PhD (dissertation writing) I'm really enjoying getting to rethink my routines and build new ones, and having more control over my time and how I structure it (than I did in exams, or especially in coursework)

Earlier this year, we packed up and moved. We bargain sale sold our house to a community land trust. Our friends saw us off. The hardest part was leaving the plants. I just saw the "for sale" photos from the community land trust. They killed the male kiwis, so now the female kiwi will have nothing to pollinate it next year. Everything on the green roof is dead. And the only thing we asked of them is that they frame the compost toilet as a positive thing. They met the letter but not the spirit of the agreement. So I cried and my dog came out of the literal closet where they were hiding to be near me. My dog is new, too. They're always near me and I am so glad to have them in my life.

My grandma Beverly got Covid. We were so far away and couldn’t help. We were barely able to speak with her. It was terribly sad, and we all started bracing for the grief we expected to come. But she survived. Five weeks in the hospital with Covid and pneumonia. 94 years old. Amazing. And yet, there was pain and ambulance, because so many others were dying, and she herself was ready to pass. Life is unpredictable, to say the least. I feel grateful and amazed. And I feel guilt about not talking more often, which I commit to changing in this coming year.

The pandemic is the obvious answer. For me personally, the short time I was pregnant is the most significant thing that’s happened. It was terrifying but also woke something inside of me. I’m still deciding how I’m different as a result. I hope to get and stay pregnant, with the right partner, soon. I am grateful for the experience.

The killing of George Floyd, following that of Breonna Taylor and far too many other black people in the U.S., sparked a historical moment of racial upheaval in this country with the movement and conversations still ongoing. As we grapple with the limitations and emotional weight of the pandemic, many of us are using the opportunity to reflect, ask questions of ourselves and each other and learn and grow so that this nation can finally move past its historic racist roots. I'm inspired by people's willingness to change and that many don't want racism in America to get worse. The feelings are mixed though because far too many POC have died at the hands of systemic injustice and that shouldn't have been needed for us to get here. The fact that on a daily basis they're treated differently should have been enough to cause an uprising involving people across colors.

The most significant experience of 2020 was that for several months, from approximately April to July, I was in fear that I was going to lose my job. The university where I work made a list of faculty to fire. That list hung over my head and my life. For several weeks I was in deep sorrow and had to reckon with a reality that my career was likely over. Who would hire a 45 year old teaching professor? I was in deep despair and not thinking rationally. I did come to a place where I hope that had I been on the list, I would have been able to accept it, find a new career and perhaps grow in my identity. My whole life has been about my job and I am ready to explore other identities. I am so very grateful to have not been on the list, but so sad that this place that I love has chosen to treat others in such a disposable way.

I turned 60,I had a huge party, all my kids were in town, MSB played, grateful for all my friends and family!

This year has been unbelievably crazy and complicated. Between the COVID-19 pandemic, the murder of George Floyd, and all of the ins and outs of my life in between, there are many formative experiences that are very significant to me. Watching my closest friends see each other time and time again during COVID-19 when I was unable due to family rules (and common sense) was hard. I was angry for a long time and resentful of everyone who was close to me. It was hard to fight through what felt like utter exclusion. This experience was very significant to me because it drove the selfish part of this pandemic, even though the selfish aspects are sometimes justified. I learned to cope and understand, and to open my mind to the fact that it was my choice whether or not to choose to find my own source of happiness.

I got detained by ICE on my trip back from Switzerland on October 2019 and it has been a whirlwind. I have never felt so much love from my friends/ family/ strangers/ communities and yet I’m still feeling at time alone. I feel like the trauma isn’t yet over. I advocate for others now and whilst I was in there I helped many men find answers to their questions or point them in the right direction.

2020 - the year of the great pandemic of COVID-19. It turned everything into question, from the way I do relationships, what I prioritize, and how I want the world to be. It's revealed that the systems of life we've lived under can no longer sustain us - every system that oppresses, profits, and subjugates the Earth and her people must fall. I feel inspired for new ways of living, yet I also feel more existentially afraid for my life and the trajectory of all life than I ever have. For the first time in my life, I truly cannot predict or imagine what the world will be like beyond this year.

This year, not only did I get accepted into rabbinical school, but I also started said program in June! I spent so many months beforehand preparing my application and prepping for my interview, so when I got the call that I was accepted I was over the moon! This has been my dream for so long and even though my program didn’t start the way I thought it would, I’m still so grateful to be spending every day learning with my amazing classmates. It’s definitely overwhelming to be in a group with people who have so much more experience and knowledge than I do, but I’m excited to learn from one another.

Like everyone else, I would have to say Covid. Good news: I have had unprecedented time with my wife. Bad new: what is happening to my world that people will not believe in basic hygiene?

I got my first NSF-funded grant. I was relieved--it helped sooth my fears of not being able to fundraise, which is a key component of getting done what I want to get done.

In the past year my marriage has fallen apart. I have been sleeping on the couch, partly because my husband snores and I don't sleep well, but mostly because we no longer have a physical relationship and I need to feel I have my own space in our tiny apartment. I found out that he had been using money from our child's savings account to send to a family in Nigeria. He had worked and lived there and wanted to help some one he had met who he said was struggling. He was doing the wrong thing for the right reasons. He hid it from me and when I became suspicious and had to uncover what he was doing he lashed out at me. That was the most painful betrayal I have felt in our marriage. I don't think he ever truly apologized or gave me any closure on that situation. To this day I feel if he never had to explain it to me, or I never found out about it, he would have preferred that. Many other things had been slowly unraveling over the past few years. But now I look back and see that many things were never there to begin with--things that could help us sustain our relationship in the long run. He doesn't trust or want to talk to a therapist, with or without me. My therapist said, "You like to dig deep to find the truth and he doesn't want to pick up a shovel." I realized our marriage was based on my unplanned pregnancy and my need to feel safe and be with someone I could count on. I realize now I want the person I'm with to be a partner who is willing to invest in our relationship and I have not had that with my husband. I still struggle with resentment. But now that I have accepted that I don't see him as a partner I can let it go easier. I have said to myself (and my husband) "I want more" enough now that, regardless of his actions or behavior (or lack of effort), I finally accept it is a valid way for me to feel, and I do deserve more. Neither of us are in a position financially to move and get divorced but I no longer view us as married. Once our child is done with high school in the spring something may change then. This has inspired me to take more actions to become financially independent and make decisions for myself rather than thinking as part of a marriage. I've spent many months feeling devastated about my marriage falling apart. At the same time I've regained a sense my own agency and power that I haven't had for a long time and desperately needed.

About a year ago I met my gf. It was in some way unexpected even though I had actively started dating a few months before. Her quiet loving presence has been a gift. I feel there is potential for great things in the future but occasionally do have some hesitations. I worry at times that I will once again be in a relationship where I do the heavy lifting and I’m concerned that her conflict avoidance and sensitivity will make honest conversations difficult. This has also been a big change in my children’s lives and I constantly worry about doing what is best for them.

Life under Covid; forced retirement, maybe permanent, maybe not. May be making me yet crazy living in a backward failed state.

After a long time of suffering, my son, Dan, died by suicide. I know that my only child, in the moments leading up to and facing his own death, suffered the utmost distresses and hopelessness. I was not able to help him, to relieve his suffering or to save his life. I am heartbroken. At times I feel ashamed at my utter powerlessness to help him when he really, truly needed help, guilty at my shortcomings and failures as a parent, sorrowful, regretful, angry/resentful at his main social support for the last months, weeks, days, hours and minutes of his life, relieved that his suffering is at an end, lonely, empty, crushed, sad, bereft, hopeless, vanity, futility, pointlessness.

I can't think of one significant experience but my commitment to myself that I will swim in the sea once a week every week and my success in doing so ( for eighteen months to date) has added grains of resolve at a time when I have felt emotionally fragile and increasingly afraid of death. That makes me feel proud.

The global pandemic has transformed our lives in unknowable ways. I am grateful that I have a safe home, and work I can do from home. I am grateful that my husband takes our health as seriously as he does. I am inspired by the limitations of improvising and connecting online. I'm grateful to our California government for taking the Pandemic so seriously. I resent the current administration for failing to follow scientific guidelines. The US has 200,000 COVID deaths, the WH is to blame for many of them.

Of course, COVID-19 is the most significant experience we've shared in the past year. My sister was pregnant with her second child, having a difficult time with the pregnancy, and works in a hospital, and my anxiety for her was through the roof. It was almost impossible to concentrate on school or work, and it was heartbreaking to realize I couldn't be with her when the baby was born as we'd planned. Thankfully, she and baby are both safe, and we were able to visit them in June. I don't think I could think or concentrate on anything until after we'd seen them.

Right in the beginning of the year a friend from school was killed and a few months after a pandemic started. Something that looked like a horror movie suddenly happened and I realised that anything is possible, it doesn’t matter how far and surreal might look, and that, more than ever, made me realised that I have to keep in mind: “now or never”, “carpe diem”. We must live every single day, the time is now, it’s the only thing we really have.

I changed jobs from the hospital to being a Health teacher. Very challenging and stressful, but open opportunity for good career and professional growth.

My daughter left home under negative circumstances. She caused a divide in my family that will never be repaired. I was very sad, angry, and resentful. I am trying to be more at peace with it, knowing I am a good parent and good person, and I cannot control others.

It has just been over a year since my hair stopped falling out and I began my nutrition journey. It has been a huge struggle. It's soooo hard to see the progress in the moment but looking back I have come so far. It's still hard to congratulate myself when I still have a was to go but I'm doing a good job.

This year, I lost my job of 12 years. My wife had filed for divorce immediately after the death of my father in 2018. Shortly thereafter, she was diagnosed with an inoperable tumor. We halted the divorce mediation. Treatment was problematic and she was hospitalized. We still live together as she cannot support herself. I learned that she began seeing someone - a person we knew from before, but she won't reveal who, but I know nonetheless. As it happens, she initiated contact with him long before she filed. I am unemployed, and now cannot afford to move out myself, since I spent the last 15 years sacrificing to pay off the mortgage for this house. The world is diseased and on fire. Hate multiples. I am black. I can't say that my life matters without offending someone. A number of long-time white friends have revealed themselves as blatant racists. Hate multiplies. My adult daughters are living with us also through these times. I do not want to burden them with my struggle. Given my situation, and the comparative suffering of so many others, I am actually blessed and fortunate, which makes my despair feel self-pitying and indulgent. Yesterday my wife had a therapeutic surgery - one of the few treatment options available for her condition. She will be discharged today and I will make the 2 hour trip to bring her home and care for her during the recuperation, during which she will be irritable, impatient, demanding, and helpless. It is September.

Well, this year has had more than its' share of significant events, and by "significant" I mean shitty. The one that I think affected me most acutely was the week and a half of smoke that blanketed the entire West coast, the result of devastating fires all up and down the coast. The physical experience was awful - the smell and the nasty feel as it coated my skin and hair - but even worse was knowing that I was being covered in a fine layer of ash from dead trees and animals. It broke my heart. I cried a lot that first weekend when we were stuck inside the house with our windows shut. I was so sad, but was also filled with a righteous anger at the damage we humans inflict upon our world - in particular, climate change. The fact that anyone, especially our PRESIDENT who is supposed to lead us, could deny that climate change had a big part in these fires, made me beyond furious. This righteous anger spurred me to action. I set up a weekly donation to the Biden/Harris campaign, and also gave money to Amy McGrath's campaign against Mitch McConnell. Am going to set up a monthly donation to Nature Conservancy - am already a member, but it helps them more to get regular monthly donations. Yesterday we finally got rain, and today the AQI is back in single digits, and I am SO incredibly grateful. There's something refreshing and renewing about experiencing something viscerally awful and then having that relief of it being over and done with. I've never been so grateful for fresh air. It's like a blessing from heaven, just in time for Rosh Hashanah.

Well obviously the pandemic has upended everything. I am grateful to have been spared illness, job-loss, anxiety about putting food on the table and paying my bills. But being separated from family and unable to visit has been difficult. I miss them. I have been worried about them. I have felt helpless.

This past week, I joined representatives from a number of other trade unions to negotiate a new collective agreement with management. Despite the differences between our unions, we came together on the topics that we agreed upon, and insisted that they be negotiated before anything that we didn't agree upon. I view this as an important exercise in relation building, in trusting each other, and in joining forces to stand strong.

We decided to leave LA, where we’ve lived for the past eight years, to go home to NYC. My feelings are complicated. I can imagine being very happy to live so close to family, especially as our daughter grows up. But some part of me says that I’m living far away from everyone for a reason. I used to feel great romantic love for NY, but I’m more attracted to CA these days. Still again, right now CA feels like it’s about to be unlivable. At some point I’ll find a way to get into this change — I always do — but right now I’m having trouble figuring out what matters. It should be family, right? Not some amorphous sense of what appeals to me aesthetically?

Ruth Bader Ginsburg died yesterday (would be “today” if I had filled this out on the real Day 1). I cried a lot more for her than for my aunt Kathie, who died last week. RBG was such an incredible person, she protected all of us and fought for us, even as she battled cancer over and over again. It finally took her from us and the whole country is terrified for our future. The whole country meaning, the ones who have a problem with fascism. I am devastated to lose her but also heartbroken that she died not at peace but worried about what would happen when she was gone. I’m also inspired to fight harder, for her. As Jane put it, WWRBGD is now my mantra. We can’t let Trump destroy this democracy. If we get him out, we can’t let Biden take us only back to what we were before. We must make it better.

We're early adopters and both got COVID-19, at the same time, at the end of March. So did the other two units in this three-unit house, so whatever the vector, it was common to all of us. We were sick, at the same time, so of little help to one another. Bob was sicker for longer than I was, but I was more violently sick. Still, we rode it out at home. We were so grateful to get through it. So grateful for each other. So grateful that we managed to feed the cats each day, which wasn't always easy. So grateful for our landlord, who went to the drugstore to pick up things that we needed. I had a level of guilt, after getting better. It blindsided me and was a bit like survivor guilt, except that I'm a 9/11 survivor, and this was different. Yeah, with Superstorm Sandy, I hit the disaster trifecta. I'm also overwhelmed with guilt because on some days, it doesn't feel like enough. I don't feel like enough, I feel that having been given this gift, of survival and antibodies, not to mention a terrific partner and a nice place to eat and plenty of food, I should be doing more. Writing the great American novel. Founding a non-profit. Taking my photography to the next level. Getting a graduate degree. Some days I just don't feel like enough. Some days, getting out of bed, making the bed and coffee and breakfast, taking a shower, and getting dressed all feels like a tremendous accomplishment.

This year has contained many significant experiences it is difficult to decide which one to choose. I am grateful for meeting Kwadwo and Jade. I am grateful for the way both of them have expanded my mind and made things that once seemed impossible seem possible. I am inspired to do new things and to refashion my life into a life that I can lead completely on my own terms.

COVID-19, which is probably everyone’s response, as it basically upended life as we know it. I have hugged anyone in 6 months. I’ve been working from home for 6 months and will continue to do so for at least 6 months more. At times I feel fine/resigned, but there are times when I feel overwhelmed & isolated. I’m grateful for my friends and for the fact that this pandemic arrived at a time when we have the technology to meet virtually, whether for work or for happy hours. I’m also grateful that my employer made it possible for us to so easily work remotely. Not everyone’s company sent them home with 2 giant monitors.

I gave birth to my first child. I'm so grateful for my healthy and happy baby boy even on the hardest days.

I completed graduate school and I am very grateful for the experience and to be done! The process challenged me to go beyond my limitations.

The easy answer to this is COVID. It disrupted my job search, cancelled travel plans, and resulted in a pay cut at my current job. It politicized science and further divided our country into those who wear masks and those who do not. I've not been able to sit and have a meal with my parents in over 6 months because they are both high-risk and also frontline workers. It's been tough. I make an attempt each day to search for silver linings, to find something positive. Some days are easier than others. Other times I've not left the house for 3 days but am still exhausted, and I fear for the future of our country and for the people I care deeply about. 2020 has been a roller coaster, and as much as I love thrill rides I am ready for this one to end.

It feels as though there have been so many, it is difficult to just select one. Additinally it is difficult to asses the level of significant, that target appears to have shifted and not ina good way. I continue to assess is it growth with the years that go by or is it myself and the experiences that have aged me? What is the dimension of time I would like to use for measurement? A significant experience within the past year.....prior to COVID-19, I passed a national exam that was long overdue for my career. I also decided after passing the exam I was going to leave my job. It was the best decision for me to do at that time. Shortly after passing a variety of setting events happened including COVID-19 occurred and I had to stay longer than I anticipated. Eventually I did leave and it's the best decision I have made in a long time.

After I decided to quit Dollarama, it set in motion a chain of events that led to me getting a promotion and a raise, feeling valued at my job, and ultimately deciding to stay on indefinitely. It was a hugely gratifying experience that really changed how I view my role at the company, my relationships with my coworkers and my boss, and my value as an employee. Now in the thick of pandemic times, I've been very grateful to know I have a stable job working on a project that is a big priority for the company. Even simply having the structure of 9-5 work was a major sanity-saver when we were all in lockdown.

The "event" is the ongoing disaster that is the Trump administration. We knew it would be bad, but no one imagined that he and his henchmen would be setting up the country for a totalitarian takeover. I know that sounds hyperbolic, but I truly believe that this is how democracy ends: one small downward step at a time. How do I feel? Scared to death!

The protests that started after the death of George Floyd. It felt different this time versus the previous Black Lives Matter protests, and I wasn't even able to go an join the protesters. The whole atmosphere of the United States shifted. That inspired me, because it felt like more people actually started speaking up about the importance of Black and Brown lives. It was also really sad and depressing since these protests keep happening and nothing is changing. It feels/I feel so ineffectual.

Covid. Covid for Phil and his Real Place family. BLM. The cancelled wedding/s. The fires and smoke and staying inside. Climate Change coaching. Congress. Trump idolatry. Fake news and echo chambers. Working so very diligently with empathy and loyalty at my company and having it seem to not matter very much. Positive Intelligence buy in and being unable to stay pace as a pioneer. Dipping my toe in Strozzi embodiment. Most recently, Phil N.’s sudden death at age 59 and then RGB yesterday. Sigh. How does that all make me feel? So very sad and weary. So very angry and fed up. So very centered and striving for more... I have been saying since the fires that I can feel my DNA changing. I think I’m personally learning (in a very small way at the moment) about how much I live my life in the circle of concern and not the circle of my control. I have a very global, social, empathic wiring history but my future depends on a local, inner, radical self-care reside. At 65, I know the path forward is ending just around one of these bends. I hope my path has at least 30 good years in it but that is quite aspirational. I think of my circle and it’s certainly aspirational when applied to us all: here and there people will leave me. This thought is filled with pathos but also respect for the Mystery, the humanity, the poetry of it all.

A significant experience I’ve had this year has been beginning my training in intimacy direction. It was really stimulating for me to go back into studying something again, I’ve learnt that my work ethic hasn’t necessarily improved- who knew? And that I’m still much better in the classroom than at home working independently. Doing the training has given me a sense of pride and agency over my destiny, I’ve felt inspired and out of my depth and it has changed the way I do everything else in my career - teaching/ improv/ facilitation. As well as changing the way I operate in my personal relationships too. It has opened up my world and harnessed my integrity.

Many significant things have happened this past year. I stuck with a full year of going to the gym and seeing a trainer twice a week. Of course not perfect attendance but I really worked at it and made most sessions or was able to make them up. I really have built some solid muscle but I’m disappointed that I’ve literally lost and gained the same 5-8 pounds all year. Ken and I renovated my house after the kid’s (Lily & Jared) lease was up with me. After living on their own for a year and a half they got their own place in December. Hoping they do well, they are planning to get married next year. Ken and I bought a house together in January. He has a home that he can make his own with me at his side. This is a huge milestone for him for so many reasons that are not mine to tell. We sold my house in April from the front seat of my car because-COVID. I was very worried about this all going through smoothly as I had promised to put in half the down payment on the new house from this sale and contribute towards new house furnishings and renovations as well as pay for the renovations from my house. In the end I got $1,000 over my asking price. I was so relieved that all went well. On May 31, 2020 amid a global pandemic and with a total of twelve dear souls including our own, my dearest love and I were married. My sweetheart built us a beautiful chuppah, I selected a meaningful and original artwork for our Ketubah. My retired Rabbi officiated. I painted sweet little notes on the wedding glass, of which the shards are now in our bedroom mezuzah. We had a dairy meal that my mom and I made, because cheese! It was literally perfect. I’m so happy we kept our original plans, we slashed the guest list and brought the reception dinner inside since our tent and decor rental got cancelled. Our honeymoon plans got cancelled as well, but we took two days off to do absolutely nothing afterwards. We scheduled the honeymoon for ten days over his birthday in August. That was a most wonderful and relaxing time as well. I highly recommend to anyone getting married to have your honeymoon a little later. It’s low stress and really nice to look forward to after such a big day of celebration.

The significant experience that I had in the past year is something that didn't happen...I went for a year without seeing my parents in person. It was awful. I didn't see them because of Covid. And while the circumstances could have been much worse - they could have gotten sick, or been battling an illness etc. there was such a deep empty hole in my heart from missing them. And strangely, it felt bad to miss them so much because after all, they were still alive. I made a big leap and flew to see them, just before the new year. My heart doesn't ache anymore. I am so happy to be with them, even though I am quarantining and social distancing from them. At least we are in the same zip code for a few weeks.

I am a engendered woman. In March, I finally got a professional position. 4 years I worked on this, I taught myself a CRM, passed the certifications, just drilled myself daily, and worked for 5 nonprofits to build skills. I have been able to bring my 25 years of project skills to bear and am driving new productive work. The staff treats me like anyone else, which is such a relief, to have to not worry about it. By hiring me, they gave me a new sense of myself. I am especially thankful for my amazing supportive wife (I am blessed) and our firms awesome management and especially my direct manager. This was a goal that I just kept at and eventually, the universe said yes.

My father died. I'm broken. Even though he was 94, I felt I lost so much time with him because of the quarantine. We could only talk on the phone and he was so hard of hearing. This loss is very fresh; he only died on 9/1. All I can feel is a profound sense of loss.

I applied for two jobs—interior design assistant/librarian and therapy client care coordinator. I was proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone, but also felt ashamed of my lack of experience and confidence. I also wondered if I have the stability and mental and physical health required to be a good employee. I have stayed home with the kids for 14 years, and I'm grateful to have so much time with them, but I have felt isolated and stunted in my own development. This year, I feel driven to change this, whether it be through a job or volunteer work.

I got a new job, there was no application, not really a formal interview process. It was all thanks to my network. This is an incredible gift and privilege. I don't take it lightly and I feel in over my head more frequently than I would like to admit. Having graduated twice into difficult economies, then having a job (a good one, no less) just land in my lap still feels hard to believe.

My three oldest children graduated from college in the spring. It affected me because now they were less stressed, less harried, less needing me for listening support. It was the culmination of nine years of their hard work and my husband's (their father) any my support. I felt relief and a great pride in my children.

My wife found out I was seeing a stripper again. I joined SA and started the road to recovery. Grateful to be rid of addiction and lying.

Actually the significant experience this year was the COVID Pandemic and the aftermath including the company I work for has lost so much. I am sad. 2020 sucks. RBG passed away yesterday on Rosh HaShanah making me worry about what is in store for Americans in the President election.

A significant experience that happened to me this year was finding out that my husband of 22 years had been having an affair with a co-worker for 3 years AND that both Geli & Angel knew since 2018 when he moved out, then. (She was the one that gave him the "cojones" to leave, though he still denies it. He claims he doesn't remember if he was with her or not) I also was told, he had bough the luxury Hyundai Genesis car with her the month before. She helped him lease it and dished out the downpayment. I found out 3/26 and I moved into my own place on 5/15. He didn't try to stop me and not once has he attempted to ask me to return with him. That situation spurred the best experience of my life to date. It helped me cleave to God in a way that I have not done in over 2 decades. HE has become my all and the one that is bringing healing and revelations step by step. I have grown so much and so fast these past 4 months and I am so grateful to GOD for saving me from that horrible exsitence. Looking back on my journals for the past 3 years, I was constantly crying out in pain and HE delivered me, just like I asked. I am sad that my marriage is over, my relationship is gone. I am sad my children, esp my youngest son, had to suffer the splitting of their home. When my daughter told me, I actually felt relief, because i had suspected for a long time and he kept lying and making me doubt myself. HE constantly talked down to me, ignored me and was very emotionally and verbally abusive towards me. I finally had an out with not only God's blessing but say so! I am finally free and God is almost done cleaning the cobwebs out of my mind and heart.

Covid has made me slightly more isolated and missing seeing people in person. I do alot of Zoom events from my synagogue and some from other places, which helps but is not the same.

The shut down has certainly been the most significant experience this year. it has affected every part of my life. At this point I think I just feel numb. At first having no one to talk to in person but my husband was great since I am an introvert. Later, I found that my husband, my parents, and work are the only people I interact with. I can't decide if this is a good thing or bad. (My parents and I are highly susceptible)

My son and his wife welcomed their baby daughter. I am grateful and astonished.

COVID-19 has affected me greatly this year. I was having an amazing second year teaching, and then the pandemic collapsed everything. I had a plan of applying to MFA programs. So much of my feeling of purpose was connected to these two things. Now I'm trying to figure out who I am without these two things. If anything, I've learned that my sense of control is an illusion, and that trying to control every detail of my life is unnecessary and exhausting. I feel like there's more for me to learn here, and hopefully the light will come in soon.

The past year has held s couple of significant experiences; some good and some not so good. Of course, the highlight was Kate's wedding on September 14, 2019 to Trevor. It was a perfect day in every way. Kate is a good "people picker" and she outdid herself when she chose Trevor. He is an amazing man and he adores her. They are good together is so many ways. The ceremony was intimate and filled with meaning. The allowed me to share some words which was very special to me. The people who shared the day were exactly the right people. It meant so much to me that my friend Phyllis (we've been friends for 63 years) came from CA even though she is undergoing treatment for stage 4 lung cancer. The food and beverages were delicious and the music kept many on the dance floor the entire evening. It was a day filled with incredible, unreplaceable memories. I was proud and grateful beyond words. The other significant experience of the year was Kate's dad's death in March. Although we had been divorced for 20 years (separated even longer) it came under unusual circumstances and disturbed me more than I thought it would. That relationship was fraught with dramatic ups and downs. My younger brother also died unexpectedly in May. While we were not close, it was still unsettling. I am now the only one of the original nuclear family left. Of course 2 new great-nephews were born in this past year and with the absence of my brother, I have become closer to my sister-in-law, Terri and my nieces, Sarah and Jessie. That is a particularly wonderful by-product.

Covid. I rose to the challenge of a real crisis and I did something good for my community by using the platform I had for reporting on the virus. I took responsibility. It put my life and priorities in perspective which in turn led to a lot of changes, like dominos falling: leaving the dysfunctional company with a bully boss, becoming a freelancer, leaving the city for the countryside, budgetting myself out of debt, quitting smoking and drinking. I have felt every emotion available but overall I'm proud, happy, strong, free, nervous but excited about the future. I'm ready for anything the world might throw at me. I have grown quite a bit.

we lived in Israel for almost 5 months. I got to understand some of the differences between an American Jew (reform/conservative) and Jews in Israel. My family of five learned a lot about being a family. My kids went to schools in a foreign country. And I have headspace to do some healing and reactivate parts of my career that had gone dormant. I am deeply grateful for having a job that builds in sabbaticals, a partner who fought for permission from his boss to be with us, and for the timing of those five pre-COVID months.

I started a new relationship. I feel grateful and inspired: I am grateful for him and to myself for all of the work that I have put in to it. I am inspired about what the future will look like for us.

Well, I had hoped to talk about my wedding in this space this year, but it has been postponed due to COVID-19. So I guess that postponement will be my significant experience. It’s like a mourning process- I go from anger to denial to bargaining. I wonder if the universe is personally targeting me and my happiness/wedding. Then I feel guilty because so many people have lost so much, and I’m upset about a party.

Appeals court said that I may see what is in the Trust. I am grateful.

Like everyone else I have been deeply impacted by COVID-19 and the impact it has on every day life. For me, like pretty much everyone else, my life has changed drastically. I am now working from home and am grateful to have my job. I have been doing my best to be sheltering in place but have gone out of a town a few times to LA, San Diego, and Santa Barbara while still maintaining safety protocols. I have been grateful to have Jesse during this time which has provided a huge amount of emotional support, physical affection, and a deep connection to another human being when so many are cut off from others. I have experienced a rollercoaster of emotions where some days are ok and even good and others are rife with anxiety, and concern for the state of the world and the health of so many. It is a true lesson in patience, acceptance, and doing everything I can to stay safe and protect others while still maintaining mental and physical health. An additional experience is the emergence/resurgence of the Black Lives Matter civil rights movement. I have felt overcome with guilt, fear, and shame as I have done work to better educate myself around systemic racism and the undeniable patterns of law enforcement terrorizing and murdering people from the Black community as well as other POC. I want to be a true ally and an anti-racist agent of change and I am disappointed in myself that I didnt realize the intricacies and severity of our white supremacist society nor the intensity of my own privilege. I pledge to continue to do the work needed to be the person I want to be and to follow the lead of the amazing people leading the movement.

One of the most significant experiences I had this year was yoga teacher training in Bali. There, I learned to trust my intuition more than ever. I arrived in Bali on March 6, started yoga teacher training on March 7, and completed in on March 28, heading back to Paris on March 30. In the time I was away, COVID-19 was declared a pandemic. As friends left YTT and returned to their home countries, I thought about what to do. Should I go back early? If I did, I wouldn't have a place to live, since I was renting out my flat. Should I go to the US? My mom said NO WAY, I don't have health insurance there, and during a pandemic, that's not where you want to be. Despite friends encouraging me to look into coming back to France, which I know they did out of love and concern, but also fear, I stuck it out. I felt certain I'd get back home. And I did. I left when I was supposed to, upgraded to business from Bali to Doha, and even got an earlier connecting flight in Doha to get back to Paris. My flat was perfectly clean, with clean sheets, and I could carry on with life. I was proud of myself for listening to my gut, despite how challenging it was sometimes to relax into it and trust that it would all work out the way it was supposed to. I learned not to give in to fear, and trust my gut. It's not always 100%, but this experience was amazing for me and my connection to my intuition. I have all I need inside of me.

The circumstances are my last break up. Having a miscarriage the night before. Moving through the break up the next day. Navigating both of those hurts without the person who was my partner. At the time there was so much grief. Now I know that if I would have stayed in that relationship I would be only half of the person I am.

COVID! This has been significant for everyone globally. It has caused so many reactions in me: first was calm and gratitude that my family was healthy and we enjoyed the slower life and family time at home, then was lots of work stress as I got more involved in our COVID response and surge planning, then disappointment and heartbreak as camp and Meredith’s 8th grade Israel trip was cancelled (and our Galapagos vacation was cancelled and many other happy occasions and gatherings were cancelled), then was frustration/anger and sadness as a public health issue turned into a political issue. Throughout it all I looked for silver linings of getting great family time, slower life, working from home (no commutes and dressing up), innovative uses of digital technology and ways of creating community virtually. The roller coaster of emotions is almost a daily occurrence as this pandemic pervades the news and political cycle.

I almost got thrown out of my marriage for being a stubborn asshole. It kind of woke me up. I needed to learn how to deal with whatever my inner turmoil is in a positive way instead of lashing out. I don't need to be my father. I am grateful it happened, even though it hurt and I thought I might harm myself. I felt rather like dreck, but I know that I am not. I was inspired to join therapy and couples therapy and I feel like my marriage is healthier. We still have a ways to go, but that's OK. We are committed and she sees the change in me.

For two months (June-July) we lived in an extended stay hotel in California so that my partner could take care of my parents. Dad had recently had a heart attack and more stents put in (April) and Mom had fallen and shattered her hip (end of May). We drove to CA with Josh (so cool!) stopping to see some sites (Grand Canyon and JT). I worked remotely, and had dinner most nights with my parents. Grateful for the time with my parents and to be in sunny, beautiful CA in such an easy way. Inspired to move there!

The worst came to pass. Nick died from an accidental overdose. We all thought he was sober and he fought and fought but couldn't maintain the sobriety he had attained. The sadness and grief are overwhelming at times. I miss him so much. I will always miss him. I will always wonder, did I miss the signs he was using again? Were they there and I chose not to see them? Were they well-hidden? He was so troubled, his life was so difficult. He was always in pain- scared, anxious, obsessing about things both real and imagined. It's hard to wrap my head around it. The loss is stunning. He will never get to experience so many good things...perhaps he never would have given the hold addiction and mental illness had on him. There's a small grain of relief I feel from this loss. At least his struggles are over. But so is his chance at joy, love, family connection... I am so sad...so sad. Perhaps one day I will be inspired to help other parents, other people avoid this pain. The way we treat addiction and mental illness in this country is effed up. But not yet. Too soon...too sad. The pandemic I think was part of what spurred his fears - he was isolated, out of work - I want so much to blame something, but logically I know there's no one thing other than the diseases from which he suffered. One sad day at a time.

Feeling my age - difficulty in rising out of a chair, taking fast walks, once falling down. Feeling that I'm entering a new stage. Mounful, yet expectant.

This year has been filled with Challenges from covid-19. None as difficult as Angelica and Amber getting COVID. I'm frustrated, angry, resentful of the continuing issues with American Healthcare. I 'm worried all the time about me, about everyone .

COVID-19 was a challenge that changed everything. I was resentful at first -- thinking that I lost my freedom to live as I wanted. However, I am grateful that I got some things back....time with my kids, the opportunity to enjoy my home, the chance to really appreciate our smallest social circle...

I think mentioning Covid would be the easy answer here, because life came to a halt for literally everyone. I'm grateful for the chance to slow down. I didn't realize how many things that are a part of my daily life, are truly unpleasant or undesirable. Everybody talks about wanting to get back to normal, but I don't miss "normal", and certainly wouldn't want to return to that type of life. I'm annoyed that I'm unable to travel - at the beginning of the year I had just decided to make seeing the world a goal of mine. I haven't been able to make good on that. However, I've been able to shift that focus to creating new experiences for my family, and I don't think I'd have thought about that otherwise.

Wow... What has happened in a year? I went to Colombia in December/January with my friend Dana. It was an expensive trip, and a lot of travel time, but we spent time on Isla De Providencia - somewhat rustic but gorgeous and barely touched. We met a native bar owner named Richard who seemed a little crazy, but imparted so much wisdom and insight to us (as well as laughter) about how much we worry about trivial things, get caught up in business and productivity, and chase external things to fill us up. It is hard to not get caught up in this in our society... but I'm glad I have his words to look back to. "Smile at your problem" was one of the pearls he gave us, and when I think of this I literally visualize people and situations who are challenging and smile at them - and it works!

Joel and I were in an auto accident August 8. Joel was driving and more injured than me. both of us are recovering. But our vulnerability is clear and frightening. I do not want to be dependent! Matthew and Johanna are taking marvelous care of us so physically we are healing but psychologically, for me, it is it is scary.

Civid just started and I was upset. I have Valley fever and I wanted my work and my dictor to acknowledge that getting Covid would be terrible for me, since i have a huge hole in my lung. I just wanted to hide. i was so scared. the doctor wouldn't stand behind me and my wirk acted like i didn't matter. plus, my iffuce closed and i had to work in the new iffuce that i hated and didn't have any experience with. The nurses were nasty to me and my boss just lokked right through me like she always does. I had a melt down and yelled at everyone and stormed out. I sat in my car fir hiurs just crying and crying. i felt so alone and full if fear. finally, i went in told them i was sick and grabbed all of my stuff. all if it! i didn't want to go back there ever again. rwo days later, they sent the entire company home. ive been home for 6 months. niw, i am afraid to go back. no one cares about my valley fever. but, i guess that's every where. im still anxious to be back there. i have been blessed. the plague has passed me and my family's door. i pray it stays that way. they say another wave is coming. I am also fearful of what will happen after this election. things are crazy. the world is on fire, flooding and insects are eating up yhe food. i am trying to convince my husband to get out if here. i mean he hasn't worked in two years. that is another subject! now i find myself sad and wondering why i am alive. questioning my own existence. I've never felt this way before. it is disconcerting. i keep asking what us the point. my mom used to say that and i would get upset. now, i know why she said it. i am fat, old and stupid. what future could i possibly have? gish, i am wallowing! hahaha sometimes i jyst want to walk away from it all and say fuck it. but, there is nowhere to go. we are all locked down and afraid of each other. crazy times. i pray that i find my way and that i find a way to help others. wallowing in my self pity is tiresome. it's time to do some good for someone else for a change.

The pandemic. I am anxious and angry.

I met my current boyfriend, Daniel. This came after dating another guy for a year who turned my life upside down in the worst way possible. Daniel has been everything that my ex was not - supportive, honest, loyal, open, communicative, loving. Meeting him opened me up to see the good things in life again. I am so grateful.

I was diagnosed with Covid-19. I’m slightly relieved to have had it, but am also worried about getting it again, since they don’t know how long antibodies last for. I’m mainly worried about passing it to my parents, actually. It’s been almost 6 months since my diagnoses and I still don’t have my sense of smell back.

Many people share the experience of COVID-19 and working from home. During the pandemic my husband and I worked from home together for five months straight seeing each other nearly all day every day. Despite the hardships on the pandemic, I am grateful for the time we spent together during this unique situation (and time spent with my aging dogs).

COVID 19- was a deep discouragement, to see freedom so quickly taken away and people just following. The instilled fears & lies were heartbreaking. However, it did help to rid me of just living for pleasure and recognizing that Jesus is coming back soon! I need to be wise with my time for the kingdom.

Clearly the COVID-19 pandemic was a significant experience this past year. It has of course caused several negative effects for me personally, including a curtailed social life. Overall however, I'm grateful for having been spared the worst effects many others unfortunately have suffered. My father is fine. I am inspired by a sense of demonstrated resiliency, tempered by an unease that our society didn't respond better as a whole.

There is a pandemic of the virus Covid-19 that's killed millions around the world. Almost all countries have had long periods of lockdown, and in Britain those considered 'extremely medically vulnerable' have had to 'shield' for months. I was shielding from 17th March - 1st August, which meant not leaving my house or yard for any reason other than vital medical treatment, and nobody other than carers has been allowed on the property. I went to Freeman Hospital once every 4 weeks, and going out was terrifying. The invisible enemy can lurk anywhere. I have managed shielding okay, but the stress of shielding ending has weighed me down. The world has changed forever; we have a whole new language around coronavirus and it's management; everyone wears a face mask, and it's the law to do so in some circumstances! We wear gloves, and use copious amounts of alcohol gel, and I disinfect everything that comes into my house with dilute bleach. It is a frightening world, but I have used the spring/summer shielding time to transform my yard into a yarden. Had I set out to do it I wouldn't have done it, not believing I could, but I've had no option but to do it myself and I've done it! Despite my disabilities and rubbish health, I've done it and it's given me a different confidence. The coronavirus pandemic has both negative and positive things to account for.

COVID???? It has made me realize that I can cope alone, at home, quite well. I am taking care of myself - yoga 4 days a week with 2 classes on M & W. strength training 3 times a week. Informational zoom classes. Even without being able to shop for myself, I am able to get good, healthy food. I started intermittent fasting that has been wonderful on many levels. It is something that I can control. I feel strong - and I'm losing belly fat. that's a great thing

I made a plan to pass my RRT (again) and get hired at a specific hospital and it happened. It was significant because it changed the course of my life back to where I wanted it. It also showed me that if I write down and plan out my goals I can make them a realization. I just have to stick to them. I am very grateful and optimistic.

My mom came to visit us in January for the New Year. It was a really lovely visit, probably the best visit she's ever had with us and the best we have ever experienced with her. We did a lot of planning, and there was no tension and no awkwardness to having her around, just a really good time when we enjoyed each other's company.

The birth of our twins. This happened just before the pandemic and was the most amazing, yet terrifying experience. I was so scared to bring home those tiny babies. The first 3 months were the most difficult thing I have ever done, but I wouldn’t change a thing. My whole world has changed so much and they are my greatest joy.

Probably the most significant experience was getting married. It was beautiful and fun and yet I have a lot of regrets and negative feelings about it. I hate that I do and I hope these fade with time. (Maybe I should just accept that I do, and then I won't focus on them as much?)

Pandemic, it has pushed me to be more aggressive in my work, to reach out to do the the things I want to do.

Pandemic and quarantine. Who hasn’t been impacted by COVID-19?? I’ve been basically home since March 13, and it’s really been wearing on me lately. I’m mostly resentful, that the country has been affected as badly as it has been, that the administration f*%^ed up the official response so horribly, that the people of this country have turned a health issue into a political issue, and 200,000 people and counting have already died as a result.

In March - during the stay at home order our son developed a severe abscess in his femur. This was a huge deal- I was so upset at myself for not trusting my gut and getting him taken care of sooner. I spent almost 2 weeks in the hospital with him- and after going home the first time still didn’t trust my gut and the infection came back strong. I was relieved he was finally better and it was hard to watch him be scared and in pain for so long. And then the pic line.... it was a long 3 months.

I sold my house where I have lived for 42 years. It is forcing me to identify what I value in a home and in a community and forcing me to bring my consciousness together so I can meld my disparate needs & perceptions & make decisions in real time. It was step by step kismet, and I notice that each step I chose change. I am scared and deeply want something different for myself

Having had COVID-19 finally made the doctors settle on my diagnosis and give me Hematin. I’ve never been more relieved.

It's been a rough year. I think the pandemic has been the most significant experience, and it has left me mostly resentful and angry, as well as frustrated.

E, my daughter, our daughter was born six weeks early, at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in the USA. She had a NICU stay as well as time at my hospital. I am in awe of my wife for giving birth to a tiny human. I am enthralled by this wonder. Watching her grow for the last (almost) six months has been like seeing a genuine miracle. She is interested in music and lights. She knows our voices and smells. She's started testing gravity and is interested in food. She's discovered her abs and her feet. I think she's teething. I am awe-filled watching her grow, learn, and persist. Also, I thought I understood love when I realized and name my feelings for L. This is a different kind of love. With L it is a deep sense of care, compassion, passion, lust, desire, comfort, support, being seen and understood, partnered, devoted, and mind consuming. For E, it's primal. It's a, "don't ¥√®° with my kid or I will annihilate you!" feeling. Like, I would run through a flaming brick wall into a pool of thorns to protect her. I am excited to teach her. I'm excited to learn from her. I'm excited to learn with her. I can't wait for her hug me back. She's changed me.

I would describe moving back in to live with my parents for three months during Covid as significant. It started out peachy keen at first like any lifetime movie, daughter comes back for the holidays. This will be fun. Week one was a ball, eat whatever I want, watch critically acclaimed cinema with the bro (before he changed and got earrings), look cute in sports bras and wide leg pants, take plenty of walks and make spiritual videos. Yay I have purpose in life! On week two there was one night I cried myself to sleep. What was that about? Oh just a blimp in the old hormonal wagon, nothing to worry about. Watch less news. By week three I believe that blimp (real word?) was an ongoing thing, as salsa lessons fell away, breath work became shallow and scarce, showing up on insta or Facebook live became an unwelcome self imposed obligation and parents began to drive me crazy. Oh I haven’t forgiven my mom for giving birth to me? Shocker. I still begrudge my dad for having a temper and mumbling curse words under his breath? Who knew. One day they’ll just be gone and then what will I huff about. God forbid. I started fearing life without them and yet how could I go on in this house. Every week I thought this is the week I’ll leave. But it was too easy, too comfortable to stay if comfortable means poke your eyes out with hot iron. Yikes. Was it that bad?? You bet your failed economy. After many tears like pools of salty stuff, I arrived in NY still very anxious and slowly that changed and slowly I regained my footing and now god bless I’m much stronger having done some of that child healing work. Amen.

Everything is tied up in the pandemic. It defines every one of our actions (and inactions). Between lockdown and social (physical) distancing, all work and school and play are defined by the limitations needed to keep our community safe. I’m inspired by the compassion I see in our family, neighbors, community and country. I’m infuriated by those who have taken the opportunity to display their ignorance and selfishness. I’m resolved to keep taking the opportunities to show kindness and model menschlekheit for my children (involving them in it, too).

We all came down with Covid-19 just a month after losing my father-in-law. Dropping my new husband off at the ER and fully believing that was the last I would ever see him was more painful Than I can describe. All while dealing with my own illness and that of my daughter. I am grateful for our complete recoveries and the thoughts, prayers, and help from my community.

I think some of the most significant moments this year were the milestones I spent alone. I had to celebrated my mother’s 70th birthday from afar because of the pandemic. The same was true for my own birthday. It’s alienating and sad to mark such moments without the people you’d normally spend them with. In addition, the deaths of several people I admired — most of all Congressman John Lewis — hit me particularly hard. In a time when we all feel so isolated and alone, it was especially hard to lose the people who made us feel united in a common cause.

This past year has been tough for many people, and I’ve weathered it pretty well. I don’t sleep much. I walk around at night. Long walks. The police talk to me a lot. It’s hard to talk about anything personal without it just being a tiny part of the COVID and political stories around me. I’m weary from all the time with a five year old. I never expected when we had children that I would spend this much time with them.

I was sexually assaulted. And I didn’t know it at first. I was really confused and I kept making excuses for the perpetrator’s actions “oh you know, it’s a generational difference. Men were raised to think they have to badger people into sex.” But there’s really no excuse for it. I said no, and I said no multiple times. And not once did I say yes. And no means no. Not try again in a few minutes. I regret the situation only because if I didn’t suggest we hang out it wouldn’t have happened buttt at the same time I made my boundaries clear from the start so there’s that. If there’s anything I’ve learned from this it’s that men really can’t be trusted and I have to be more guarded around men, even if they’re my friend.

Contracting Covid and losing my sense of taste and smell. That, as it is ongoing, has made me face the unpleasant reality that a lot of the things I enjoyed in life are now lost to me, so we will see if a) my senses return or b) I can figure out how to not become despondent and resentful.

I came out as a lesbian in March and felt like I was able to be who I really am for the first time. I don't think I was trying to hide or deny it before; it just seemed like the right time. I am so much happier now!

A colleague and I at the University of MN were struggling with the (lack of ) data being reported on COVID. In 3 days...we designed a project to collect hospitalization data from all 50 states daily and make the data publicly available. This site has become a national resource and has been cited extensively. I am inspired by the impact that 2 people can have!

One significant event of 5780, for me, is that I had a good teacher for a creative writing class who inspires me as a teacher and as a writer. He showed me new ways of experimenting with revision, and gave me hope for online teaching.

A significant experience this year was learning that I am "infertile," technically, even if we don't yet know why exactly. We've been trying to conceive for 17 months now, and my husband has been confirmed to be healthy and normal. So it's me. This has profoundly changed how I feel about myself and my health. I've always been very healthy and it's jarring to have a diagnosis and health problem attached to me. I feel shame that I have a problem, and envious and resentful that so many other women have no problem getting pregnant. So many do it accidentally! Unintentionally! Too often! As a labor and delivery nurse, I am constantly surrounded by babies, but I'm also at the time in my life when my friends, cousins, and coworkers are having babies. I felt particularly bitter learning that an acquaintance with whom I had talked, a year ago, about mutual plans to conceive has since gotten pregnant and is due in a few months.

Coronavirus quarantining. I feel very alone and isolated. I am trying to make the most of it. Very fortunate for family and friends. And the times before we were self conscious of getting sick just by being around each other.

The pandemic hit me very hard. I sheltered at home for three months ..from March 13 to June 13. I handled it quite well. I am grateful I stayed healthy both physically and emotionally. I have been in two art exhibits, Hudson Guild (fanciful animals) and a virtual one, "Chaos/Crisis. My Zoom birthday Party (85 Years) was a big high.

Tali had her Bat Mitzvah, Sam got his driver's license. Sherry is working for the census. But the big news on everyone's list I imagine is COVID-19. A Pandemic that has brought our world to its knees. Has brought me to my knees. I believe our President, I will not say his name, allowed this to happen for his own gain by hiding the truth when it could have made a difference and I am very very Angry.

Covid lol I rose to the occasion. I took charge of my life, my business, and made the changes I needed to make big things happen now and moving forward. I am really proud of myself.

Our son passed his road test to earn his driver’s license on his 17th birthday. This has affected me in several ways. First and most positive, he wanted me (as opposed to mom) to teach him to drive because he found me the more calming influence. Naturally, he wanted to go often, and it became the only quality time we had together. Obviously, many teenagers try to shed their parents from the day-to-day, so driving was my last hurrah. I will always treasure that time. That said, the late date of his taking his road test is owed more to his behavior over the past year than to the COVID-19 shutdown. At the time of his birthday the prior year (16th), he was experimenting with illegal substances on a semi-regular-to-regular basis. Mom and I wrestled hard with punishment, and we decided driving was the big carrot to hold in front of him. We allowed him to get his permit, so that he could practice driving... as long as mom or I joined him, which clearly is not what he wanted. We did not allow him to apply for lessons or the subsequent road test until he showed he was not (regularly) trying drugs. While he still occasionally comes home wreaking, we think (hope/pray) that he is in a better place with that stuff.

This has been a repeated year of trauma, human failings, and global upheaval. I have had to face a history of treatment by others that society has now agreed is unacceptable, but somehow, still, my voice is not the right one to hear, a white Jewish woman.

In the past year I moved states for work. It has significantly changed my life. It has not turned out to be what I thought it would be. Simultaneously my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer. I am angry, hesitant, and confused, questioning my choices that at the time I thought were carefully thought through.

I was called to the BC bar and moved to the mainland. Then COVID hit and I lost my job. I was so fortunate to find another job with coworkers I really like and a much higher paycheque even if it's not my dream area of law.

Last year, my answer was that I did not have an answer. This year, I struggle between choosing the pandemic environment and the political environment with its poison and its embrace of evil callousness and racism. I think I have to choose the latter. Anyone, even people who won't wear masks, can be affected by COVID through their own laxness or social circle or economics. But you don't suddenly experience racism or poverty or anything that makes you believe in social justice if you choose to believe only in the reality of your own experience. There is no adjective for how I feel.

Mikey and I bought our first house. It was an incredible feeling. We both never really thought of owning a home. I'm incredibly grateful we had the opportunity to do so in Tulsa. We fell in love with the same home! I can't imagine how stressful it would have been if we didn't. I think what's most surprising is that the home we ended up choosing was one of the home we were going to skip because the photos looked so plain. But the second both of us walked in for the first time (it was only the 3rd house we've seen) we shared an innate feeling that it would be the one. We saw 12+ more home to make sure we weren't being hasty with our decision. Other houses that were at a great price and nicer didn't feel right. Buying a home was a huge milestone. I'm grateful and privileged to be at a point in my life where I can afford to do it.

The pandemic. There are moments of despair, there are moments of hope. There are moments of planning and moments of giving it all over. Inspiring, destructive. Watching people come together, watching people destroy each other. Struck by how close we are to devastation or heaven at any second now.

I guess the only thing that flashes into one's head that is reflective of this year is Covid! And the incredible affect it has had on everyone and the world. It does leave one with mixed emotions.. sometimes reflective and wondering how to be 'bigger' about this... to learn from it, to look at life differently, but also angry, resentful and just damned sad about it all. Sad for all people who's lives have just shifted so dramatically.

I had a change in my political views. I feel like I can see clearer now and I am more confident in my opinions. I do feel grateful now and also curious to debate with others.

I think the most significant event that happened was my application to, audition/interview for, and acceptance into HUC. If I had to pick one particular moment of it, it would be my audition/interview, where life just felt like it clicked into place, like I was living my destiny, being my truest self. I felt like I could trust myself to be the best version of myself with every note and every answer. I still feel joy and pride, but even more so, grateful... I feel like there was such a line of events and people that helped me get to this path, and I feel amazed and thankful for all of it. Despite difficult and painful things throughout the year, that experience gives me hope and courage that I can make a difference, and that I am on the right path.

This is too big a question this year. Too much has happened. But also I have healed - deep wounds, old wounds have begun closing. In the midst of turmoil I have found peace, and I am profoundly grateful

The COVID pandemic for sure. It made me rethink how I do almost everything as well as being frustrated with people who don’t take this seriously and who politicized it.

I’m afraid this has to be the coronavirus pandemic. In the space of one week in March, all our plans and assumptions shifted. Now in September we are still absorbing what is changed. In some ways it has made things very clear: closed some doors and maybe opened others. It’s heavy. The knowledge of how much better it could have been handled in the US— that’s heavy. Wondering if I will see Mom and Dad again, that’s heavy. How do I feel? Resigned. Clear. Curious.

Daddy passed away a few weeks ago. He was our Mr Fixit. If there was a problem, you called dad. I’m having to relocate to El Paso to stay with mom. I’ve been in El Paso since 4/23. Interested to see how the next couple of years go. Covid 19 sucks

COVID-19 has changed literally every aspect of my day to day life - my work as a physician, my marriage, my plans to have a child this year. I am deeply resentful of it.

Is there anyone who won't write COVID? As for how it as affected me, perhaps all of the above. I am grateful for an uninterrupted full-time job, and a home office in which to work. I am relieved that, so far, COVID and COVID-related deaths have been a couple of degrees of separation from me. I am still working on the new regime of work-life balance, and it is both easier and harder than when commuting.

The experience of watching my son be born. Extremely grateful. It was this far, the best day of my life

Uncle Michael died in December of last year, though we were notified in January. Frank and I went to Maryland to begin to look for information and close the house. I’ve since taken on personal representative of the estate talking to lawyers, selling the house and paying double bills. It’s been overwhelming, very sad and I find myself surprised that I can accomplish these tasks.

Dear Past Year, "You tried to bury us, but you didn't know we were seeds" - planted in a garden of generations who have grown and thrived despite these conditions. It is our vulnerability, the seed breaking open - that is our strength. 2020, thank you for reminding us of this - despite how d*** painful you made the lesson. Pandemic, caging children, fires raging in climate disaster, the continued murder of Black folks, global famines....you tried to bury us. But instead, we broke open and grew into uprisings, artistic and cultural revival, collective global communities across virtual space, shared vision in a fight against fascism - we created new ways of seeing and being seen. 2020, I will never forget beginning you in September with an elder from the Amazon reminding us of the ways of growth that we have forgotten. Jan with the Zapatistas learning new ways that women can re-imagine our collective strength. Crying on my birthday in March as I was given what felt like a debilitating diagnosis. Launching powerful programs across three cities and continents in April - August to build more regenerative social movements. Letting go of people & things I loved now again in September, closing the year knowing what needs to be let go of, opens space for what needs to be grow. Lots of love (and a pinch of hate), Nana

2020 has been a year of incredible personal significance. I graduated with my MSW and passed my LSW exam. I started my clinical internship. I turned 50. Nationally, COVID-19 and the death of Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Both of these events will have a huge impact on the nation and the world. I'm still in shock. But January 1, 2021 will see a very different me in a very different world than January 1, 2020.

I found someone who is vastly different from everyone else I've been in a relationship with. It may sound simple but he's shown me what it is to be kind, caring, present, loving, patient and attentive in a relationship. I don't think I've ever been on the receiving end of something so wholesome and beautiful. It sounds silly to me as I type it, why is my significant experience of the year finding my partner, shouldn't it be about something industrious and productive? But you see, as we advance at an exponential pace, we've grown to not prioritise the most human activities. Love, breathing, existing. I'm so grateful for having met him. He's taught me to be patient with my feelings. The best part is, I know I've taught him a few things too. To know you've given back to someone who gave you something meaningful, that makes all the difference.

A significant experience in 5780? Ha. Let's take our pick shall we? Brexit Migrants/Kids in cages at the border US ending support for the Kurds Trump's Impeachment Climate change Pandemic Wildfires Hazardous Air Quality BLM protests AG Barr trying to grab power RBG's death How did these affect me? Overwhelming & heartbreaking when looking at in this list. Slightly ashamed because I didn't roar up and protest loudly for them all. Energized, because just like I tell my kids, "one foot in front of the other". We can take one problem at a time and fight.

Where to begin. If I have to pick one, it would be the pandemic. Although this is a shared human experience, the response to it is anything but. Rather than pull together as we often do in crisis, the length of this challenge is taxing people and causing actions that are out of character. Politics, already a great dividing factor, has caused a wider chasm. We are all on edge, worried for our children's futures and our country's declining greatness. I am resentful that common sense has become a political football, which I believe is only perpetuating the toll on everyone. I am also inspired by those who stepped up to help.

The obvious answer is covid 19. We've been fortunate to remain healthy but the effect is had on the world has been tremendous. I think I've gone through the garment in regards to feeling resentful (that normal has disappeared, that my son's bar mitzvah will be affected, that my husband has been put in danger by being classified as essential). But I'm grateful too.(my family has grown closer, the world is reacting, the everyday acts seem special again) . Covid put a mirror up to us and has asked us to look closely at our actions. I'm still coming to terms with what that reflection is. I think I understand God's love differently. It's complexity is more obvious now. It's that of a parents love, complicated, painful, gritty.

i cried about the loss of my dad after 3 years of him passing. i feel grateful. i had an inner child conversation and my shoulder pain went away.

We decided to move to a different state to be near family—all the details and process for moving were challenging but we are thankful to have moved before the pandemic and it is a blessing we are near family during this time

I left my job after 7 years. I had a wonderful transition out - I trained my replacement and was celebrated and roasted well. It was really sad to not be able to do that celebrating in person, but I still felt very connected to the community. And, I am really glad to be done - although I am now facing a lot of uncertainty. My plan for what I was going to do after was derailed by covid (I was going to go to a swing state to canvass for Biden, and then go abroad and teach English as a foreign language for a year). So now I have a blank canvass and need to figure out what my next chapter will look like. Scary stuff, but I am trying to embrace it with curiosity.

Failing at business and returning to the corporate world. Relieved in some ways.

My niece came to visit with her 14 month old son. We had had a falling out due to a bad first visit when he was born. I had apologized but we never talked about it. She asked to see me when she was here in July. I made a very conscious effort to listen deeply and not say anything about that event, my feelings of anger, hurt and sadness. My not saying anything and listening deeply and hearing that she didn't have the emotional bandwidth to go deeply into any emotional conversation resulted in her coming back a second time and sincerely thanking me for a perfect visit/hosting time. I learned that my work for this coming year and beyond is to listen more and talk/fix much less. I want to listen so that I can hear that person's soul and perhaps they will hear their own soul's wisdom as well.

Well, 2020 is a year like no other. Who would expect a global pandemic? When quarantine started in March, it seemed like it would be for a short period. But it dragged on until we all realized this wasn't a "2 week" thing. It was, and is, very stressful to live in this new world. On top of quarantine, police violence against people of color continues, which sparks peaceful protests (good) and riots (bad). Our country's leadership doesn't seem to help much with anything. It's an unsettling year.

I took a leadership role at work and got more insight into how the sausage is made. Being excluded from an "in group" is something I don't like, but of course there's always another "in group" one is not a part of. And, seeing how the sausage is made isn't particularly interesting or enlightening. It's just sausage. Pardon the treif analogy!

To state the obvious, the goddamn virus has been the biggest thing that affected me this past year. To say that it ruined my life is an understatement: it completely demolished it and forced me to live through the worst spring of my life since the spring when I developed depression and gastritis (2006). I'm the kind of person who needs external distractions to get through life: work, spending time with family and friends, doing fun social activities, shopping, etc. Family and friends were canceled for a while, everything was closed, and I had to "work from home" when there was barely any work, before losing another fucking job. So all I had left was my internal resources, and it's a miracle that I survived being in jail for so long without losing my mind. Previously, one boring weekend with no plans was too awful of an experience, but this tops everything. A boring weekend that lasted 3+ months, and I hope to God that I never have to go through such a long period of boredom again.

Well. I came out. I just. Did that. I'm not living as someone else anymore. I'm not going by someone else's name. I'm not pretending anymore. I feel lighter. Taller. More alive. It's like the future has opened up in front of me.

1: After 18ish years, I went back to working full time...in an office. It was a huge adjustment and I have regretted my decision often. It has also been interesting to work in an elections department during a huge election year. 2. I was sent home, along with my coworkers, because of the corona virus. For a couple of months the entire state was shut down. Essential workers kept working. Alan and I were considered essential. He worked in the office and I worked at home. Sophie came home from college and finished sophomore year from home. Abby napped and maintained her grades. Brennan was furloughed from work. We had nights of cocktail mixing and Glee karaoke. We had dinners as a family. It was actually nice. Of course none of us got sick or it would’ve been different. We knew a few people who got sick. We knew of a few people who died. It’s hard to say how I feel about this last year. It hasn’t been our hardest.

I bought my own apartement. All by myself. I am so very proud of it. I feel very inspired and strong and greatfull. After marriage, bringing up two wonderful sons, a divorce, I feel very strong and proud of what I achieved

Received this question literally on the day I received a positive Covid test result, so I guess you could say that summed up 2020. The good news is I have almost no symptoms and the next day I already received a negative test result. So I guess you could say this taught me that you can just keep going even when you unexpectedly get infect with a new disease during a global pandemic.

This year I got pregnant! As I write this we have 1 month to go until the baby arrives. I had always felt like it would take ages for us to get pregnant, no idea why, just one of those things you convince yourself will be hard, but it actually happened really quickly. The main feeling is one of joy and happiness but being pregnant is hard..harder than anyone really tells you. It changes everything in your life almost immediately. Priorities shift straight away, your identity changes straight away, your body became no longer just your own straight away. As I’m sitting here now I can feel him moving around and I am reminded again I’m sharing my with another being who is taking more than half my energy and brain space! The experience of being pregnant has enlightened me to the journey of all the mothers I know, and of all the mothers in the World, I have a new found respect and amazement for all parents. That women all over the world carry a human inside them and still go to work, looks after their other children, do chores and do everything else they normally do is quite incredible. It astounds me that anyone could ever think of a mother as being weak. Surely they are the most powerful humans around.

Somewhere, sometime this year I came to realize that my thoughts are not me, they can be transient and I can choose them. This is an incredibly freeing realization! Expressing my point of view has become important to my mental health and well-being. I cannot control whether my opinions have influence but that is not as important as expressing myself.

Nathan was diagnosed with a tumor and it scared us all. It froze our family and made us worry. The pandemic actually helped him because in a sense it froze time and allowed him to get better and get in better shape. He is now bigger, stronger, and healthier and there is some good that came out of this. I am so grateful for his care and recovery as well as how we all pulled together.

Mid-March, when my university shifted to remote work due to the pandemic, I turned my wall calendar to April, confident that we'd all be back to normal by then. Each time I'd stop in the locked and empty office to pick up a file or drop off some mail, I noticed the calendar and turned it at the appropriate intervals to mark the passage of time. April turned to May, May to June and so on now to September. The shift from "going to work" to "working remotely" has felt like both a loss and an opportunity. A loss of a separation and transition between work and home. A loss of the camaraderie, energy and bustle of sharing space with co-workers and colleagues. A loss of spontaneous and personal connection, a regular and comfortable routine. But it's also been an opportunity to feel more connected to my home, share more spontaneous moments with my family, create pockets of time for deeper work with fewer interruptions and distractions, find new ways to connect to my colleagues and co-workers, and strengthen the agility and capabilities of my team. This morning there was frost on the lawn. Our maple tree in the front yard is ablaze with red and orange leaves. September is winding down and soon it will be time to turn the calendar page again. This time of remote work has had its challenges, but ultimately, its been an opportunity for learning and growth. I feel very grateful to have that opportunity.

Pandemic + Racial Justice Reckoning = A new orientation for my creativity. A new appetite for reading poetry by Charles Reznikoff and Marilyn Nelson, books by Astra Taylor, Mia Birdsong, David Graeber, Safiya Umdia Noble, and Valarie Kaur A deepened appreciation for the insensibility of capitalism A nice debate with Death

Being sent home from school early because of COVID was surreal, but I'm so grateful for it. I spent 6 months with my parents which never would have happened now that I'm out of the house. We had ups and downs but we learned a lot about each other and it brought us closer together. Now, with Rosh Hashana being today, I'm filled with homesickness, but I'm grateful that I have a home full of love and comfort that makes me want to go back.

The most significant experience I can think of had been the appearance and spread of a global pandemic. My family has been lucky all things considered. We are both employed and able to work from home. Our daughters were home for three months but now back in daycare. We have so far all been healthy. I had a very difficult time mentally, which pushed me to start counseling that I needed for awhile. So while difficult I have also experienced great personal growth I might not have otherwise.

My younger daughter got divorced after being married less than 2yrs. I was hurt, angry, disappointed and blamed myself in some ways. I felt I should have done so many things differently to save her that pain and that ultimately would have saved me a lot of heartache. But we’re both doing better now and moving forward. Everything happens for a reason.

2 new grandsons. Thankful and grateful!!

Both my parents had Covid and survived! I was writing my dad’s obituary thinking he would never make it. So grateful and understand- while they are still with me- that every day is a blessing with them.

I can't decide if losing my father or living through a 1-in-100 year pandemic is more significant. This year has strained my resilience, and I'm feeling all the things. I'm grateful for the time I had with my father - twice a weekend, nearly every weekend, for the 5 years he was in assisted care is almost 500 visits that I wouldn't have had if I hadn't been diligent about making the time. I lost him twice this year - once to the pandemic, when shutdown meant he was isolated with people he hated for months, again to death. I grieved for the loss of care and his mental health, knowing that the lockdown affected both. And grieving for the loss of him - his humor, the things we shared, the advice he never gave - will continue for some time to come.

The arrival of the pandemic has derailed all our lives particularly my son’s. All our plans for him have been disrupted. I have found it all very hard to deal with and I resent some people’s attitude that it’s an opportunity. People are dying. People are losing their livelihoods.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg died yesterday at 87 and my mom who is 90.8 is in rehab after being hospitalized. I am grateful for both but know tough times are in the near future. I am concerned and energized to make the days I have valuable.

The COVID-19 pandemic which has been an agony of worry and stress but also a time to back down from 'busy-ness' and to reevaluate my life. I can't say that I am grateful for it, but have been able to glean much about my life

My older brother, Andy died in late January. I had the flu, briefly. This led into cellulitis in my leg. (I was unable to attend Andy's Memorial service) After several days of treating it with outpatient infusions of antibiotics, I was hospitalized for a week. It was months before I fully recovered, and by then the Covid-19 quarantines/lockdowns were in full swing. It was chastening. It all has given me a sharp sense of my mortality. Limiting our travels to the grocery story and other quick errands means that we're home almost all the time. How do I feel? Stunned, bored, angry, confused, sad, and ........... on hold. And lurking in the background is the expectation that I would not do well if I catch the virus--I'm approaching 71, and I'm fat. So formerly everyday ,simple activities are gone or changed. Can't even have an indoor, intimate dinner with the couple across the street. I am not angry so much as resigned. It is so beyond any one person's power to 'fix.'

I applied, was accepted, decided, and then began attending business school. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity but also presently filled with fear and regret - is this the right choice? will I do well? will it be worth it? This decision has truly shifted potentially the trajectory of my life and has deeply affected me. Here's to hoping the next year makes me feel happy and inspired by this choice.

losing Serena as a friend was definitely a significant experience from this past year. I genuinely thought we would stay friends, but I kept letting her ignore me, exclude me, and make me feel less than. It was hard to let go of someone who I used to be so close with, but I think it's for the best because it taught me to realize that I don't need to stay if I'm being walked over.

I went through chemotherapy for a second occurrence of ovarian cancer. It was successful, and I have been in remission for 6.5 months. It really changes everything. I am so grateful for my care team and my parents for getting me through this. I mean - all the emotions apply, but that's the big one.

I had a threesome with my husband and his girlfriend. Suddenly it turned out that threesomes are not about being cool and somehow sexually advanced, but rather about trust, tenderness and attention to each other. It was a very personal and intimate experience that happened quite unexpectedly, but very naturally, and I feel humbled and happy to get a chance to experience that.

The pandemic. It’s changed the way I do almost everything, and yet I am grateful for aspects of it. I work entirely from home now (at least until March of 2021) and while the isolation has made me uncomfortable, I really treasure interactions with friends and co-workers now. A work colleague had her baby in early June, and because she too is WFH, she is there for all her baby’s growth and learning milestones. This makes me very happy for her. My elderly dog has me with her all day, and while some of her demands make me a bit crazy, I am grateful for this bonus time with her. I am starting to exercise a bit more (after a year plus of not exercising, due to health issues.) The fact that I can stop what I am doing and go do a few sets is convenient, and I hope makes up for the extra sitting I am doing. I have given in to some painful introspection about myself and my relationships, and tried to find the reasons for how I conduct myself in certain situations with certain people. I am still finding my way in this process.

The most significant thing that has EVER happened to me, happened this year: my daughter Louise was born on February 20. It has affected everything in my life - my body, my soul, my mind, my purpose - and all for the better. I say almost daily that my daughter is the true joy of my life, and I mean it every time. My husband and I grew from newlyweds to new parents in the span of less than six months, a shift in dynamic that could break down relationships - but ours has only strengthened, and we treasure every moment we spend with our little family.

In this year, I think the main challenges have all unrolled from us being at the tipping point of disasters, mostly human-made. The pandemic shut-downs actually were a blessing in some ways for me, because my body was able to really rest for the first time in years. I felt better, read a lot, lost ten pounds without trying, restored some areas of my garden that hadn't been used in years, huddled in with my family. That was so peaceful and restorative. The experiment in a universal basic income for the unemployed was also tremendous. What a relief not to struggle for adequate money. And I say this even as someone who has passive income that basically covers the bills. With my bodywork practice down the toilet, and a long road to recovery of my client base, this has been a chance to reimagine what i want. I thought of a sabbatical, but unfortunately it's not turning out the way I wanted -- since now I have to scramble for side-jobs and homeschool Ella (which I am doing because I want to be sure she doesn't miss any more school than she already has). At this point, with Trump fomenting civil unrest, pitting citizens against each other, ignoring the pandemic and the wildfires burning millions of acres in the western states, completely gutting all the environmental protections and social safety nets; the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg; and the apocalyptically grey skies; I do not know why *everyone* hasn't lost their shit. On the plus side, I have finally learned how to make a good loaf of bread.

Besides the pandemic being the most significant event in 2020, getting a new job was significant. I had put my career on hold to raise the boys and get them settled in school before taking on more employment and I had found a job that was really perfect for me. It renewed professional self confidence i was lacking. That job gave me joy and drive.

I was infected with covid in early April. It was so frightening and so isolating. I was quarantined in our guest room for more than 3 weeks worried I would infect my family. There were times I felt so sick I worried I might have to go to the hospital or that I might die. I am so grateful that I didn’t make my family sick. That I didn’t die. That I am getting better. It’s a relief.

I got sober! I'm 6 months sober as I write this. It has honestly changed my life. I'm grateful, relieved and inspired. I am slowly starting to like the person I am becoming, and I am looking forward to it.

I got divorced in February after a long and painful process. My lawyer was awful and unkind and my ex partner made the process combative and challenging. I have a ton of resentment of how it went and the fairness of the end results. But I also realize that a lot of that resentment comes from the divorce itself rather than the actual outcome. I'm now in a space where I feel grateful to no longer be married to him and excited about the possibilities of what life can look like in the future. It still goes down as one of the more traumatizing and difficult experiences of my lifetime but I've found some solace in the outcome.

The fucking pandemic. I am resentful, tired, changed, drained, frustrated, resigned, anxious and optimistic thanks to that bastard virus.

Well... there was that pesky Covid lockdown starting in February. I have had to go through a lot of growth this year in dealing with it. First I felt the victim for having the kids at home all day and then I really started to feel grateful (though tired) for this experience that we wouldnt have had otherwise. It has been challenging at times, for sure, but I feel overall that the whole experience has left me richer, stronger and more appreciative of life and my good fortune than ever before.

The arrival of Covid I was unable to relocate to Australia. It has put me back in terms of earning and relationships. There is nothing I could do to change it.

2020 is the year of Covid-19. Everything changed, especially for my kids. Online schooling has been so depressing. The lack of socialization and exercise is terrible. Our governments response abhorrent. On too of it all, to he black li very matter movement showed how racist our country truly is

We decided to start a family after coming home from our honeymoon and were lucky to conceive really quickly. Being pregnant through a pandemic has been an interesting experience - in some ways really stressful because of how appointments have had to be, without my husband there with me. That was challenging, both physically and emotionally. I just wanted him there with me. But it's also given me time to reflect on and connect with my body as it grows and changes around my growing baby. That has been quite special, to be given the time and space to experience that.

President Trump ignored COVID. My daughter was supposedly having a wedding in a couple weeks that has been postponed. I truly feel resentful that politicians and fear of economic loss or just plain presidential stupidity has had that much of a direct effect on our life.

I made aliyah! Af al pi khen a pandemic and a seeming new world order, despite unanticipated and unprecedented pain and anxiety, Matt and I fulfilled our dream of coming home. I am grateful, scared, empowered, hopeful.

The coronavirus changed our everyday lives. At first, the lockdown didn't affect me as much as others. I didn't miss going out or visiting family, I liked working from home and not having to send my son to daycare. Yes, having my son around me 24/7 was challenging and tiring, but it did feel right. The actual change only came later. Nowadays, we are allowed to go out again, and now I do feel bad about staying in so often. The weekends are for recharging our batteries and I can't seem to that anymore when we're at home and just scrolling on our phones and taking care of our child - all day every day.

The pandemic quarantine has made me rethink my use of solitary time, which I have a lot of. More than ever now. I'm grateful to have this time to reflect, write more, read books again. I am inspired by other writers and keep expecting some breakthrough in my writing. Maybe I've had one already.

I sold Garay utca and I'm everything from grateful to suicidally depressed. The money didn't change anything for me emotionally and I am more isolated and insane then ever. Learning that no matter what I do I will never again experience the benefits of human companionship has been, well, depressing.

My (cancer) drugs are still working and my "markers" are low and stable. My doctor has not died Changing from Book Depository to Guardian Bookshop has meant prompt delivery of lovely hard~backs. And got me out of the "web" of Amazon (Book Dep beoing owned by Amazon too!

In the past year I met wonderful people that became my new friends thanks to pandemic) we started to communicate online in April and now continue seeing each other offline. I am very grateful for it.

En el último año han pasado varios acontecimientos importantes en mi vida. Justo después de haber terminado de contestar mis 10Q del 2019, empecé una etapa de reflexión personal que me llevó a terminar mi relación con Rachel. La decisión la tomé con la intención de dedicar más tiempo en mi y mis metas. Eso me llevó a considerar cambiar de trabajo (con sentimientos muy grandes de frustración y estrés). Al pensar en las opciones que tenía, me acerqué a muchas fuentes para obtener ideas diferentes. Un día, sin querer, vi un video de Anna Sarelly en el que hablaba sobre las opciones para vivir en el extranjero. Una de esas opciones era ser Au Pair y crear una cuenta en Au Pair World. Así comenzó todo. Ese mismo día hice mi perfil en la página, al día siguiente lo terminé y 3 días después tenía un mensaje de la familia Pedrosa. Hice todo lo necesario para poder viajar a Alemania. 10 días antes de mi vuelo se cerraron las fronteras a causa del corona virus. Fue un momento muy difícil para mi. Fue una montaña rusa de emociones en la que incluso pensé en el suicidio. Toda mi familia volcó su amor y energía para hacerme sentir bien. En especial mi abuela ( con quien compartí la cuarentena), fue muy linda conmigo todo el tiempo. Estar 3 meses y medio juntas nos unió como nunca antes habíamos estado. Fue una experiencia que puso a prueba mi vida, mi familia, mis amistades, mi salud mental y física, mis ideas... después de la cuarentena, sentí que crecí 20 años en pensamiento y sentimientos.

My mother in law died of Alzheimer's. Because we've been losing her slowly over the course of the last 7 years, it's been hard to process the loss. But she was a extraordinarily loving, open and generous person. We didn't have a funeral, and the people who knew her have mostly fallen away over the years, so the news of her death didn't spread that far. I feel like she's not being mourned. She was a wonderful person who made a difference in people's lives, and deserves to be mourned.

My dog had to be put to sleep in January. He was old (19) and I always used to tell him he wasn’t allowed to die, but he had a brain tumour and had been deteriorating for some months. I’m glad he’s not in pain anymore, but I miss him terribly. We still talk about him all the time - how he would have reacted to certain things, how he’d be begging when we’re eating foods he loved (nearly everything!). Most of the time I’m grateful that we got to share his life and he’s not in pain anymore, but sometimes I resent him being taken anyway from us, even though it’s inevitable because dogs have shorter lives. But I appreciate much more that this inevitable loss is not a reason to never have.a pet in the first place, I just need to persuade the rest of the family!

I learned how good it feels to reach the goal you worked towards for 2 years. Being able to witness all the puzzle pieces coming together gave me so much joy, happiness and sense of achievement!

This has been a year of significant events - international, national (both countries), local and personal - to the point that I have made a list of them all because I feel as though I've had a lifetimes worth of big events. I have been alternately empowered, helpless, confident, depressed, enlightened, proud, hopeless and scared. Perhaps the most significant to my world view was the fires in Australia. Who can I be that is helpful now and in the future when the planet is burning? Hopeless, helpless yet strong. The most significant to me, personally has been finally settling on the purchase of this fragile little piece of land as my home. It has given me the reason and courage to live my real values and quit pretending I belong in that world where you are judged on your socio-economic status. I am grateful, significantly more relaxed, marginally more hopeful.

I discovered Partners in Tora and started studying with a lovely teacher from Beitar. My knowledge of Judaism has definitely jumped to a higher level thanks to her. After 3 years I forgave my ex who cheated on me and the girl he slept with. Went for a dip in the Kinneret right after sending the message to them. Felt powerful for finally having the courage to leave the past behind.

The Covid 19 pandemic was the most significant event in the last year. We are living through strange historic times right now and it’s affecting me in ways I never thought it would. I feel isolated working from home. I feel as though time should just be on hold but it’s not and I’m getting older even though I feel like I’m not growing up in any way. I hate that this pandemic has brought out the worst in people and that they’ve turned science and a health crisis into something political. It scares the shit out of me. It’s so hard for life to go on while everyone is battling this crisis and it’s incredibly scary watching how it’s impacting poorer communities in even worse ways. I’m struggling sitting back and not being able to do anything about it. It’s not all bad, I’m inspired by the good that has risen and the people that are making a difference. But I really do hate how it makes me feel and how isolating it is.

I lost my job again. And at the beginning of Covid. Then a revelation happened and I found that if we are careful I don’t have to work. We should be ok. I can focus on me for once. And focus on the candle company I started last year in August. I have never felt better in so long. I got rid of some baggage in my life and I feel amazing! I am happier and I appreciate things a bit more. I do have some PTSD and have a tiny jolt of anxiety thinking I have to work the next day but then I realize I don’t have to. I will be ok. I am grateful, inspired and relieved.

I started uni again. I didn’t think it would make me feel this way, after feeling so aimless and disappointed in myself for such a long time. Making the decision to stop pursuing sonography was a big one. And realising that I don’t want to leave Adelaide for a job (that I don’t really want) was another. I don’t think I can put into words the sheer relief and near joy I feel at starting study again in this field. And I get to do it all again with the resources and skills and abilities I have now. I don’t feel embarrassed to make connections or to try. I am better with people. I know that I’m great at what I can do. I think getting accepted to uni, even before I enrolled, absolutely changed things for me and has affected me emotionally/psychologically more than anything else. I do feel inspired and excited and... happy?

dunking in the mikveh on a first excursion with a new friend and the whole adventure cemented my fondness for a new friend for which I'm grateful to be living with and relieved to have found a special woman to share my life with and inspired to create together.

Ohhh, "a" significant experience?? How could I choose just one?? The long, slow recovery from my DVT/PE - pneumonia and blood draws and urgent care visits and that awful awful flu. Fallout with Caleb. Internship. THE PANDEMIC. Months of isolation. Graduation (or lack thereof?) Externing with MEND. Shifting positions at work. Moving in with Bethany. There's so much I'm sure I'm missing a significant experience or two. This has been a hard, hard year. And yet, I'm still here. Alive. I have air in my lungs and blood in my veins. I'M A GD THERAPIST, FINALLY. I made it. I'm making it. Against all odds. I'm so deeply grateful to be alive and awed by my fierce tenacity and ever growing capacity to hold myself together through the chaos this year has thrown at me.

The sudden internalization that unfortunately, you are in charge of your own well being in a company/corporate. I used to be the "just do your work and you'll get noticed" but I'm starting to realize that's not always the case. Or to take step back, you have to learn whether the environment you are in supports this kind of notion. Now that I'm typing this 4 months later, the feelings of resent, disappointment (in myself) have faded away. It's definitely humbling, and also an awakening. My priority should always be on me and my loved ones.

Shelter in Place due to COVID-19 has affected me in all ways. It is frustrating to teach through a screen, and sad that we have to avoid contact with family and friends. But I am also grateful for all the extra time I get with Rufio and Andrew. And I love that I actually socialize more (albeit virtually), and that I've gotten so close to Megan and other former coworkers.

Well, can’t avoid it: the PANDEMIC. It changed everything, and nothing. Grateful for a couple “silver linings” but also: bewildered challenged impatient determined helpless sympathetic (to those more drastically affected). And so on. Some guilty for not doing something medical. And again grateful for my family, my space, my life.

I lost my job due to the pandemic. I'm 74 years old, and should be retired, but SS isn't enough to live on. So now I'm on SS and unemployment. I feel like I'm retired! And I love it! But I don't have enough income, so I need to resolve that. I'm grateful for this experience of retirement.

I witnessed a police & SWAT situation across the street from my home. The house was lit up with strobes and a negotiator was using a megaphone, lasting 6 hours, asking the occupant to come out with his hands up. It was dramatic & my first time seeing something in person I had seen played out on TV. I lost living in peace and safety, with cops going door to door to ask residents if they wanted to evacuate. I chose to stay home where I invited the alleged felon’s mother & grandmother into my house & fed them And prayed with them for a peaceful surrender which happened. In this time of pandemic, I have gotten out of my house and involved with neighbors. Isolation is over for me and it took a SWAT event to do it. I’ve made friends and helped my neighbors. I’m feeling useful and am happier as a result.

On August 5, I celebrated my 70th birthday. It was very different from what we had planned. We had to cancel our trip to the UK to visit my sisters and my extended British family due to Covid. However, I really enjoyed my Zoom chats with my sisters, my son and his girlfriend and some nephews and nieces. My younger sister came up with the idea of a "virtual birthday cake!" She produced the cake with the 70 candle in the middle and we virtually blew out the candle. I had a good laugh when the candle arrived in the mail a few days later! I am very grateful that I have achieved this birthday and especially grateful for my generally excellent health and strength. It is a birthday that makes one pause and question "How did I ever live this long?" and "What have I done with this one precious life" to paraphrase Mary Oliver. It makes me treasure each moment.

I founded a company while writing my master thesis and studying. We secured funding even before being in the commercial registry. An exciting and slightly scary adventure, which I am immensely grateful for. This started at a moment right after I decided to put my priorities on balance, in terms of relationship, work, health, family. And it turned all my resolutions upside down because now I'm working non-stop, scaling back on every other aspect of my life. But I will go with it for as long as it brings me joy and makes me grow as a person.

Ooooooof this year is a lot harder already than I thought, to think back on. I'm already tearing up and it's only Day 1. In hindsight, saying goodbye to my family this year (Fall 2019) when we left to come back to China was significant. They didn't know that I had taken my last birth control pill just then, and we had such a good birthday last year in Seattle. It felt less hard than usual, and I kept saying to my mom in the Seattle Airport, "It's not a far flight. We are closer than ever." My parents really pulled out all the stops for my first birthday with them in years. They decorated their apartment with streamers just like when I was a kid. We went to the hills and did a great hike in a downpour, and my hands froze. Then we came back and had whiskey and beer at the nice places in Woodinville. It was such deep, cold, crisp autumn and I got presents to unwrap (I often don't have any these days) and then we went for a fancy meal with oysters and great wine. I am so grateful that I got that time, just in case for some reason I'm not able to have a birthday with them again or I can't go to the PNW for a long time. I often wear the clothes my parents gave me and think of that day, although I've misplaced the leaf earrings my mom gave me. I might even labour for the baby in the yellow tee I wore on the Lake 21 hike, which was soaked even through my Goretex jacket. It was significant to have my birthday with my parents. Turning 32 was meh, but it was special because I was there with them. I remember thinking we would be back again in 2020, after Scotland of course. That I would maybe even get to surprise my family or R's with a pregnancy, in person.

I quit smoking. I thought this would undo eons of self loathing and replace it with pride and respect for myself but it’s fallen short. All I see is how much I’ve fucked up in life, how I wish I’d quit earlier, and how it hurts to face every day without them. I miss smoking so fucking much.

In the last year I got a new job and for the first time, I began to feel hopeful. I had a tragic medical event and I never thought. I could recover to feel hopeful again. About 2 months I began to be more confident and happy. There are still days when I hurt and very tired but it slowly gets better.

Getting my wedding postpone due to Covid and moving to Chicago to start my MBA with Pompita.

COVID-19 Global Pandemic Opened my eyes to carpe diem Helping me understand the value of protecting others and not just myself Try not to take everything so personally or seriously, recognize and prioritize what is truly serious. I am grateful for personal growth, but feel guilty at what expense (innocent people dying). Slight guilt about preoccupation with money and the relief that pandemic has made moving to Israel make more financial sense (not voluntarily leaving a job). Realization that I do like communal prayer and rely on its guidance.

The biggest that has happened this year is that I have been out through the ringer in our relationship. Zac has declined being a dad, thought he might be bi sexual. Then more recently he has stated that he doesn’t love me the same way that I love him. I am grateful. Hmm, not yet. I don’t resent it, but I do want children and I need to work out if I follow my gut, give it time.... I am only 32. It’s not that old. I have already learnt a lot, and I can already see how I have changed. I didn’t automatically freak out, I feel secure enough to hold strong and I know I will be okay if the ‘worse’ case scenario happens.

I lost two beloved family members in the same week in June which made me feel overwhelmed and lost. My Aunt Val, who I loved like a mother, died on a Wed. and my beloved dog, Woody, died on the Saturday. Both deaths were unexpected and shocking. Almost 3 months later, I am so sad.

My son has joined in a premier Engineering college. I felt very happy. Iam grateful to Lord Renga for showering his blessings on my son.

Covid. Doing outreach in the street and watching as the world falls apart with a corrupt president and one disaster after another. The protests standing up for what’s right. The compassion from some and hatred from others. There are days that it is amazing to see people step up and doing the right thing. Setting aside one right thing during the fires to do the next right thing but not giving up on the previous and still all working towards a common goal. I’m happy, sad and angry all at once. Feeling the desire for change, but confused of the line of what is to much and what is not enough. How far are you willing to go and to what length will those in power go to keep their power? There is no relief in this year because ever time you think it couldn’t become more absurd, it goes there. It feels as if it will never end but also knowing you don’t have a right to even think these things, because others have gone through this and worse for so much longer. I’m inspired by others that step up and when I have doubt in humanity I see something in others that allows me to regain hope. Grateful? Absolutely. I have my health I have the ability to chose which side I want to be on. I have three jobs while others have none, although I’m not rich or living free as others. Grateful this happened at a time I was willing and capable of listening and knowing all my past life experiences have led me to learn from this moment. All while being terrified that I can loose everything, still knowing I’m capable of pulling myself up all by myself if I need.

Last year the experience that “hit” me most, on a personal level, was the awkward situation I found myself when, coming out of lockdown and into the workplace again, I experienced the loss of confidence in me on the part of my boss (I being her second in command). It was totally unexpected and very likely staged by some coworker(s). And totally undeserved. I felt hurt, resentful (though it took little more than a month to overcome that feeling, possibly completely). I stepped down and invested my energy in the people and projects I want to support in my workplace (the school), and very soon I felt relieved, and found new sources of inspiration. I feel I am a different person than I was two months ago. And I like myself better.

Covid 19 IS the event that happened to me this year. I can hardly remember if anything else happened. It swooped in in March 2020 and knocked me, my kids and my husband on our asses. NOTHING has been as hard as trying to manage distance learning for my kids while holding onto my job while my husband disappeared into a dark rabbit whole of trying to keep his business afloat, ALL BY MYSELF. It was totally amazing to realize what life is without the hundreds of people that are out there helping me raise my children. It was (and is) ruthlessly difficult work. Plus I was sick for a month in April. I pray I did not inflict (though I know I did) horrible lasting damage on my poor William, screaming at him to actually follow instructions and let me please leave his side for an instant to take care of my own shit. Ouch.

I have just moved to Boston and started a PhD program. It has been nice to refocus in a new place after spending lots of time hanging around at home. I loved getting to spend time with my family but I was unable to get any real work done. Here I am excited for the things I will learn, the work I will do, and the friends I will make, even if COVID has started things off oddly.

I moved to Providence, Rhode Island and got my dream job. I’ve grown so much since when I got here (2 months ago). I’ve learned how to be by myself, explore by myself but not push my limits, budget, stand up for myself in work settings (talking about my COVID expectations, and learn that I’m in control. I am proud of myself.

So many to choose from - Covid-19 pandemic, the presidential election, raging wild fires, racial tensions... I feel really weary. Disappointed in so many of my fellow human beings. Disappointed in my own family. I'm constantly sad on a very deep level. Still, I carry on and I'm proud of that. I'm finding that I have more strength than I realized.

I feel like everyone is going to write about Covid, and I am going to write about Covid too, because of all the big things that have happened, that's the biggest. We moved back home to Michigan, and adjusted to the new normal of living with Covid. For about two months, all of us - all seven - lived under the same roof in Ann Arbor. It was something I never could have predicted at this time last year, that I'd be together with my siblings and parents and husband and four dogs (yes, four - mom got a puppy!), afraid to go outside or go grocery shopping. But it happened. And those two months were some of the best times I've had in a long time. I am so grateful, even though it was a really dark and scary time for the world. We made a chore chart and all pitched in and lived cooperatively. Each night, someone cooked, someone cleaned, and someone led an "evening program." We laughed together and cried together. We were family. I am so in awe. We grew so close. I grew closeness with my siblings. I grew closer to my sister than ever in our relationship. I felt community. I felt healed. I felt whole. It was so magical, a rebirth of our bond in a way. I feel so thankful to have had those two months. In the darkest times (so far), we were all there and all together, and all healthy. And all loving and supportive.

Our baby is due in just 10 weeks. We found out literally the day after the state stay-at-home order kicked in, so the pregnancy has overlapped completely with the pandemic. Living through this has been quite an experience. It has also shown me some of my own strength, in surprising ways. I'm missing out on experiences from a baby shower to getting a seat on the subway, and I have to worry about getting sick, but none of that has overwhelmed or saddened me in the way I expected it would. Instead, I think I'm mentally so much healthier than I was a year ago, and a lot of it has to do with the recognition that there are things I cannot change. In the first trimester, when I felt sick and the city seemed frozen in fear, I couldn't be productive, and I had to just let go of the guilt over that. Once I'd experienced that freedom, it became easier and easier to get there.

Because of the pandemic, a lot of things were cancelled. We couldn't go to Top Chef, camp was cancelled. We didn't see friends. School was cancelled. We haven't seen our cousins or grandparents. We were upset. Instead of being disappointed we have figured out ways to deal with disappointment and make the best of the situation.

The biggest experience has been the onset of Covid-19. It has actually been a blessing for me. I have been able to work from home and become an artist. Maybe the biggest thing is the smallest thing. I attended a self-care webinar and that launched my artistic career. I have lost friends - Keith and we have lost greats - Chadwick Boseman and Ruth Bader Ginsberg. I think I am taking more chances as a result because I can't put my life on hold and give in to fear.

Moving into our new house. It was a challenging, stressful, expensive experience, but the minute we moved in we were in awe that this was our home. Each night we went to sleep felt like we were staying in a luxury inn and watching the sunset from our bedroom deck felt like a dream. While the process was stressful, we made all of the decisions together and that process helped us further improve our communication and commitment. We are grateful for it all!

I got promoted as a team leader and my salary increased. Then it was all taken away, and I become a co-team leader. I know I should be grateful. I am really grateful. There is just a part of me who feels that I couldn't exercise my skills well because there is no clear line of authority/management in the team I am assigned in. Also, my co-team leader is helpful but I feel that my skills/achievements are overshadowed. I do not really feel like this all the time. But it just got me into thinking since my co-team leader attempted to resign and was asked to be in a part-time role instead and still gets to be my de facto superior. I feel that I have so many hoops to go through. Heol. And another significant experience that happened this year is, of course, the pandemic.

We completed two IVF cycles -- the first right before CoVID and the second in the middle of the pandemic ("Middle"). Both failed. The second resulted in a chemical pregnancy -- I had a positive test but then didn't stay pregnant. It was devastating, and it's making me wary about trying again.

The Covid-19 pandemic. I started working from home, March 23, 2020. I have been able to catch up on sleep, because I don’t have to wake up at 3:30 to catch the train to Miami. But I work much longer days. I’m grateful that I have a job, because a lot of people have lost theirs. And I’m grateful that I feel like I am making a difference in my patients lives. I’m nervous about getting the virus and getting really sick. And I’m sad that I don’t get to spend time with my friends. But I think being safe is better than being sorry.

We got engaged! It was an incredible day and considering the current state of the world, we feel so fortunate that it happened when it did. It was a perfect day and although the proposal may not have been a complete surprise, it was romantic when Richie surprised Jamie with an upgraded resort stay. We are also grateful that at the time we were able to celebrate with all of our family and friends together :)

My husband died December 30th. It was both devastating to lose my true love of 53 years and a relief to cease being a caregiver which I had been the past 3 years. But I miss him so much...

So much has happened this year. One event of note was the passing of my cousin, a beacon of light in a body that never quite worked, but who brought joy and humor to so many, and who I wish I had known better and that my children had gotten to know. I am grateful that my family was brought together through technology for his services, and generally for the connections that we have been forced to forge in new ways in frankly crazy times.

I'm pretty sure anyone answering this question is going to put the COVID-19 pandemic here. As with everyone else this pandemic has affected many aspects of my life negatively. I miss people, leaving the house, time away from my immediate family. However, there are things about this situation that have been good as well. I have more gratitude about many things in my life: a great husband, financial stability, time with my children, and having the ability to mostly work from home. I'm also very grateful not to have caught the virus as of yet. I'm inspired by the doctors and nurses and grocery workers and sanitation workers that all continued working through the shutdown. I'm resentful that our federal leadership was unwilling to prevent the disaster and the loss of life that occured.

It's hard to differentiate between experiences this year, as everything happened so fast and so forcefully. From the fires in Australia, to Covid, to the fires on the west coast, to climate change, to every embarrassing thing that has come from the White House, to the primary season, to just a couple hours ago losing Justice Ginsburg, and more. It has made me angrier and more hopeless than I have ever been before. The rabbi's sermon tonight was about keeping up hope, and how that is part of our shared Jewish identity. It is so hard to keep up hope these days. It is a daily struggle, that will most likely continue for some time.

My father passed away. It affected my family and I tremendously. It has been a very hard year. Lots of loss and change, but this one was the biggest and hardest.

The most significant experience has been the global Covid-19 pandemic. In the early weeks and months I was not personally affected all that much. Our babies were only about nine months old. We weren’t leaving the house for much other than walks with maybe a store or a café as a destination. When Covid hit, we switched to walks to and from home. There was a significant amount of time when we did not have anyone in our bubble. I was so grateful when my parents started coming over again. As the babies I’ve gotten older it has gotten more difficult. I worry that they won’t socialize with other children their age and get comfortable with our extended family and friends. It has made certain activities like grocery shopping so much more stressful, but other aspects of life are easier or simpler in a way. Very few social obligations mean we don’t have to run around seeing people and exhausting ourselves. But I anticipate that it will start getting lonely and taking a toll on our mental health. Very grateful that the babies were born well before the pandemic hit and we were able to travel with them and visit family and friends in the early months. Also relieved that we don’t have to worry about school for a few years. Feels like the world is forever changed.

My mom died. Just before Rosh Hashanah last year. It's affected me a whole heck of a lot, inside, but also not enough. It STILL feels like it hasn't hit me. This thought has run through my brain lately: that I (and we) made it through a year without her now, so can't she return, as a reward for surviving her loss? Can't we be done with having to live without her now? And in other ways, many practical life ways, losing her hasn't impacted me much. In that I still live in the same place, work at the same job, have the same friends, etc. But..I have felt driven to do more, be more of a leader, apply to the fellowship program I'm doing, take on new projects and committees and collaborations more, since losing her. And I have a cat now. Not that she'd approve ;) And I broke up with my girlfriend. And I'm working at home (because of covid-19, not mom). I want to tell her about all these things. I feel sad, still disbelieving, okay, strong, grieving, missing, loving, motivated, lacking, being.

With the pandemic, came major change to all of the people of the world. This has made me more aware of how precious life is, and how fast it can go away. We learned to live in a new world now it seems. I am grateful that my family and friends got through this......

Covid-19 Pandemic...what the fuck!?! Drastically changed my life as a physician and many others' lives.

I’m oddly grateful for this pandemic. Not the physical, mental, economic suffering, & strain it placed on people. I wish all others well-being. The ability it has allowed [me] to step back from a life routine that I was a bit unconscious of, I see how much I truly have always had. My priorities, moment to moment, have become very clear as society slowed: to live with mind & eyes open, heart available. That my love, compassion, desires, visions, & purpose constantly intermingle. It’s okay & inevitable that they do. It is a privilege that they do. And it is up to me to live accordingly. To create a happy & free existence starts within me; so that I may know how to create such an existence for others, upon interaction.

COVID. It made me stop and become more present. I am grateful for the time to self reflect and do self work. I'm relived that I am still employed and I have stayed healthy along with my close friends and family. I resent that it took a pandemic for me to slow down and that I am 43 and wish I had worked on this many years ago. I am inspired to do better, to be an ally, to learn, to be brave, to move forward despite the things I can not control.

Deciding I had control over how long I stayed in my troubled relationship and, even more so, deciding that waiting for justice would lead to an unhappy life. I would never get that time back, so start removing the venom, processing and figuring out what the next steps could be.

Well, today Ruth Bader Ginsburg died. I am at once sad and enraged and afraid. She was the only person with power in the US who worked to protect women and minority interests and now that is gone. I look at my daughter and I cannot fathom how she would ever feel like she is in control of her own self, with Republicans in power. She is nothing to them when in reality, she is everything. So, I guess that is a significant experience.

Teaching in an NYC public school during COVID-19 has affected me. I no longer trust any leaders except for my incredible principal and vice principal. Obviously I don’t trust Trump. Cuomo could go either way. I am 100% done with de Blasio who I used to love. The schools chancellor, Caranza, is horrific. The UFT President, Mulgrew, is all talk and little to no action and obviously does not stand for librarians. Nancy Pelosi is a strong and good person but without nearly enough effective action. Mitch McConnell is possibly the most evil person there is. Don’t get me started on Mike Pence. Melissa Jacobs, the head of the Office of Library Studies, is someone else I trust and admire. Working as an NYC public school teacher during COVID-19 has made me feel like everything is turned completely upsidedown. It’s like the worst version of Alice in Wonderland ever.

Well, like everyone else, Corona Virus sure comes to mind. The Coronacoaster has been intense, though I’m grateful for moments of reprieve from “busy,” the lack of FOMO because everyone had to stop, how much we got back to nature and family time, and time to clarify what’s important to me/us as a family. I am also so so sad that Emery and Felix have missed out on a full 6 months so far of interaction with friends, school, and human contact. I’m constantly exhausted, borderline depressed, and unmotivated. Some days are magical and beautiful and still. Some days absolutely everything is impossible and hard and miserable.

Resigning from my previous job and trying to find myself. I found HDI and now trying to believe it's the path God wants me to walk on, not only for finding and reinventing myself but also helping other people I find on my way to do the same. There are times I'm in doubt and fear during this journey. Where I feel that I'm not gonna make it, that I don't deserve it. Times when I feel scared for what's ahead and want to give up. But thanks to people around me in HDI, who believes in me before anyone else, even me. They continue to remind me that all these mixed feeling is the part of every journey to success. That's what makes the journey worth telling.

My youngest son had his bar mitzvah. The event itself felt like the sum total and evidence of his personal grit. I was grateful and relieved and proud and proud of myself. I was also resentful of my mother for not abiding by the covid rules put into place at the small ceremony. But using Rosh Hashanah I've forgiven and I'm in awe that I actually feel no grudge or resentment any longer.

My son committed suicide. How did it affect me? ... My world is upside down. I am in fact profoundly grief-stricken and also strangely relieved of the constant worry and stress of what’s going on with him.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg just died this evening. Within an obscenely short amount of time Mitch McConnell said he's going to replace her on the Supreme Court. My mother has gone to the ER twice in the past few weeks. Yesterday evening was the last day of a 84 day course of medication for my cat Buddy, who had FIP. He also had a large polyp removed 2 weeks ago. The air has been okay for the past few days after being unhealthy for more than 3 weeks due to wildfires. There is a pandemic raging unchecked in this country right now. I'm trying to watch Rosh Hashanah services online but it keeps freezing up. No, there is no one significant experience. It is all too much. I feel overwhelmed, and have been sobbing.

It’s hard to think of anything beyond COVID in terms of a significant event. I had so many plans for significant changes this year in my career but they have all been derailed by the quarantine.

Hosting a seder over Zoom. It was a real bummer that we couldn’t celebrate together in person, but I took a lot of time and care to compile a Haggadah that was both traditional and tailored to current events, and we got to “host” more people than we could have physically fit around our table. I’m grateful for the way modern technology can keep us together during a crisis.

So much. I’ve started therapy. I’m starting to learn who I am, and free myself from who I was. Victor Frankl’s book says “live as if you were living for the second time and had acted as wrongly the first time as you are about to act now.”

The most significant experience from this past year was the first 4-5 months of being a new parent to a very difficult baby. I was unprepared for the ways it would impact me and my sense of self. It was so tough that I think back on it, I get a sense of what I can only imagine is slight PTSD. I feel like I'm transported back there - my mind starts spinning and my body has a physical reaction. I am thankful for the perspective it has given me and the lessons I learned. I'm relieved that I know what to expect next time around (or really, to expect anything and everything). I'm a little bitter that the first few months were so miserable for us but seemingly so magical for others. Mostly, I am just glad that it's over and I can enjoy my baby now.

COVID-19 has impacted everything. I’m not even really sure I feel anything more than exhausted.

I just learned RBG died. A. and I are both reeling. We spent twenty minutes together on the couch as I cried, both for RBG and for us. I am numb with fear right now.

Lots of cool things have happened this year. I think I'm most glad about finishing the first draft of my novel (second, if you count the first extended outlines as a kind of zero draft). It's just something I never thought I would actually do. And while it was incredibly frustrating in the moment, it's really really cool to look back and say, I did that.

Is anyone not going to talk about Corona? It's probably the most universal thing we've experienced as a species, aside from fears of loneliness and inadequacy. I am not grateful at all for the loss of life. The loss of work, my loss of plans, the isolation, the depressions, the fear, the divisiveness. And on top of that, racial tensions reaching critical mass. It feels like everyone wants the same thing, but they are so suspicious of the labels and words and political parties that one adheres to that folks are willing to let others suffer. They are willing to compromise their own actual morals, ethics, religious beliefs, to fit the words they think they are supposed to laud. Mostly I'm terrified, and terribly disappointed in a few people that I deeply care about. But as I said to my brother today-none of that stuff matters. I must continue to do live my life the way I know is right. Be clear on my intentions and be open and honest with everyone around me. It's the only thing I feel we truly have left. And there's some inspiration/relief in that. Like I've been waiting for the time in my life where there's nothing left to lose-and here we are. So I've been trying to use all the negative feelings I have about how situations and use them to improve my own mind/heart/soul. And when those who hurt me/disappoint me are ready to reap the benefits my energy in their life--I will still be there for them. But yes-it hurts. And right now-yes I'm still scared and sad about a lot of things in the world and in my life. But I always say the only 'things' I can choose are my reactions to things. I can't even choose my emotions, but I can choose what I do with them. My anger, jealousy, fear, sadness. Use them as tools towards improvement instead of mental holes in which to wallow.

COVID 19 was a significant experience that happened to us all. It has colored everything. When I spend time with my grandsons, the gift of the moments are so much more precious. Seeing my girls as adults, as mothers, as they negotiate their own lives, brings a source of deep connection. Not being able to hold them, touch them is desolation. Having my best friend sharing my isolation makes the challenge doable. Meanwhile, my parents grow older, month by month, at the twilight of their existence.

I lost my aunt to cancer, another victim to another form of the same awful. But she was wasting away and at least now she is no longer suffering. It's driven me even more to stay in closer contact with people I love. I'm getting her flute, which I used when in school, so I am inspired to relearn, to honor her.

Our family participated in therapy to heal together. I am hopeful that we can be better, kinder and more thoughtful with each other. Another is the smoke coming in from the fires. We have had a few days of blue skies and clear air. This reminds me to be grateful for what we have.e

Dropping thirty pounds. It made me feel much better mentally and physically. It also made me realize I can do something if I set my mind to it.

My mom died in 5780. Breathing into a random bag, forgetting a pandemic; screaming, sobbing; hugging; running. Noticing the bee on the sign. Deciding funeral time. Saying Kaddish into the sky. It was like being born again, but worse. I had to learn how to breathe again, how to speak, how to eat, to shower, to walk, to laugh. This time, though, without my mom. Every new experience, now, is without her. Somehow every day is a new beginning, a new record. This many days without hearing her voice, this many seconds without hearing her laugh. Every day is a milestone. A new year, something she taught me to value, highlights all of the challenges I have overcome these last five months. People tell me my mother's death will make me a better rabbi, as I started my rabbinic education this year as well. I would much, much rather be a worse rabbi with my mom by my side. I miss you Mama. Your memory is a blessing and I promise so long as I am infinite, so are you.

In February I went to my annual eye appointment with the expectation that after it was overI would spend a wonderful day in Boston going to the museums and having lunch.That was my plan. I walk into the appoint feeling find and walked out learning that the tumor in my eye just might be growing again. In one moment my plan for a wonderful day turned into how do I plan for this huge chance in my life . Taking a deep breath I made plans, plans for work, plans for how to have the surgery, plans for saying goodbye to my eye. I can handle this I thought so I went into full planning mode. I planned how to tell my family, friends and coworkers. I planned how and when to have the surgery. I took support to the next doctor’s appointment 3 hours from home. Thats when it hit me how much of my life was changing and hard it was going to be to say goodbye to my eye. I left the appointment sad, angery, upset at how fast things were moving and how little control I had. I’ll fix that I thought I’ll take control, I make a plan to say good bye to my eye and then have the surgery. I’ll enlist my family in the plan. My daughter Katue and I picked a date for the goodbye eye party, I started to tell people. I worked my plan. Then March hit and my world shut down. In the middle of all my planning fate stepped in and threw all my plans away. When the pandemic cause all of us to go into lock down, the hospital closed to all by life or death energies, the hotel for cancer patience shut down near the hospital and it was even hard to talk to my special doctors in Boston. (I live in Maine). Still I planned, after all how long could this last? A few weeks, maybe a month I thought then back to living my plan. But weeks turned into months, the hospital stay closed while I watched all that I planned, know turn into nothing. My world narrowed down to just me and the people who lived in my house. Friends and co workers became little rectangles on a zoom screen or short sentences in a facebook message. Now people left groceries, food and support on our back porc, stepping way back we would exchange short conversations at a distance. Everything I planned was dust, everything I tried to control went up in smoke. What was left what just the day I was in with a very uncertain future. That’s what happened but here I am on this day with the lessons the last few months have taught me. Today is all we have so live into this moment because no matter how carefully you plan today is what you’ve got and tomorrow is not guaranteed. Having a plan is good but having friends and family is so so much more important because while a plan might give you direction, it’s family and friends that will give your life hope and meaning. Now I am counting not of a plan of how things will go but on the relationships I am building with the people I love. If I need a plan then that’s the plan I lean on. My plan is love.

My first grandson, Samir, was born on August 10th. I love being a granny. I feel more contented generally than I ever have. Being a grandparent is wonderful. I love him.

On Aug. 26, we found a stray Siamese kitten on a walk at night. I was recovering from a long depression, and finding her was the first time I felt something, and it was something good. I had been wishing to find a stray Siamese cat since 2007. It was a miracle. We named her Faustine.

I became a great auntie for the 1st time. I am so grateful.

I had a total (right) knee replacement during the last week of February 2020. I've been fighting to get it done since shortly after the original injury took place in June of 2016; it was originally scheduled for 12/2019, and was postponed once. I am intensely grateful that I was able to get it done before the COVID lockdown, I'm grateful to have had an excellent surgeon and a wonderful partner to support me in recovery. The relief of not being in constant grinding pain is indescribable. But I resent the hell out of being forced to wait that long by my insurance company to get the treatment that was needed.

The first that comes to mind is getting engaged! ¨̮ It was so joyful and surprising, really helped move through those first months of the pandemic. My partner did an amazing job pulling off a sweet and special proposal and we were so loved and celebrated by friends and family despite the pandemic. I’m definitely still so grateful and happy. Hopefully next year we will be able to plan the wedding!

COVID. The world falling apart as we know it. The west coast on fire. Weeks of protests. On a superficial level I’m grateful that I’m healthy and I have my wonderful dog and my boyfriend and my family is not sick. But most days this year have been sad days. Trying to function with a constant background level of despair and uncertainty is hard. People say “we’re living through history” but I don’t think I ever expected it to be this depressing.

I moved from my house of 30 years. It has turned out to be very traumatic. I had to to it alone as we buried my husband on our 42nd wedding anniversary. Literally! I purchased an apartment which needs remodeling. Nothing in this process has be simple or easy or straight forward. I want to go back to January 1 and stay in my house.

Him: The COVID 19 pandemic and the US Govt's response to handling it are the major events that have happened over the past year that have left me disappointed, angry, and resentful. As well as disheartened by how easy our federal government seems to have folded. And by Federal Government, I specifically mean the people that have the power to have stopped a lot of the actions that the upper part of the administration pushed out. Because it seems that they fear losing their jobs over doing what they must have known was right. Her: A LOT has gone on this year, but I would say that one of the biggest things has been the ongoing protests that exploded after the George Flloyd murder. I think this rivals the #MeToo movement in that it really brought race issues to the forefront of the minds of people who thought and in some cases still think there is no race problem in our country. This movement, whether you call it Black Lives Matter or not, is (or at least has the potential to be) a turning point in history. Of course, that will assume that fascism doesn't overtake the US and ruin everything.

Corona virus It changed how I live Mixed feelings, it is same as working from home, easier more convenient but I lost social contact

I guess the big things are that I turned 30 (!), applied/got in/started grad school, and a pandemic happened (is happening). Technically I was laid off. Also, P&E are expecting a baby (knhppp). And Bubby turned 90! Also I ended w MCD. Those are all big things, but they all feel mostly okay. Mostly good even. Turning 30 was the best. Playing in snow. Surprise cake. Mom and friends. Feeling so loved and celebrated. That last orgasm of my 20s, lol. Grad school is so far good! Also sometimes really hard. And exhausting and emotional. But I think I’m in the right place, the right program, the right support. The pandemic is all kinds of things, but I feel so lucky for the time we spent in Christiansburg. The Pod. Cooking, biking, baking, games, movies, running, reading, etc. Being laid off was...okay. A hard turn. A loss of agency. But in the end I’m more than okay. P&E is such good news. I pray for a healthy pregnancy and birth and life for this little one, and for E. And for the family to heal in this moment of renewal. Bubby is incredible. It was so sad not to celebrate with her. But so special to see her last weekend. Ending with MCD didn’t happen the way I would have wanted, but I know it is also okay. I’ve grown so much. “Warp speed” is what I said last year. And I’m grateful for that.

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg died today after battling pancreatic cancer. I am terrified for the country, for my rights as a human being, a minority, a woman, etc. I am sad for humanity. I am scared. Hopefully this inspires me to redouble my efforts to be more involved and support those in this country who will most need our support, because the government has gone to shit.

This year has been full of ups and downs. As a person who tries to find what has gone well, that too, has been significantly challenged. For me, it has been the general feeling of disappointment in humanity. When will we learn to love and care for each other? Then, I work with my amazing colleagues who do love and care for the disadvantaged students...I'm then inspired that I can be a part of ghe positive that I wish to see in the world.

A significant experience that has happened in that past year is waiting for my parents to come home from overseas, just as covid restrictions were ramping up. I was grateful they got home safely and fairly smoothly but nervous and anxious the whole time.

COVID forced me to close my business for one week, one month, two months....4 months. It made the decision for me to close/sell my business. I had struggled with this decision for more than a year so, yes, I am grateful my hand was pushed. I feel RELIEVED and light as a feather.

i broke up with my girlfriend on easter...months later found out her father died approx a week later of covid. Thru powers beyond my control and "fates" schedule book ..... I am now holding my girlfriends hand and have fallen in love! Grateful for every moment we spent together...

There are many significant experiences this year. A continued erosion of our democracy by our president and his followers. Police brutality on blacks, the growth of the Black Lives Matter protests by many Americans. RBG just died I am distressed, scared and willing to fight to save our country from itself

The other day I found a blue jay on the sidewalk and I brought it home where it died in my hands. I felt the life leave its pretty little body. It touched me so much, made me so grateful to be alive and in total awe of birds and living things all around. I felt renewed zest for life!

2020 is one of those years when everything happens, so there have been all manner of significant public experiences (such as shelter-in-place orders, online college, orange skies, etc.). However, the personal experience that feels most in the spirit of the Days of Awe is that I broke up with my girlfriend. (This is ironic because last year I talked about getting together with her in my answer to this question.) I'm still not sure how I feel about it. I think it was ultimately a good decision, that we were not meant for each other in the long run. That said, I'm still not totally sure what went wrong in our relationship or how much of it was my fault. I've enjoyed what feels like more freedom and more free time. (I did a LOT of hiking this summer that wouldn't have happened if I'd still been dating.) I also think I learned a lot about how I operate in a relationship, both from the relationship itself and from the breakup. At the same time, I've missed the feeling of closeness and all of the nice things that come with that.

My son moved back home. It has been difficult at times, and yet comforting to have him with me again. I have had an emotional rollercoaster, as our relationship is a work in progress. I am grateful for his help around the house, relieved he is safe, resentful that I don't have my space to myself, and inspired? Not so much.

Zander and I got engaged! I am so grateful for where our relationship is headed and am so excited to commit to forever.

I mean... There's the obvious one. Covid-19 has changed the world pretty drastically. I haven't left the house for anything but groceries and sacrament meeting, and a very few trips to the hardware store or the library. I've spent several sleepless nights, both at the beginning of this whole thing, and when Jeremiah got sick a couple months ago. I've been brought to tears by stress and fear. But I've also been brought to tears in gratitude. I'm so grateful for friends who shopped for us when we were quarantined, and even dropped off ice cream to help with the stress. I'm grateful that Jeremiah has a job that allowed him to work from home while he was sick, so that we didn't lose our income like so many people have. I'm grateful to our church leaders who have been listening to medical professionals and adjusting our worship to keep us all as safe as possible. I'm grateful that Jeremiah recovered from his illness, and that none of the rest of us became ill. I miss my old life, and my friends and family and coworkers, but I have so much to be thankful for, and I'm trying to remember that more.

One of my closest friends died four months after a diagnosis of brain cancer this past year. This was on the day of Halloween 2019. Martha was one of the best human beings I have ever know. Really. She was open, kind, a humanitarian, a feminist, a mom, a friend, a social worker, a political activist, a feminist, and one of the finest specimens of a human to inhabit the earth. Martha was always reading and practicing the best ways to stay healthy and ate a vegetarian diet and eschewed mammograms and dental x-rays and anything that might put her health in danger. This included wheat and grains, and if I had a smiley face, I'd insert it here. Out of nowhere, she was hit with symptoms, diagnosed, conservatively treated, and went from being a vibrant role model, wonderful friend and mother and vivacious woman to being unable to walk, talk and function within a mere 3 months. My beliefs about reward and punishment have been forever altered by this experience. I don't even know if I believe in karma anymore. If there was anyone to be rewarded for being a great human being, it was Martha. If there was anyone less deserving of this, it was Martha. So, why did this happen to someone who needed to stay on this earth for as long as possible? I don't know, G-d. Why? We miss her so terribly. Martha graced so many people with just who she was as an amazing human being. I am grateful to have known her. I am relieved that she no longer has to suffer. I am resentful that we have lost her. I am inspired to be a better person for having known her.

The death of my older brother. It just didn't occur to me that one of my siblings would leave. I leaned on him and respected him throughout our lives. His death left a hole in my life that may not be filled. I have other siblings, but they counted on big brother as well. This probably makes us closer, but it also makes it clear that life is fragile. It certainly makes me closer to his wife and my nephew. This event certainly makes me think about life every day.

In the past year, I moved apartments and I am very grateful for the increased space and better recording space.

The death of my spouse of 32 years and the experience of grief in all its many manifestations. The realization of being utterly on my own now. Magnified by COVID-19. I live on the island of Aieia. Hoping to be companioned in bits and pieces by the birds, the tiny insects, my lion - Oz, and occasional kind and thoughtful visitors, like eeyore, piglet and owl, each little visit carrying me another hour. The sobering realization that I alone am responsible for my own happiness.

My experience is more then likely like everyone else's during this pandemic. But because I am a healthcare professional I have to deal with it. I am all those things, grateful, relieved, resentful and inspired a million times a day.

My father passed away... I’m grateful for the life he gave to me, to our family, and the way he lived his life. He will always be the best example to me and everyone who met him of how to live with joy, achieve your goals, live your dreams, be unwavering in your values, and take care of the people around him. I’m honored to be his daughter and part of the incredible legacy he’s left behind... I will live each day to make him proud, and I’m proud to have the honor to do so.

This last year I have been going through a pretty serious case of anorexia. It started at the beginning of quarantine when I made a pact with myself to exercise every single day of quarantine. I thought it would be two weeks. It's been six months. After I started exercising every day, I then started to build on my exercise every day. I'd do two hours one day and the next I'd do three. Some days I did six. Then I started to realize I could lose weight faster if I cut certain foods out of my diet. I started by cutting out carbs and pretty soon I was cutting out pretty much everything except cottage cheese, hummus, lentils, peanut butter, fruits and vegetables. Looking back I was incredibly sick much of this year. When I hung out with friends I'd have to lie on the ground and would simply have no energy to get up or care. I lost my vitality. I lost my passionate spirit. I lost my sex drive. I simply stopped caring. I remember months of waking up early to exercise for hours before settling down to do SAT prep and french. It is so sad that I succumbed to the disease. I've now been in recovery for two months and it is getting better but that original sense of shame and self-loathing is ever present. At the beginning of quarantine I felt good about myself after exercising and now I just hate the way I feel. I always feel full. I feel insufficient. I feel guilty all the time because maybe I don't deserve food. I don't deserve to eat well and feel full because I'm not enough without being skinny. I will never feel skinny enough. I'm going to say that again. I will never feel skinny enough. I wish I could just be happy with myself and see my own value without having to exercise to allow myself to eat. I'm tired and done with going to the same doctors appointment every week. I'm so tired of peeing in a cup. I wish I didn't feel so shitty about myself because then this could all be over. I could eat when hungry and feel like I'm enough without being skinny. Dad just got his new place a few weeks ago and we're starting to live there part time. It's a change. Everything is changing. I have no idea what next month or even next week will look like but I know that it will hold change and I hope I start to feel more comfortable in my own skin as I move forward.

My mother dying from COVID19 and the difficulty in mourning her loss. She was in late stage Alzheimer's in a nursing home and I visited every Sunday until the quarantine then I couldn't visit and never saw again alive. It breaks my heart. At the same time her death ends her long suffering and so I am also grateful for her passing.

My youngest child became Bat Mitzvah 2 months into the pandemic. Very proud of her (particularly that she chose, with some encouragement from us, to go through the ceremony despite the fact that it was over Zoom). Disappointed in not being able to share our joy in person with the congregation or even with some of our family (daughter in FL, parents). Both disappointed and relieved that we didn't get/have to host a big party. I hope we will be able to have a big in-person celebration for her some time in the next 1-2 years.

Ummmm.... well 5780 was definitely significant to say the least. I don’t even know where to start. Between Covid, grandpa dying, my break up, black lives matter, dad being hospitalized... I’m just fucking exhausted. Like this was an exhausting year even with all my privileges. I just want next year to be better but I’m not sure that’s in the cards. I mean RBG died today so like happy fucking Rosh Hashanah trump is going to pack the court and we’re all going to die. And my family doesn’t seem to get how bad that’ll be. Or maybe they do they’re just having a less emotional reaction. But there’s been too much significant things that happened in 5780 and I feel drained. I can barely process new news because I just don’t have the capacity. And for once it’s not due to mental illness, the world is just that bad.

the death of my great grandmother reminded me of how mortal we are. She was my last great grandparent, and was the backbone of my family - somehow on both sides. It made me think about who might be next - my grandmother? my grandfather? the people in my family i hold closer than my mother? I felt myself get older this year. Being one of 3 generations, not 4. Driving, being a senior, this year was a lot of growing.

Yes I’m writing about Corona shut up I know I’m basic. Anyways yeah the whole COVID experience was really rough and I’m honestly very worried it affected my world view. I don’t have too many of the aforementioned feelings, though, because it’s still going on.

Two come to mind. The first is spending 11 weeks caring for my mom while she heeled from the inside out from colon surgery. It was a remarkable and bonding experience I’ll always cherish. The second is dealing with my in-laws and feeling utterly helpless because they won’t accept any help but only after I’ve spent hours, days, weeks doing research, taking action, which left me feeling depleted and resentful.

Corona virus pandemic. The world changed mid March 2020. Now we deal with wearing masks, social distancing, can't see friends and family much. Haven't seen my dad in person in 6 months. Trying to do my part. Frustrating to see many others who do not. Almost 200k Americans have died so far. I'm resentful that we can't get it under control because so many people refuse to wear masks and stay apart.

I feel like my relationship with my mother this year has been a roller coaster. Medium highs and low lows. This new year I feel like she finally sees me for who I feel I, and accepts my flaws. Knowing that is relieving.

Phil is truly retired now. We are needing to learn how to grow old together, how to support one another and give each other space to be ourselves. So far, our health is holding, but you know that isn't forever. Just like our country is sort of holding together, but you can feel disastor breathing down your neck.

My adult children moved in with us during quarantine for COVID. It gave blessings to the difficult challenges of the times. Grateful!

So much has happened in the past year! My conversion was official on November 8, 2020, and since then I've grown ever closer to my lovely community at my synagogue. I started a new job as a copywriter with a team of people I love. I'm excited to go to work every day. Both of these experiences have changed my life for the better, completely. I'm so unbelievably grateful and blessed. These wonderful people inspire me and push me to be better every single day, and do it with love and humor.

I held my mom's hand as she died. I was destroyed, brokenhearted, bereft, adrift. I had three girlfriends with me, thank the gods. It felt just like a birthing experience. Never before had I really felt the title doula in my body so much. We held space, played music, let her be, paid close attention. My mother, who brought me into this world, left me behind in it. Her pulse sputtered like an engine running out of fuel and stopped. I wish I had been more graceful, wish I had had the right thing to say after she died- I know the hearing is the last to go. But I fell apart. Moaning mama, mama, mama. I repeat to myself out loud still, four months later, 'my mom died. She died.' To myself, because there is nobody to hear me. I said it nearly constantly in the beginning, and now it's at least daily. I wish she could see the garden now, and I wish I could share this delicious curry I made tonight with her, on the night of the smoke-cleansing rains, at long last. I wish she could feel the relief with me. I wish so many things.

During this year I had 5 months of not working and yet still received a percentage of my pay. I am 62 years old, I was physically and emotionally burned out. During this time I learned to deal with external stress that sounded like days and nights of ambulance sirens screaming, "This is real!" "This is real!" Living in Brooklyn was taking a toll that friends and family weren't quite aware of. Yet through it all there was the memory of those whose experiences led them into much harsher experiences of facing death at the hands of other humans simply because of some ignorant hatred that could not be understood by an emotionally sane being. I learned to move ahead rather than look back and desire what I once had. Each day became an opportunity to go out and explore different neighborhoods, to walk into new grocery stores or bodegas to acquire some needed merchandise my mind believed would help in some way. My tiny apartment was soon full of extras of everything that helped insulate me from the real fear that I could catch it and have to enter one of the hospitals, alone, and never come out. Each day we face this question that truly is life. We may or may not make it through this day. Today, Ruth Bader Ginsburg did not make it through this day. I will continue to wrap her spirit around me to warm the frightened shivering parts of me freezing in fear and anxiousness. I will add her to the list of my mentors who have in some way guided me to trust that quiet inner voice that is always there, inside me, in the same camp where all my parts exist and lucky for me, this amazing thing called Self, kindly leads me forward. Shana tova!

Fred had another surgery and I have spent so much time having to deal with him, pain, care, and not enjoying his company. I am basically a loner at home and cant relax around others if there is no escape.

Something that happened to me was being broken up with while away in another country working. Then having to come back and move out of the place I was living and drive across the country back to where my work was now happening. It was a wild roller coaster of emotion, but ended up being a blessing in disguise. I have opened up more, learned how to surf better, met new people and have figured out what it is I am truly looking for in a significant other.

Nicks surgery and subsequent clean bill of health. I’ll never forget the feeling of relief when the doctor told us it was just a calcium deposit and not cancer. I feel like I was strong for him and I feel so glad I was able to take care of him through that period. I called on some of the hospital skills I sadly now have so many of and I was prepared, but being able to say that it was “over” and not the start of a new chapter of struggle was huge. Despite the fact that corona quickly turned the world back upside down

After being unemployed since mid-November 2019, I found a job through a temp agency as an Accounts Receivable Specialist at Fall Creek Farm and Nursery. In July, I transitioned to being a full time employee of Fall Creek Farm and Nursery. I -love- this job. I am so happy to be there. It is so much better than Symantec ever was. Every day I come home saying how much I like my job: the people, the responsibilities, the room for growth. I am so thankful to find a job that I can see myself at for many years to come.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg died today. She was an amazing & tenacious hero. I am sad and i fear for our democracy

The Covid19 pandemic quarantine. At first I was deeply disturbed with fear about the possible future- dark images of worst case scenarios- breadlines, nationwide poverty, civil unrest, the end of civilization as we know it. To my surprise it became a significant opportunity for spiritual healing. All of society around me slowed to a halt. The streets were empty and still. There were no airplanes overhead. A peaceful silence fell upon the city and society took a long moment to just stay home. I am so grateful And very very very relieved.

Wow. RBG just died. Literally. Maybe 3 hours ago. It is shattering. What a titan. What fools we have been to let the stability of democracy rest upon the shoulders of an elderly woman with pancreatic cancer. I mourn. I fear. So much fear.

A significant experience for me is turning 30 in March. It was days before the COVID pandemic became widespread and lockdowns/quarantines began. I'm grateful that I was able to properly celebrate it with friends and family before everything shut down.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg died today. My first reaction is despair, tho if Biden wins there is still some hope for US democracy long term. But still, grief and fear for sure; determination as well, to do as much as I can for the cause of justice, but deep concern it won't be enough.

The crises of The world, voices of despair, global pandemic reality, climate emergency have made it seem impossible to ignore realities and just focus on personal development. Who wanted any of this? But none of us is not somehow implicated in so much of it. Can we learn something from the challenges, dig deep into our inner resources and find new ways of living? Sometimes shellshocked, angry that I can't just enjoy my little life, mostly ethically called to act, to speak, to witness, but in despair about how. Paraltzed, but hoping to find a way to say what needs saying, do what needs doing.

Covid-19; Affected in a number of ways - dealing with isolation, dealing with isolation with a partner, dealing with the inconvenience of not being able to do the normal day to day things that we do as people living our lives - learned empathy, gratitude, appreciation, perseverance in the face of adversity - grateful, relieved, not resentful but inspired and optimistic that difficult things can be overcome and humanity can come together (although not entirely)!

stopped working due to wife's view of COVID. Upset my entire apple cart to not go to a job and do something. haven't replaced that hole with anything sustainably meaningful. feel lost / ungrounded / empty and irrelevant and angry.

I’m sure I share with many people that the most significant experience has been the Covid-19 pandemic. I work in health care, but not in a capacity that I was taking care of infected patients. My work slowed down to almost nothing for about 2 months, and is finally back to near normal. All my recreational events for the last 3/4 of the year have been cancelled. I’m struggling with keeping myself calm and serene with the limitations on activity. At the same time, I feel some guilt about coming through with intact finances and health, knowing so many have been hurt by either the infection or our society’s response to it to keep us safe.

Aside from the global pandemic, I was asked to act temporarily in a higher level position at work, while my boss was asked to do the same, so we are both in temporary positions at higher levels, but not getting paid any more for our work (this is how the Federal government works). I was initially conflicted about taking the position, but I also felt like I didn't have much of a choice as my peer didn't want to do the job and there was no one else. I'm grateful to be asked to do the job, for the experience I'm getting, and the praise I get from most people about the good work that I'm doing. It is certainly more stressful, and my boss, who is generally nice and good to work with, gets stressed and takes it out on me usually, which makes me quite resentful in those moments. It's hard to work for someone who is unpredictable and can be incredibly nice one day and so mean the next. It's no wonder that it is often said that people leave bosses or supervisors, they don't leave jobs. So while I am grateful for being given the opportunity and for what I am learning, I have times that I am resentful, and stressed, and not inspired. I know this will be good for my career and it will all turn out ok, but the journey to get there will be trying and difficult.

SO much has happened in the past year!! The most significant is probably COVID-19. I had to cancel trips, which I resent. But it also made me grateful that I have a job that is in healthcare and, therefore, not at risk due to the virus. So many are less fortunate! Still, I will be very happy when I can travel again!

I gave birth to a baby boy, vaginally, without pain medication and believing in my body’s ability to do the job. He was conceived naturally and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to be a mother

I bought a house. As a freelance artist in a pandemic world I am grateful it was possible, relieved I could pull the resources together and excited scared for what it means moving forward.

I bought my wedding dress. It made me excited, nervous, and anxious. It made it all "real". I was relieved and happy it happened before the pandemic shutdown. Although I bought the dress early, it has inspired all other wedding decor and ideas.

I’m going to go with something that happened just today. An acquaintance of my age who is highly accomplished in the tech field—and who admires my writing—offered to connect me with some companies that could use my skills. But the first thing she told me is I need to get rid of my LinkedIn profile photo because if it shows my gray hair, I’ll never get hired. I have no desire to color my hair, especially not to cater to the expectations of Corporate America, and I don’t care to hide who I am. This experience helped me think about what I really value in life and work. I felt both grateful for her honesty and for my own, and I felt inspired to think about some outside-the-box ways I might be able to leverage and celebrate my rebellious streak—and help others who have no desire to conform to ageist expectations.

Well, my answer here was going to be much more about my own year, but... Ruth Bader Ginsburg just died. I mean, I suppose a few hours ago, but... whatever. It's absolutely devastating. It *starts* with the loss of one of the most important women in US history, which is tragic enough. And then it gives fucking Trump a third goddamn Supreme Court pick before we even have a chance to get him out of office, because they've already said they don't care how blatantly hypocritical it is, they're going to do it anyway. And that... is going to shape... so much, for *decades* to come. I'm absolutely heartbroken, and furious. And a small host of things that fall inside those - I mean, looking at the list in this question, yes, grateful is there; she did so very, very much for us all. Relieved... no. Resentful, hell yes. Inspired? Maybe. I need to think about that one.

OMG I ended up falling in love with a PRISONER and even went all the way to Phoenix, Arizona to meet him!!! The experience was so surreal. Unfortunately, things didn't work out between us because we just went to fast in our relationship and we kept fighting over and over, especially about money. In the end, he fucking scammed me. I've realized that the entire relationship was a damn lie. But I really am grateful that I got to meet him. Visiting someone in prison was a once-in-a-life-time experience that I will NEVER forget! I don't regret reaching out to him when I saw him on TV last year, but everything just had to come to an end. In the end, I do forgive him, but it will take a while for me to heal. I hurts, it really does, but I'm relieved that it's all over between me and him. So now I am inspired to live the best life that I can for ME. I ended up being in another toxic and even abusive relationship with a co-worker (when things didn't work out with my prisoner boyfriend, I ended up meeting someone else). Yes, I ended up getting the job of my dreams, but I made the mistake of accepting a relationship with a co-worker when he asked me out. There ended up being too much gossip in the workplace, and he ended up being such a jerk. Yes, our "relationship" was so unstable that I ended up having to report him to the police because he got physical with me. This experience made me realize that I need to keep my head held up high, even if I've lost the battle. I never meant to create a war with him, but I was disappointed in the criminal justice system for not pressing charges against him and was disappointed in the company itself as they said they couldn't do "anything about it." What I've learned from theses experiences is that I don't deserve abuse, control, humiliation, threats, nor manipulation from anyone else, especially men. Unfortunately, I've fallen of the "Born Again Virgin" wagon, and I've realized that I can always get back up again. I don't need to give myself away to easily on an emotional level. Perhaps I'm not ready for a relationship, and I would rather be happy alone than be with someone who mistreats me. The final step of love is forgiveness, and I chose to forgive not only others but myself for the mistakes I've done in the past year.

My conversion to Judaism. It was the greatest spiritual experience of my life. My life is vastly improved because of it.

Lockdown! I got paid to stay home and make art/play for 3 months. And help a kid with e-learning, but that was the least fun part. I loved it. For an introvert, it was an amazing experience.

I told my now girlfriend that I loved her for the first time. In a moment of vulnerability, physical compassion, and intense companionship, I revealed this. It had been something I wanted to tell her for a while. And then I just said it. She didn’t say it back immediately. But then she let it out. It was the first time a girl had this to me and I really believed her.

We started full-time online school two weeks ago - we went part-time in the Spring, but it wasn’t really anything. This is the length of a normal school day, albeit more broken up (an hour lunch break, screen breaks built into the schedule, etc.) I know it’s been terribly difficult for many people, but it’s been quite easy for me, so far. I miss my students, but I love being home with my dog, and a lot of my teaching was computer-centric before all of this. I feel very blessed that it’s going so smoothly for me.

Fuck dude. Right now it's the death of RBG, and the related descent into fascism in our country. I mean also CoVID? And the west coast catching fire? Trying to do my job with kids jumping around on me all day? Fuck this year. I am sad and tired and angry and scared. This is miserable.

Late on the night of January 1, my husband had chest pains and we went to the hospital. While there, he had a sudden cardiac arrest. I watched him code. I watched the emergency workers come into the room and revive him. It was terrifying. Two days later, he had a double bypass surgery. It goes without saying that I'm incredibly relieved that I didn't become a widow that night. He's worked hard and had a great recovery. Quarantine gave him time to heal the way his body needed to. It affected me in so many ways...so many different emotions. It was quite an introduction to 2020.

The George Floyd murder at the hands of police really rocked my world. It really made me evaluate my place here in society as a Black man. It opened some old wounds and showed both humanity and the shadow side. As a result I have spent more time learning about Black culture/history than I have ever had. Also reconciling with how some experiences in my past involved racist actions from other that I just normalized. I'm doing my best to see the beauty in this situation despite how hard it has been and I am inspired to be better as an example to my 3 y/o son.

We had two significant experiences that impacted us: Disney World trip and buying a house! The Disney World trip really reconnect us with Corey's mom and did a lot to repair the hurt from Korra's 4th bday. It was also amazing because she loved it so much and I hate to say it but I can see why people get hooked on the magic of Disney. Buying a house has been great and we really are trying to treat this house with respect and learn how to take care of a physical thing. It was a stressful process but I'm happy that we have a home!!

My husband became ill and this has impacted his heart and his kidneys. It will be a year in November and we are still waiting for a diagnosis. In November prior to his first hospitalization, I had a dream. On November 7, 2020 to be exact. The dream foretold a great plague descending on mankind. A plague that was hard to detect as the symptoms were much like catching a cold, with fever and chills. The COVID 19 outbreak was yet to be named. I have had dreams of foretelling before and this dream was clearly a dream of foretelling. I am emotionally exhausted after this year of my husband becoming ill, COVID 19, and now the great burning of our west coast, inundating us in hazardous smoke; killing people, destroying homes and any sense of safety. I have discovered a new word, Solastalgia. A word that describes what happens to us when our sense of place, of rootedness, of safety in being home is irrevocably destroyed. We are living through a climate catastrophe that will just get worse if we don't act on a global scale, and living here in America under a despot, who has rolled back fifty years of progress when it comes to environmental protection leaves me feeling utterly hopeless at times. Dreams come to foretell and to prepare us. In my dream my family lives on a lake with trees surrounding and we are safe for now. Despite my exhaustion, and my days of despair and hopelessness, I rise up. I rise up to protest for Black Lives Matter, I rise up to call my legislators, I rise up to put my cares aside and join my husband in whatever it is he wants to do today. I rise up. At this time, over two hundred thousand Americans have died from COVID 19 and counting and I am learning how to work remotely, using technology in ways I never dreamed of. I still work in service to others. I dream of the impossible, I rise up.

Diagnosed with MBC. Diagnosis was literally the week before lockdown in March. Changed my outlook on everything

My dad died near the end of June - it was sudden, but in a way not unexpected. We hadn't talked in a few years - I was intentionally estranged from him, so our relationship was non-existent by the end. I acknowledge the regret and guilt that I feel for making that choice, while also knowing it was necessary for my survival. I am putting my feelings to good use - his death has stoked an unquenchable curiosity in me to know and understand him better - in a way that was not possible while he was alive. It has made me revisit some creative endeavors I thought left behind. It has made me think deeply on who I am and what it all means. It has made me draw closer to my remaining family members in the absolute best way. The lesson in this moment is that when I go, no one will wonder whether I loved them.

My son graduated high school and kept a job. I am so grateful for the growth he has made. He was born with FASD and many with this do poorly in society. It is an enormous relief!

Significant event!!! Well there is nothing more significant then Covid-19. WOW. From suddenly stopping work to moving out of my parent's home to Neda's and watching the whole world go in to a panic, I never thought my life could change so quickly in just a few days. It's kind of weird for me though because my goal of leaving the restaurant and bringing in a comfortable income suddenly happened..in the weirdest way. I was suddenly getting paid more than I had ever made in the my life ($1700 every two weeks I think) and got to work on whatever I wanted. But...the reality is it's all finite and shrouded in a blanket of uncertainty. Overall I am grateful. Grateful my needs are taken care of and that I, nor my family has had to deal with personal loss. My whole life has changed and the biggest question is here yet again. Will I take the wheel and have the courage to take my life in the direction I would like it to go?

I began the year as any other: grateful for what has transpired before and hopeful for what is to come. I felt secure in the love of my family and the success that had befallen me and Julia to that point. And, perhaps most of all on January 1, I felt the ambition and challenge of another year, the need to be better, work to make myself better, and do more good for my community. New Years resolutions reflecting New Year’s Day feelings. In late January, coronavirus was a news story not unlike any other piece of international news. Maybe it would be as big a deal as H1N1, or maybe even foot and mouth disease! By Feb it was clear it was a big deal and, gosh, the uncertainly was starting to impact the stock market. On March 12, when an NBA game was cancelled and Tom Hanks disclosed his diagnosis, it got real. I actually was one day ahead of the curve. I had a sniffle and a scratchy throat when I left work on Weds March 11, and so I didn’t go in that Thursday the 12. I haven’t been back since. (To my knowledge I was not and have not been COVID positive.) The COVID experience has layers: work from home, people out of work and mass unemployment in certain industries, the economic crisis and toll on our personal income, which has lowered our spending, including at the type of businesses that have laid their people off, which is basically the economic crisis in a nutshell, the infection rate and 200,000+ death toll, masks as a necessity and a nuisance, the heroics of our health workers and importance of other essential workers, personal freedom vs the public good, the grace we must afford one another in a time when there is no one obvious correct way to live among your neighbors and colleagues and we all have opinions and some experts have some answers but nobody has all the answers, the lack of socialization and increase in awkwardness, my thankfulness for a big house and no commute and a nice couch and lack of social commitments, but also how the lack of time and space away from my family over six months has made my lover into a roommate, my increasing desire for each month to end so I can flip the calendar to the next one, but also the accompanying guilt that I am wishing my life away. We haven’t even covered George Floyd. Or the coming election. Those New Years feelings feel like a lifetime ago.

I realized my need to "manage" other people into a position to "care for me" and how this plays out in my significant relationships. More over, how it keeps me in the bind of feeling that my most basic need to be loved is never met. By understanding this, I will move forward into being my own (best) caretaker, thus guaranteeing my need to be loved is met, and also allowing those I love to be off the hook for "never getting it right".

Knee replacement, January 23, 2020. Grateful, finally, got it done. Relieved, 8 months ago, still some limited range of motion, discomfort not the same, not taking meds as before, blood sugars stable. Even lost weight. Resentful: not doing the best I could be doing, self-imposed. Inspired: started stating "I am not my Knee", walking more often without a cane. I am getting older but want to be better

I think really committing to working on my marriage after a difficult situation shook my core confidence in our connection. It's been a real test of our love and commitment. I feel more hopeful now, but it's been almost a solid year of feeling shaky and uncertain. I'm grateful for the opportunity to dig in deeply, relieved that my spouse is also digging in, a little resentful to have to work this hard, and inspired to make this love and this life what we want.

I think the significant change that happened this year would be the same for me as everyone else, Covid. But, I want to step away from that and focus on what this year was without that. When I came back from Australia/New Zealand my heart was set on leaving NYC and maybe doing something such as opening and running a bed and breakfast with a healthy food and fitness focus. I spent a lot of time considering where I’d like to do such a thing and what kind of initial investment would be needed. When the new year hit I had decided that it was my year to deepen into my Pilates practice and gain as much knowledge as I could. With that said I made plans to change my work load to 3 days a week Pilates and only 2 days of dental. In addition, I signed up for 4 conferences, 2 in Boston and 2 in NYC. I was contacted by my old manager at Equinox and offered a job on a time frame that would work for me and it was all going to be golden until I left the city in the fall...Then Covid. Loosing all 4 jobs in one day, only to do my taxes 2 days later there was a lot of stress about money (my faith was shaken). I was able to teach online so I guess I indeed kept Pilates my main focus and I took loads of classes with lots of teachers and did a lot of studying via Pilatesology. When the dental office opened back up I went full force into making money again and my Pilates started to teeter but I continued to work with some clients online, such as Aunt Terrie :-) Now that everything is coming back together I’m again teaching in the studio, and loving it; I’m working in the dental office, and still being wonderful at it. This big change of main careers was a big jump, and maybe not one that will be financially rewarding with the world in the state it’s in, but I’m blessed to have had the faith in myself to switch directions and hold on throughout this crazy ride. Reflecting on the past year I’m excited at how far I’ve come, continuing to learn and excited for whatever else life has in store for me. Even if there are hurdles that need to be overcome.

Covid-19 happened and while I grieve all that my children have lost socially and academically, I think it is amazing for them to have spent this much time with us when normally at this stage kids are in school and away from home. Especially my son with his dad. These are special times.

This year has felt significant in a LOT of ways. The biggest, personally, has been getting pregnant. As of today, 13 weeks and 1 day along. People keep saying, "That's so exciting!" and "You must be so excited!" and well, not really. I feel more...ready? Embrace-ful? Excitement feels like such a fleeting emotion to me, and parenthood is a longterm undertaking. My emotions are so much deeper than that. I feel joyous in the deepest sense. Anticipatory. At the same time it feels dishonest to answer this question and not include COVID-19. The global pandemic has affected me greatly in the last year, as it has us all. I feel fortunate not to be significantly affected in some of the worse ways. I still have freelance work, I still have my home and food on my table, I don't have children (yet) so am not struggling with childcare or closed schools. But it would be a lie to say I haven't been affected at all. I've been morose, resentful, frustrated, stir-crazy, angry, scared. I've mourned a long-anticipated, COVID-cancelled visit to my family in France, whom I haven't seen in 15 years. I had my first panic attack during the week New York City began to suffer, terrified for family and friends back home. The political nightmare that has made the pandemic worse has been horrifying, too. So many lost. So many lives impacted. It's hard to absorb, to reckon with, yet.

Where to start? Family and family and family. Grateful! The world? How can so many people feel like victims and voiceless so much in their own country that they relinquish all character and values? How can they allow and blindly follow a self-focused no-empathy - never "we" person (and those who are silent around him) to spew such hate, racism, and human mockery? How do they sleep? And, many of these people are our "One" What will they be thinking and reflecting on while the Gates are open this week?

My beautiful Lab has gone and after 5 weeks, I still am broken hearted.

Oh wow, this was a big year for this question... At the beginning of February, I left my job and the town I grew up and spent most of my life in, to go across the country with my girlfriend for an amazing job opportunity she got. While scared at first, I was super excited to go, meet new people, and find a way to create a new job/way to make money. And then COVID hit. A month after I got to Vancouver, everyone started to lockdown, and meeting people became incredibly hard to do. And for some, that wouldn't matter. But I've never in my career got a job by applying to a posting somewhere and going through rounds of interviews with 17 different people. I've always been lucky in that I've known someone looking for my skills or have been introduced to someone at the right time. So for me, this was kind of devastating. While I've done a few freelance gigs here and there since, which mostly came as good fortune from people I knew, I focused a lot of time and effort applying for jobs even though that method had never worked for me before. Only recently have I decided to try and really focus on going freelance. But that has been hard for me to get going. Because I have no real structure to my days, or more importantly for me, no one to be accountable to get my work done for but myself, my ADHD has been worse than it has ever been. Even small tasks have felt incredibly hard for me to get done recently. And even though I know that I need to put effort into things so that I can make money and give myself something to do, I still have so much trouble getting going. And just to put the cherry on top, I also had to leave my ADHD doctors and coaches back in Ontario and have yet to find their equivalents out west, I haven't really been able to talk to anyone about this or get help dealing with it. And despite how kind of awful that all sounds, and I know how awful it is, I'm still happy that came out here. I haven't been able to really get to know the city well, but it feels different. I've felt "lighter" since I left Toronto. And I know that things will work out.

In February of 2020 I had cataract surgery on my left eye. It was such a blessing that I got my sight back in my left eye.

i was informed of a cleansing and got a da je"vue of a meet and greet and got a confirmation about a section of my life with a voucher for 0.07 cents and a time of 13:15 :22sec. which is where i spent most of my teen years in one spot consistently, and i call myself 004 for years now when im on a secret mission or task crazy right

The pandemic clearly changed everything. I think a lot of people feel this way, but I finally felt like I had everything on track and going well and was ready to really be happy and be in a good place, right up until the pandemic, so I definitely feel resentful over that. What I am grateful for is my family’s health and safety, and that I had a home to come to for 3 months to be with my family and be safe and ride out the main wave of covid. I feel really tired.

I launched a business this year. It has been a very bumpy road, but I have been learning a lot along the way. I have been very humbled in the way that it requires a lot of work, dedication, commitment, and patience. I have been expressing myself more publicly, putting myself out there, and leaning into the vulnerability of it. I'm overcoming lots of fears that I have around rejection, self doubt, vulnerability, and relinquishing control. I am in learning and experimentation mode. I tend to get a bit impatient, frustrated, and hard on myself often. I try to remind myself that hard work and perseverance are prerequisites to success. I am hopeful that all of the different things I am trying will eventually come to fruition. I am inspired by all of the people in my life who are going after their dreams and creating a reality out of their vision rather than taking the easy/expected path.

The birth of my first son, Dov. He was born on April 12, 2020. It completely changed my life. His birth has made us, my wife and I, better people. His continuous presence has helped us focus on gratitude and family in a way I never thought possible. Dov has allowed me to better appreciate all of the amazing blessings present in my life. He has also inspired us to become more observant as Jews.

My fiancé died quite suddenly and unexpectedly this past year. We loved each other deeply and had many plans for our future life together. Losing him has changed everything for me. It is the hardest thing that I have ever had to deal with. I miss him every minute of every day. He was too young.

Feb. 17, my parents were in a car accident. My dad died that night. My mom died 2 days later. I have been learning to navigate the world with out the two most important guiding lights. I am 64 years old, but still feel like I need advice and counsel from my parents. I still talk out loud (and in my head) to them on occasion. I have stumbled here and there, but for the most part, I think I am doing OK. Some days, I still feel like it is all surreal. Other days, I reach for the phone to call them. Still other days, I just mourn. I am grateful for many things. 1. They went together, never had to be apart but 48 hours. No one ever had to go to a nursing home. 2. They dodged all the Covid issues. 3. They had all their affairs in order. 4. They loved us, and we loved them.

The Covid pandemic has been the most impactful. I did manage to keep my job, and I get to work form home more. I just feel bad for all of the negative om[act for so many.

I went on a road trip with a friend in early March, right before the pandemic closed everything down. It created an incredible amount of joy, both from spending time with this friend and from traveling (although it wasn’t a far trip - just a few hours away). I am so grateful that I got to have this experience. It has led to an ongoing sharing of adventures, even during this pandemic time, when we have safely visited botanic gardens together.

It's tough to think about things that aren't the pandemic. COVID is very real and yet still, six months in, I remind myself almost every day that: "This is really happening" The moments that feel normal are so, so sweet. I'm hoping to carry that sweetness into this New Year.

Starting a new job, six weeks before the pandemic. I am grateful for the work, I am also exhausted. But I also learned quickly that work is not everything, that I am more than my to do list, and that boundaries are important.

I became pregnant and received a surgical abortion during COVID. It was a deeply trying emotional and physical experience that will stay with me. I experienced sadness, shame, guilt and grief from the intensity of decisions, as well as relief and calm from having people in my life who supported me and access to safe choices in my country.

During this past year having experienced the loneliness of lockdown and dealing with this on my own I finally came to terms with being alone. It affected me mentally very deeply initially, I'm grateful that I leaned from it, and I'm inspired to go on with life

Signifiant... possibly being aware of how many times Gd has answered my prayers. Really.

My younger brother died only a little over a week ago. I am grateful for his life and relieved that he will no longer suffer, but I am going to miss him and feel profound loss. I worry about his widow and hope that our family can maintain our relationship with her; she and my brother married when they were 19, and she is like a sister.

Several come to mine. Getting promoted is top of mind because of how long in the making it was and how much I anticipated it. I was relieved, grateful, proud, and excited, among other feelings.

The COVID virus. I enjoyed the challenge at work where we were initially limited in operating hours. I was relieved I was able to work. I was and still am sad that I have chosen to give up public transportation. I miss my Seattle routine, the people and the environ. It is a loss of my social life, limited as it was

President Donald J Trump's horrendous mismanagement of the COVID-19 pandemic. His deliberate lies and abdication of responsibility are unconscionable. And yet, 40% of the nation would jump off a cliff if he told them to. He's encouraging actions that will kill those who follow them. I'm distraught and seriously afraid of a repeat of 2016's Russian interference will yield the same results.

I mean... the Covid crisis has been pretty significant. We locked down in early March, still optimistic that we might be able to attend concerts and take trips planned for later in the year. Oh shit and my fucking mom died. I can't believe that wasn't the first thing on my mind. Mom died in April. It's been... the same. Since she lived far away and we barely spoke or saw each other. I feel like I haven't had the opportunity to grieve or process that. The biggest regret of my life is not going down to see her before she died. At least I hope that will be my life's biggest regret. The alternative is that I fuck up even worse at some point in the future from here.

Junie, our dog, entered our lives. It's a change in focus, resources, and time.

My youngest child left for college, I feel a mix of emotions, sadness, pride and some enjoyment of more time alone with my husband.

I moved out of a toxic unhealthy union. It’s been both wonderful and heartbreaking but more wonderful than bad. It was a long time coming and finally the pieces fell into place and now I’m here. Relieved, inspired and grateful for the new opportunity to work on myself, and leave the past behind. Miss my kid more than anything yet so relieved he’s not going to see any more of that toxicity anymore

Planning to pursue a vascular surgery fellowship. 2 more years of training. Excited

Shelter in Place -- everyone is going to have this as an answer. But it wasn't until about a month in, when I realized that I wasn't being hit as hard as some of my friends. They were really struggling with the isolation. Me? Not so much. That's when I realized that I'd really been Sheltering in Place since I got laid of in 2017. Life was really no different, except now I didn't go out at ALL instead of going out occasionally. THAT'S when it really started to hurt.

Earlier this year my wife and I purchased a house about an hour just outside on Minneapolis, we completed out move just weeks before the riots broke out in the down town area.. We are so thankful to Hashem for leading us out of the danger ahead of time. And for blessing us with a house in a safe town that we can grow into, and start a family soon.

Dad was rapidly deteriorating since January this year. I was grateful that my daughter and her children came to visit us from overseas for 2 weeks so that she could see her grandfather a last time and dad could also see the great grandkids even though he forgot it 5 minutes later I took some family photos which in years to come will serve as a special moment, little did I know covid19 was just around the corner.

My parents moved beginning of March. At first I was happy. I knew it was going to be different but they don’t act right. We don’t really talk often. I wish things would be better and they would respect me more. I’m trying to learn how to forgive them for their stupidity and favoritism of my brother and me. Things will get a bit better by next year hopefully. Oh I have to believe it!!!

I went through a major depressive episode. Although scary I got the right help and adjusted my meds and am doing a lot better.

I had another bout of deep depression. It's been brewing for some time and, on reflection, it probably started last year around October. My productivity at work really suffered but this just made things worse: I didn't realize at the time that the lack of productivity was probably a symptom. I started the year on a low ebb with a few days of flu at the end of the Christmas holidays. Then, in February, I got weirdly emotional at work and found myself crying at my desk, in what felt like mental pain and anguish. It was quite scary. One morning I woke up and just didn't feel like going to work. I knew I could probably go through the motions, get up and dressed, drive to work; but I wouldn't really be there. So I took a couple of mental health days to recover, which I felt guilty about, as if I was skiving off - even though I knew I really needed it. I also started seeing a counsellor for the first time since the end of my graduate study, which also ended and was caused by depression. I think in some ways this is my mind and body telling me that I need to make a serious change in my life and find a new job. I returned to work, intimidated by the prospect of the company ski trip a few days later. I didn't really want to go. But I did go, and ended up having a nice time. I loved the skiing and I also found nice little group of colleagues who weren't into the heavy drinking and partying but instead liked to play board games and especially Hanabi. At the time I dismissed all the scare stories about COVID-19 as an exaggeration. I read an article in “Psychology Today” that reflected my views. But a week later we were sent home from work indefinitely in pre-lockdown. I had about 10 days of that until the end of March. We were on the cusp of a DEC emergency appeal launch. The company announced in a team meeting that some people were being furloughed, much to my surprise. And then, after the meeting, I was told that I was going to be one of those people: they were just unable to tell me before the meeting. I was completely blindsided. I was very cross about it at first. It took me a couple of days to come to terms with it. Then I realized it was actually a blessing: what I'd been wishing for for a few years: a break from work, a sabbatical, to collect myself, get some stuff done around the house, some life admin. I had three months of it and I didn't want it to end. It was like early retirement. As a result, I've actually had quite a pleasant experience during lockdown so far. I've had time and space to breathe, slow down. I still feel resentful about it at times and I don't think I'll ever be able to forgive my employer for treating me like I'm expendable. But there's another part of me that really appreciates this act of mercy. I'm sure they could see I needed it and would benefit from it. So, very mixed emotions. In some ways, I'm still processing it - as I'm sure will become apart over the next few answers.

Found out my boss was planning on firing me. I left the company and found a new job that I love. Very grateful!

I am truly grateful for my family, my financial stability and my introversion to keep me sane through working from home and social distancing

Recently, I received a possible auto-immune disorder diagnosis. It has made me feel really scared, worried about the future, and concerned how it will affect my life choices and possibilities. It is also a bit of a reckoning in that I've never had a condition that isn't immediately treatable and controllable. It makes we feel my own mortality in a very real way. It makes me think about how I want to live. So far, I've landed on healthier in terms of diet and exercise, and doing what I need to do for emotional and spiritual healing. In a way, feeling like I need to make a lifestyle change feels inspiring, even though the cause is negative. I think it makes me realize that I'm interested in a big change to my lifestyle, and one that forces me to be more principled and thoughtful. At the same time, it makes me feel like I am not in control, and reminds me that we need to move towards less control and more acceptance to reach peace in our bodies and minds.

The effects of the corona virus have changed a lot this year. I was unemployed for a while, there have been crazy strict guidelines, but also from this chaos we are able to meet via ZOOM for services with members from all over from young to old.

Uh? Covid? But I will say is my marriage took a really intense turn. My husband fell into a deep, deep depression. We had just come back from Brazil, I got laid off March 4, upon walking in, then we all jumped into quarantine on March 19/20. He questioned nearly everything in our relationship, his life purpose, his happiness. He was gone. I went to my dad's house for two weeks with Paloma. He was lamenting a lot in his life, his father, his purpose. I felt like I went through a breakup. and I was mad. I was working to pay all our bills, taking care of our kid (because emotionally he could barely even), holding myself emotionally. And I was mad. I felt disappointed like I didn't have a partner. Its ind of affects us now because I do feel resentful. Depression isn't a joke, it's not fair, and I've felt depressed too. But I just thought it would be different. Like when shit hits the fan, it's us and us. But when shit hit the fan, so did he. So I tried to learn to love myself more. And not be dependent on just his love. And feel solid in who I am. I am a fucking queen. I deserve to be loved and appreciated. I did, however, listen to him and listen to where and how I can do better to support him and am actively doing that.

We joined a new church after a six month search. My wife and I are not always on the same page when it comes to our faith. This is a compromise decision. Right I am relieved. But I cannot say inspired.

I confronted my two new co-workers after they insulted me unknowingly. I went home and cried for the first time. It felt awful. I was afraid I would cry when I talked to them or be rude but I asked G*d to give me the right time to have the conversation and when it came I was able to articulate a well thought and nonthreatening confrontation without crying. It was a wonderful experience. It was empowering. I felt very at peace about everything afterwards. I know that if I'm put in that position again I can have the same result. I don't need to be afraid.

My husband was offered an operating partnership with a franchisee that relocated us from Ohio to Florida. Never in a million years did I think I'd end up here of all places. I am grateful for the opportunity this gives us and terrified by the uncertainty. I'm also proud of my husband for taking the leap of faith. Personally I was ready for a change of scenery. That was the longest I'd lived in any state since I was a kid. But I'd never thought I'd end up in Ohio either. Happy to be back on the east coast.

This year, I cultivated deeper and more vulnerable friendships. I feel closer to the people that I feel close to, and I feel like they know a deeper version of me. Part of learning to live with my anxiety (especially these days) is being open and honest about what I’m struggling with and where I’m thriving. This year I really solidified having a strong support system that I didn’t hide from.

I’d venture to guess that the most significant event of everyone’s life this past year was the COVID-19. Lives lost, the initial panic, lockdown, politicization of a disease and the increasing rupture of the society along left/right lines, and we’re still only in the early stages of the pandemic. COVID-19 has made our world smaller. Most of our days are spent in and around our house. We’ve altered our routine, shopping every two weeks instead of every Thursday. Although we’ve cheated a few times, for the most part we no longer get together with friends, play cards at the Clubhouse (it’s closed) or volunteer at a nearby elementary school (distance learning). Jackie can no longer fully enjoy art lessons, the art club or other activities that go along with being retired.For my wife and me, this has been a monumental inconvenience. Sadly, for others this is an existential crisis, whether they catch the virus or not. I’m taking this Rosh Oshana seriously-evaluating the way I’ve lived life and thinking about the path forward. So yeah, I’m inspired to live a better life in line with the richness I’ve been provided. This year I will do better. I know it.

I moved out of the house I have lived in for 35 years. Last year I anticipated doing this in about 2 years but I found a wonderful apartment community not too far from mybuoyse and it was too good to pass up. I was saddened by the thought of leaving NY permanently. I still have many friends and connections here. So I started cleaning out my house and began to pack. It was a massive job so I hired movers to help me pack (a big mistake) and moved last week. All this happened in about 2 months but the new place is starting to feel like home.

I got off my anti-depressant, just stopped taking it in exactly the way they say you should not stop taking it. And it definitely made me feel like shit for a while. There was an exultant feeling to it, that these things that were a drag to take because of the daily gulping them down, as well as some pretty strong side effects, and which didn't seem to be helping much at all, that I was casting those things aside. That I was opting out of the weird economy of mental health, the capitalism colonizing your brain quality. I know they help a lot of people and I don't judge them for taking them. But when I came out of the bad side effects, when I stopped having adverse affects from not taking them, I felt basically the same as when I was taking them. So it was nice not to take them and to stare at the challenges that I still was either not up to or was pushing up against but not strongly enough, and then to say, well do I want to try to do this thing again now, not on AD, and prove to myself that I can do them without the drugs? And that answer is still pending. My writing has been going ok but with real fits and starts. But actually better now than when I was on AD and I just wasn't writing at all and I only vaguely cared. Now I care a lot, and it gives me a certain amount of anxiety and stress. But when it goes well and I do it it's the best feeling. And I wasn't even trying before.

I visited my mom in Florida last November. It was the first time I had been back to the United States since moving to Europe 7 years ago. My mom was very very sick, having been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, and her medicine made her crazy. Her husband of 30 years had died recently too. His death was expected, but still, a blow. It was pretty awful, looking back. I hate Florida. My mom was feeling shitty and acting shitty. My adolescent years were pretty bad, and I very nearly cut her out of my life as soon as I was able. She worked hard to win me over, but in Florida, sick, grieving, she was back to her old ways: gaslighting, critical, patronizing, demanding, yelling even. I still have not resolved how to be there for my ailing mother when she treats me like shit. I have barely talked to her since my visit, nearly a year ago.

Holy shit! Where do I begin? For the first time EVER, I had multiple trips planned - all between March and June. The first was a Spring break trip with my sister to Sedona. Much needed R&R, spiritual renewal, healing hikes. Cancelled. Next came Bryan's graduation from college and the launch party for his podcast. Such an exciting time! Could not wait to celebrate with him in one of our favorite cities - Portland. Cancelled. A visit to Florida to see my father-in-law who is sinking into the shadows of dementia. Cancelled. Finally, a trip to Spain to visit good friends who moved there in November. We couldn't wait to see their new city and explore other cities on our own. Especially nice was using the flight voucher I'd earned from giving up my seat last Summer! Cancelled. So, boo hoo hoo. Disappointments, but it is the relentless bad news, frightening direction of our country, rise of white nationalism, lying, corrupt, immoral national leadership, assaults on our environment. I feel about 50 years older than I did a year ago. Starting my final year of work before retirement with such uncertainty, and with schools in such disarray. I feel totally adrift.

I think it's impossible to write about the past year without noting the pandemic that clouds everything. I have gone through phases - horror, at first, and now a kind of sanguine acceptance. If this is my life, then I still plan to be productive and happy. I'm grateful my friends and family have (mostly) stayed healthy, and that we're in an economic position to weather this storm. I'm grateful that I enjoy Don's company, and that we have a pleasant life together in our beautiful house with an outdoor deck in a lovely tree-lined neighborhood. More than anything, I'm relieved we found a way to safely travel to see our kids. If we can do that, then I can wait this out!

Man, this has been a year of making due in weird ways, with so much unexpected. We've gotten so much better at not making plans (for better or worse). I think the thing I'm holding on to this year was a wonderful vacation where we "rebubbled" with family for a few weeks during the summer. It was a huge relief to have people outside our house we could be with. It felt the closest to normal we'd been in months. We got a little mental room to stretch, and not feel pulled in 85 directions at once. It is good to hold on to that moment. I was grateful for it, and I am a little resentful that was should be honestly fairly accessible feels impossible.

The pandemic should have impacted me more than it did. That was my standout feeling about the year, that I was strangely removed from the chaos, or better prepared, or just so fucking lucky that everything aligned so it wouldn't hit me quite so hard. But losing the ability to travel and James' major contribution to our equilibrium was tough - I was less patient with him than I should have been considering our relative losses.

There was a trifecta of experience - my best friend's Stage IV cancer diagnosis, preparing to resign from my full-time job, and learning we were pregnant... all within 60 days. My priorities became very clear - be present for my loved ones, honor myself, and speak up and stand up for what I believe in. I feel relieved and grateful. Every day is an opportunity to trust that the world is conspiring in my favor and to surrender to forces I cannot see. It is incredibly humbling.

Brussels, Frankfurt. Spending Christmas in Brussels with Marta. It wasn't perfect, but it felt like a moment where we were forging our path, our traditions and what our future will look like. It can be difficult as a queer couple, who aren't planning to have children, to find your need for space together, or traditions with just the two of you, taken seriously in the larger family sphere. A lot of cos het family members seem to only feel that a couple is a separate family unit once they have children, and then it is understandable for them to celebrate alone, or want to have their own separate traditions. So it's complicated with family for that time to be seen as valid. Also with my brother and younger sister, Christmas would just be a drama, an expensive one that took a full day of travel to get to, then a day of rest needed after traveling down, and the same on the way back, for family that tend to complicate things and also make me feel rubbish, ignore me and never ask me or Marta questions. Spending Christmas with Marta in Brussels was something so different, some grumpiness due to tiredness but otherwise it was sweet, and so cosy in our little apartment we rented, with walks out into the city to explore, and meringues to eat!

I can't immediately think of anything. This last year has felt like just one day after another, plodding forward just trying to get to the next But I guess, despite it not being finished yet, and won't be til we move and all, getting this damned house sold and buying our own still counts! That has been pretty big even though it just increased all the hassle and stress with people not doing their jobs. I should be able to write that we've moved. Maybe next year

Two of my three children got married within a week of each other in December. One of the weddings was a long time in the planning, although the date wasn't set until mid-November. Last year, Sara and Cass held two wedding receptions--one in Australia for Cass's family and friends, and one here for Sara's. They were beautiful, exciting, and very happy occasions, except for the actual getting-married part, which couldn't happen until Cass got her fiancé visa from the U.S. government. Once that arrived, she prepared to move across an ocean and she and Sara set the date for their backyard wedding--December 13, 2019. Our oldest, Teddy, and his girlfriend of over 10 years, had long talked about getting married, but seemed in no hurry to do it. Then, at Thanksgiving dinner, they announced they would be getting married in an intimate ceremony on December 21, 2019. What? No big family-friend celebration? No months of excited planning? No reception? No time to have family come out to be here for it, 4 days before Christmas?!? I was beyond thrilled that they would finally be doing this, but needless to say, I was very disappointed about the absence of all the celebration. However, they made it very clear that this is exactly what they both wanted, and they had intentionally waited until the last minute to make their announcement to guarantee a low-key affair. So we got busy with anticipation of these two great events in the life of our family. Sara and Cass's backyard wedding could not have been more beautiful or moving. Cass's parents were able to be here, our dearest friend Sara (for whom Sara is named) was here, Elwood presided, and Amaris made the patio look like an enchanted fairyland. After that, the anticipation started to build for Teddy and Sarah's nuptials a week later. Penny was able to be here, and we had a really nice evening the night before at our house. The wedding ceremony was at Sarah's grandmother's home in Pasadena, followed by a luncheon reception at an Italian restaurant. Penny and Rosa (Sarah's grandmother) were the witnesses, and it was truly wonderful. I don't think I'll ever forget the love and commitment Sarah expressed to Teddy during the ceremony, and Teddy's devotion to Sarah was etched in his tenderness toward her. To say I was moved by these two events is a gross understatement. It took a long time for me to get over the feeling that I had just been in some altered space in which time both sped up and stopped simultaneously. I still wish the two weddings could have been separated by more than a week, particularly in December when life is so hectic anyway. I wanted to revel in the celebrations, and not let fatigue or other concerns and obligations interfere with taking it all in. But at the end of the day, I have to acknowledge that both of my children chose their own unique ways to launch into their future, and that is part of what made the events so unique and special for me. I am so grateful that Sara and Teddy have found partners who love them deeply and support them unreservedly. And I am inspired by their willingness, no, their determination to forge their own paths together with their partners.

Moved to Green Bay, I'm with people, so very grateful, and inspired as to what is to come.

The most significant thing to happen in the last 12 months is Covid- being sent home on March 11, 2019. At the time, it felt like a snow day. Or maybe an extended Spring Break. We were supposed to go to St Lucia for spring break, so I guess it didn’t feel like Spring Break, exactly. In fact, it’s been a bit like moving through a dense fog. I keep feeling my way through the haze to make life seem a semblance of ‘normal’. I started planting things, wildly trying to make life when so much life was being lost around us. It kept us busy for months, as panic rose and fell about whether I’d stay employed, and what a life in the arts looks like when an audience r has to be kept at a distance. So far, we’ve been healthy. We’ve watched protests visit our streets. We’ve watched the world set itself on fire. We’ve stopped washing things down like they were bathed foreign germs. We’ve exercised, gone for daily swims, had cocktails with the neighbors. Work has resumed in the apocalypse. I’m grateful for the health of everyone I love. I’m relieved we’re still employed. I resent losing the veiled sense of security that normally exists; it’s less easy to deny life is fragile these days.

Covid-19, Lost my job at Forward, I fear Donald trump will be re-elected. I feel like the trauma has me in a mental health crisis. I have been steadily meditating and fasting and feel that I am drinking too much.

I began to connect by phone or FT with my 98 year-old mother almost every day. Before the pandemic I went to see her often and since I'm unable to do that now I have chosen to talk to her much more frequently. It has enriched my life, and hers too. I feel grateful to have stumbled into this new practice.

Not too much happened. Oh, my first child was born; big deal I guess. It has affected me profoundly - it has helped me understand entire new dimensions within myself capable of loving and producing love. He has been a constant source of pride and joy, even when all he could do was eat, sleep, poop, pee, and cry. Now that he's actually developing the seeds of personality he is becoming even more of a joy. Additionally, he gives me a permanent reason to look forward to tomorrow, both the literal tomorrow and the greater tomorrow. He is truly the greatest gift I have received in my adult life and I am eager to see how he and fatherhood shape me going forward.

Mom died. I’m still learning how it affected me. It is still unfolding and I’m still not sure if I’m grateful to have been there. It felt like a mission but now I’m Wondering how good it was to carry it mostly by myself. It was hugely painful.

After two years the police are finally charging my ex with theft of property. I am mixed in my emotions. grateful for their hard work, resentful for her deceit, relieved that finally, I can get on with my life. I also completed the shop renovation which was a great outcome. working on this project with Adam was an awesome exercise and has inspired me to do more building work.

A good friend of mine moved away last month. She was the only friend I've seen during quarantine. It was rough to watch her go but I am grateful for our friendship. I know her leaving doesn't mean our friendship is over. We've FaceTImed a few times and I'm sure that will continue in the future. She's actually inspired me to think about my own life and what I want to do in the future, post-COVID-19.

I serve on the board of a perennial convention. Because of COVID-19, we had to postpone it. This was a wrenching decision in many ways, despite the fact that it could be argued it wasn't truly a decision at all. There was no way the convention could have been carried out legally, safely, morally, ethically. And yet, the convention is the centerpiece of the year for many people, not just those of us who run it. Everyone knew it had to happen, and inevitability made it no easier to do.

Aside from the great COVID pandemic which I would rather forget the big experience this year is selling the house I have lived in for the past nearly 33 years. It's where my three children grew up and where I spent most of the 42 years I had with my husband who passed away two years ago. This event is welcome, exhausting, sad, emotional, exciting and frightening. What happens now?

The days are good, but similar. No big trips (but occasional small ones); no personal breakthroughs (though some progress in areas I'm always working on); no new friends...but the loss of a couple, particularly J. How could this man, barely older than us, who we known since 1970 and 1974, respectively, be gone? It made me sad. It is something I think about every day, in some way or another: the loss of him; his wife/my friend; his children. How will S go on, what will she do? The loss of another friend, not as close, and quite a bit older, reflects another aspect of this fact of life. This is more significant than COVID. J would have died with or without COVID (which was not related to his death). COVID is just a complicating factor.

Obviously the most significant experience of this past year has been the global pandemic and the quarantine that began on March 13th. As I write this on September 18th, we have been inside our homes for six months and there does not appear to be an end in sight. The experience of sheltering at home has been a mixed bag, which I am sure is true for almost everyone. I'm grateful to have the time with my children and husband and to be a part of each other's day-to-day much more than we are in normal times. I'm relieved not to have to battle Los Angeles traffic, and honestly it's been kind of nice to have a break from what had been a fairly vibrant social life. I'm resentful of anyone who does not follow the most basic rules of the quarantine and instead insist on exercising their "freedom" or simply consider themselves exempt or somehow immune to the limitations that are the only clear path to ending the quarantine for everyone. I'm inspired every day by my kids, who have been such good sports about all of this. And I'm inspired by the government leaders who have been trying to protect our democracy from the idiot gangsters in the White House who seem perfectly happy to sit and watch Americans die.

I discovered and understood how to stop judging people & places & things. It has been the most liberating experience of my life. I feel lighter and looser and more loving & trusting than ever before. I still have likes and dislikes, but that is NOT The same as judging.

My dad died, and while it wasn't covid, it certainly affected how all that went down. In some ways it was a relief, as he'd been in decline for some time, but it was also a reminder of just how bad we all are at emotional anything.

I had a baby. It was wild, or has been wild. I'm grateful for all the support I've received and for the health of my child. I'm relieved to no longer be pregnant. I'm resentful, or at least grieving, the loss of my pre-parenthood life. And I'm inspired - inspired to see my baby learning am everything for the first time, inspired by my spouse transforming into an amazing parent in front of my eyes, inspired by my baby to be a better person and the best parent I can be.

So many things have happened this past year, perhaps the most personally significant is my son’s wedding. For so long, we thought he was destined to go through life with fleeting relationships, his fear of commitment was so great. Now he has found someone we all love. I am grateful and relieved that he has someone to go through life with now.

Holy shit. How to even tackle this question? The world has been upended. Being quarantined in March was surreal, emotionally exhausting, and terrifying. Trying to move my courses online nearly paralyzed me, emotionally. Everywhere I looked, people were springing into action to come up with innovative new plans, and my response to them was to feel resentful. Frozen. Useless. Angry. I sat in my apartment, looking out at a world gone silent, and all I could think about was how it felt like the quiet after 9/11....only this time, it continued for months. It felt like the world would never (maybe will never?) be the same again. There was a moment where I started to fall into some toxic old emotional patterns, especially with J, but I was able to interrupt the pattern, communicate better, and give us some space. I think maybe all those years of singlehood gave me some perspective, and it feels good to be detaching and trying to make healthier, more conscious choices. I also discovered that I actually like working from home - that having a smaller world suits me pretty well. I like recording lectures and posting them and being able to let go and let students do some work for themselves - doing so actually helped me detach from their drama, and I was able to take on THREE quick writing projects in a row. I already have something small published, and now feel confident enough to tackle this book proposal. I miss traveling so much, I can't stand it. It took me years to find a good coping mechanism for the transition from spring to summer (all to nothing, insane to utter stillness, frantic to pausing), and not being able to do it this year was really, REALLY hard. Plans for Seattle, cancelled. Australia and New Zealand, cancelled. Even getting out of town and going to DC for a weekend was impossible, and losing the ability to gain that slight change in perspective by being somewhere new, letting go, and exploring, was devastating. I had hoped to travel to South Africa to celebrate my 50th, but now I feel like I will be happy to be able to travel at *all*. In June, the riots started and it felt like the country was going to burn to the ground. Curfews, tear gas, arrests and marches. Confederate monuments finally starting to be taken down (I never understood them - what kind of country memorializes the losing side? There were certainly no statues of Stalin when I lived in Russia, and I remember seeing the statues of Saddam Hussein being toppled in the Middle East.) My dad blocked me on social media because of my Black Lives Matter posts, and as much as I want to say it's his loss, it hurts that he couldn't just unfollow me so that we could at least share photos and messages that don't involve politics. So how did it affect me....I am wary of other people, angry at our government, scared of 4 more years of the lies, corruption, devastation to our environment, dismantling of our safety net, discrediting of science and systemic racism unchecked. And yet, emotionally, I'm also more peaceful and content, maybe because everything that's happened has made me realize what I do have, and what I need to let go of. I think I'm okay with keeping some of that.

I think the obvious answer here is COVID. I am resentful, tired, angry, scared. It's amazing how much this single event has shifted and refocused things. In particular, watching academic institutions utterly and completely fail at managing their response to the pandemic has made me want to do something else with my life after 14 years of somewhat blindly following a proscribed path. I suppose there is space to be grateful for my shifting perspective, but it comes at too high a cost.

The COVID-19 pandemic cause the library I work at to shut down. I basically got 2 months of paid time off. I did a lot around my house. It made me realize that as much as I love vacations, having a few days where I don't have to interact with anyone is great. I took another staycation and made sure I had one day where I turned if social media and didn't answer my phone. I would like to start doing this a few times a year.

There are so many things happened... In the summary of all these things what will happen or to be more precise what is likely going to fail... I started to tell people about my dream to bike from Scotland to Baku. The trip would have to start late April or early May and end by the end of November. With all COVIT situation I might not be able to start on time. All I can do is to try to keep myself in shape so it would be possible if things change for better. Prepare myself as if it is going to happen and if it does not, I will be able to have next year

My son became engaged. It brought all types of feelings to me. Sadness that I now have to share my son with another woman, anticipation that a wedding is in the future, happiness that my son is so happy and inspired that he now has so much to look forward to.

I quit my job of 4 years this past year. It turned my world upside down. On one hand, I really needed it because I felt miserable and constantly drained of energy. On the other hand I didn’t have a back up plan, which wasn’t smart. I went 7 months unemployed and that also took a lot out of my self esteem. I ended up in a situation in which I’m not so happy with, even though I thought it was a good one. It just goes to show you can’t really know what you’re getting yourself into, until it’s too late. When I quit, I was relieved. When I was unemployed I was stressed. Now that I’m employed somewhere else, I wonder if I made the right choice. I guess I’ll find out this year.

COVID-19 has changed my life significantly. I've been sheltering in place for 6.5 months. I've become like a hermit and I need to make an effort to have contact with friends and family. I'm looking forward to when it's safe to be out and about again.

I was biking to work on the morning that I’d just found out that Mike had died. I was feeling weird. It started to rain. It really threw it down and I remember feeling so grateful to be able to experience the feeling of the rain hitting my skin. It was a surprisingly joyous experience. It was inspiring.

The COVID-19 upheaval affected us all. It has improved, in many way, the overall quality of my life. My relationship with my daughter is the best its been, I'm down to dating one woman (by choice). Even there COVID-19 helped the relationship flourish and be protect in ways that I couldn't have imagined. Further, I was lucky that the COVID-19 upheaval, not only failed to interfere with my work, it has made our work more valuable and more prominent. The social unrest in 2020 has resulted in a targeted effort to improve lives within my direct demographic so the even the social change has been favorable. I am thankful to be in the position that I am and I am striving to make the most with what I have been given.

Gumby passed away on the morning of June 8th, 2020. Her medications were working, but her pain had reached a point where we could no longer adequately control it. We chose to put her to sleep on Thursday evening, and it was done that Monday morning. Jay and I were both there, and it was peaceful and the right choice for her. It was also the hardest thing I've ever done. I'm still grieving. We moved to Victoria the next month, and being in a new place has helped, but I'm still crying frequently and feeling sad for at least part of each day. I tried to just not think about her for a while, and that did feel easier, but now I'm back in therapy and am grieving again. In my first session I just wept for an hour. A large part of me doesn't want this to get any easier, that it would mean forgetting her. I don't want to forget any part of her - but I am, and I feel guilty for it, and I grieve the loss of those memories alongside the actual loss of her. I miss the work and the obligation, the time I had to focus on her and her needs. I miss our time together, wherever we were and whatever else was happening, she was always my happy place. Now I feel that I don't have one. The release from the work and the worry also feels like a relief, and one I feel guilty about. I want to try to replace her, but know she is irreplaceable. I am alone and adrift.

My employer hired a new manager for my department. This person had no experience in the industry and no manager experience. And this person was far from collaborative, making stupid decisions, making sure everyone knew of their power, and taking credit when they should have been giving it. After trying hard to help this person and training new employees I had enough. I had the most experience and was the only one with certification. But it seemed the new boss would always do the opposite of what I recommended. With no employment plan in place, and during a pandemic where unemployment was rather high, I turned in 2 weeks notice and was immediately shown the door. My wife and I have now moved to be near our daughter and grandkids. Our previous house is sold and is to close within a week. We will now be debt free. I make a third of what I was making, but our housing costs are much less and we have time with grandkids several days each week. What a joy! Life is too short to spend 60 hours a week working for a bully. We live a simple life now and are near family. My work now is much less stressful and my boss is respectful and very knowledgeable and experienced. And I work 4 10-hour days a week instead of 6 10-hour days. I have 3-day weekends every week! I am so glad for these changes!

HAVING MY BABY!! I am so grateful for this adorable little boy and the easy delivery and wonderful experience at the hospital.

Two very significant things have happened to my life in the last 14 + months. July of 2019 as I held his hand and recited Sh'ma for him the love of my life took his last breath in this world. On the flip side, on 29 August of this year my son and daughter by love brought a new grandson into my world.

I chose to convert to Judaism. Technically, I made teh decision on Yom Kippur of 5780, but I didn't formally correspond with a rabbi until January of 2020, so I have two New Years that I can mark in my Jewish life, the one on which I made the decision internally and the one on which I made my intentions known to others. I'm very grateful to be in a place in my life where I feel grounded enough to change something so fundamental to who I am. It was good timing too, because everything else about me changed as I moved through the process: I started using different pronouns, I "put myself out there" as a queer person on the dating scene, and I lost my job because of the pandemic, which forced me to pivot and rethink my future. Converting has also inspired me to be the sort of seeker I never could be in my former tradition: I feel empowered to read everything I can on the nature of divinity and its interactions with humanity, and the discussions (and even arguments!) that I've gotten into with others have been incredibly fulfilling, but importantly, I finally feel like I have permission to do all of those things in the first place.

I’ve been living through a pandemic. It is continuing to affect me profoundly. I’ve never experienced this range of emotion. Never been so shook about how the world can turn and how nothing can truly be expected. I am grateful for some of what I’ve learned, calling into question what really matters and what “purpose” really means. And I think I’ve created some good art in the form of song because of it. But I’m also bitter about what has been stolen, how much progress has been stalled. I feel so much despair.

One significant experience I've had in the past year is traveling to Ghana on my own for a week to stay with 3 different people who I did not know throughout my stay. My first international experience was going to South Africa, but when I first went, I was with a study abroad program so I had a built in support system and mechanism to make friends. When I went back, I didn't necessarily have a support system, but was familiar with the country and the language enough to be able to confidently get by on my own and make new friends. Going to Ghana, however, was something I had to step outside my comfort zone to do. I originally wanted to go with friends, but I really had to make the decision to just go for it on my own, which people like Eli from Princeton in Africa encouraged me to do. I first stayed in an AirBnb I found but was guided by Prince, who Akilah Edgerton generously connected me with. He was so welcoming and I was lucky to be greeted by him as soon as I landed in Accra. He helped me to exchange money, get to my AirBnb, and took me around to restaurants, the beach, the market, and the Kwame Nkrumah museum. I also went to the W.E.B. DuBois Memorial where DuBois was buried. After that, I went on to spend the night with Candace, Kyle's cousin who he connected me with when he realized he would not be able to travel to Ghana with me. Kyle barely even knew me, so I felt blessed that he would even connect me with his family members without knowing me too well. Staying with Candace and Jasmine was a lot of fun and added a lot to my experience. We had a slumber party (watched a movie), went to the market and they showed me how they cooked soup and Fufu. After that, I went on to stay with Fred and his family, which was also awesome. We stayed at his house which was very nice, and I got to have my own room. We chilled one night at his friend's house, then we got to travel to see the slave castles and even do a canopy walk at a national forest. I got to visit his fiance's mom and get my hair done before I went to the airport. Even got to have some red-red as requested before I left. They treated me so kindly and expected nothing in return. I am super grateful to have had this experience, and it reminds me of a few things. One: It's worth pushing myself to do things that seem uncomfortable or unattainable. Two: It's okay to ask people for help. The worst thing they can say is no, but it can also open up endless possibilities. Three: People still sometimes do things out of the kindness of their heart, and it's okay to accept that kind of love and to not feel guilty about it. I feel so blessed to have had that experience visiting Ghana and I definitely want to explore more of Western Africa. I have also made connections with people that I will never forget.

We got a dog! In April we welcomed Toby into our family; a little Australian Silky Terrier who has been affectionately dubbed "muppet puppy". He's about 3.5, an adorable little mop of fluffiness and licks. He is 100% NOT the kind of dog I ever expected to adopt, and yet he is the perfect dog, MY dog. I knew that I would love having a dog, that I would love any dog we got, but I am continually blown away by how MUCH I love this dog. Even when he's driving me crazy, even when he's barking during work calls, even when he's pooping downstairs...I love him so much. I love the way that he snuggles up with me, I love the way he follows me from room to room, I love his enthusiasm every time I get home...it really is a transformative experience to have the absolute unconditional love that a dog brings to his human. To know, finally, that I am another creature's favorite thing in the universe. Perhaps, if this sweet and hilarious and loving and clever creature loves me...perhaps I'm lovable after all?

I was furloughed from my job. It was March 27th and I stood silent the moment it was announced. I knew the writing was on the wall with an email sent hours earlier with the layoffs and furloughs in bold type and the conference call pushed back 90 minutes. But I came downstairs and my sister saw it in my eyes, it was bad news. After laughing about it, I began to cry. My mom and sister had to calm me down, I was so upset. I didn't tell my dad nor anyone else until the next day. I didn't return to work until 3 1/2 months later in July. It affected me by serving notice, even a job of six years can disappear in one month. Don't take anything in life for granted. An unexpected blessing, I was able to focus more on my writing.

I had my second baby, and am so happy to have given my daughter a sibling. I am utterly in love with my son and think he is wonderful. Unfortunately having a second child has made things difficult between me and my husband, as he was happy with one child. We decided to have another child because I was worried I would resent him forever otherwise. Sadly now I still resent him for often not, in my eyes, helping enough or spending enough time with the children. So I feel sad because of this. And sorry for my husband, because he can’t win.

Jon and I bought and moved into our first house! It has changed our spatial reality by enabling us both to choose where we spend our day, and how much of this time is spent separately, in proximity to one another, and intentionally together. It has also increased the amount of energy we both spend domestically, giving us a tangible and joint project (it feels like a new hobby we're both excited to invest in!). I feel grateful for the freedom it affords us physically (room to roam, room to safely entertain outdoors, room to study and work without stepping on one another's toes). I also feel overwhelmed, because I've never lived in a house and there is so much to learn and a lot of physical work to be done to maintain and improve both the yard and the interior.

How do I pick just one? Our world is in utter and complete turmoil. I am doing my best to foster a sense of normalcy for my self, family, and students but I am keenly aware that everything is decidedly not normal. I am furious that poor leadership has allowed racism to fester, climate change to advance unchecked, and a pandemic to spread exponentially. I have so much to be grateful for, yet there is so much work to do to make the world safe for humanity. Wildfires are burning throughout the west, making me question the habitability of home. How can we survive if the sun can't break through the smoke? There's nothing new about systemic racism. Yet the pandemic has revealed every fissure in society, highlighting the staggering ways that social, political, and economic inequality manifest with tragic consequences. How can I go on enjoying a comfortable existence when I know that it is predicated on injustice?

When the Covid 19 pandemic hit, I was unprepared to isolate myself for an unknown amount of time. But as time went on, I became accustomed to being by myself all of the time. I looked for things to keep me occupied and free from boredom. Aha! I began to curate all the photos that I had digitized in Forever. I sent off two more boxes to be converted. I attended Torah Study with my old California congregation and even served as Lay Cantor for Shabbat morning services from my home in South Carolina. I participated in Zoom gatherings with my Havurah in California. I attended Temple Solel's Zoom services every Friday night. I made a lot of new recipes, and ate them. So how do I feel about this interruption of my normal life? In some ways I am grateful because I have been able to connect with my California friends, study with my California Rabbi and move forward on a project that has been waiting for way too long. This time has been inspiring because I found ways to stay busy and connect that I didn't know existed. I do, however, resent that the POTUS didn't respond appropriately as soon as he learned of this potential pandemic. He laughed it off without regard for the health and safety of others. He, in fact, murdered over 200,000 Americans by ignoring the truth and pretending it didn't exist. It is on him that we have lost so much in the way of jobs, businesses, and people. I am resentful for his blatant disregard for anyone but himself. I will be relieved when we elect someone else to lead this country.

Of course, with Covid-19, being at home allowed me to be more introspective and reflecting than I usually am. I think the most significant experience I’ve had in the past year was actually learning who I am, and who I can be. I learned my purpose in life. Of course that may change over time, but to be able to finally know why you were put on this earth really makes me so grateful, and emotional.

Going through this pandemic: from getting it myself and living with residual affects now six months later, to having Annie with me as we maneuvered through the first weeks panicked about the lack of toilet paper, how long this crisis would last and eventually coming to terms with this vastly changed reality. Our relationship shifted, from Mom and adult daughter to a deeper understanding and acceptance of each other as individuals. I’m still the mom, though! Getting Covid was terrifying. I had gone out to the mall - about a week before everything shut down here - ironically to get new bras. I had lost weight and I realized that they were cutting into my upper abdomen. Little did I know that I would not be required to wear them much over the coming months. No one was at the mall; I planned to get there and leave quickly right before closing. No one was there....except for the woman I was ten to fifteen feet behind as I left the mall. Both walking briskly, I was silently congratulating myself on the job well and safely done when she abruptly turned to her right and dry coughed into the aisle without missing a beat. Yup, I walked right through it, but I honestly thought to myself, “Damn! I’m going to get the flu!” I wasn’t thinking about Covid being that widespread. Well, it was at the mall that night. Two days later I had the fever, dry cough, scratchy throat and he rest of the symptoms came over time. Ten days in, I lost my appetite (not like me to do that) and suddenly lost my sense of taste and smell. It was frightening because it was so early in the pandemic that it hadn’t been reported as a symptom yet. I remember thinking, “what the$%^& is going on?” because my nose was not stopped up or stuffy at all. Of course I didn’t mean standards for testing but it was a month of extreme fatigue, coughing, fever on and off, hideous sore throat at the end. My doctor’s office was very supportive, but no one knew much of anything and in some ways, we were learning from each other. I still am when I go to a new doctor. I’ve had on and off bronchitis ever since and recently had a doctor send me to the ER because of random low oxygen counts with high heart rate and breathlessness. They thought I had a clot of some sort. While a CT scan didn’t show anything, bloodwork showed a too high level of clotting factor. Now I’m having consults with pulmonologists and hematologists. For those of you who still don’t think Covid’s a big deal, reread above until you do. I’m grateful for the time that Covid unintentionally has bestowed on me. I’ve settled more into introspective thinking and gone deeper into my journey into Tibetan Buddhism. I’m getting to teach remotely from home; I’m relieved about that and actually enjoying it. I’m inspired by the Facebook group started in midMarch for ‘those who have or are believed to have/had Covid.’ A New Yorker started it to be a support of all of us who were sick and couldn’t really turn to doctors for the answers we needed to know. When I joined, there were perhaps 2500 people. Now there are over 28, 000 people who are sharing information and support. I am so grateful for the founder of this group and the way he has turned tragedy and fear into love, knowledge and support. So, l’shanah tova! May each of us enjoy a sweet New Year despite the pandemic. May we all grow forward in love, acceptance and an open heart.

How can I avoid discussing the coronavirus? It has created so many mixed emotions, all of which are mentioned in this question. Grateful? Yes, absolutely. I have a beautiful and comfortable home in a walkable city, and have the luxury of a successful business that is fulfilling (if stressful at times). Resentful? Absolutely. As friends become anti-maskers, and neighbors have DJ parties during a pandemic, I resent the extreme safety measures I'm taking to do my part during this crazy time. I'm frustrated and envious b/c I crave human interaction. And it's hard to question how I feel. Inspired? Sure. I have been inspired to take more action when I see injustice in the world. I've felt compelled to speak up when my friends are sliding down the slippery slope into science denial. I'm also inspired to move closer to my parents, which might be the most important pivotal change the pandemic has had on me. I'm glad I've still been keeping my gratitude journal. It has helped me immensely.

The Covid19 pandemic! In some ways I'm grateful as it has forced me to slow down and to re-evaluate and recognize what is important to me in life. I'm also hopeful that it has had this affect on enough people that many of our habits that have led to overconsumption of natural resources will change. And also I hope it has placed more value on relationships and health so that our priorities have shifted to what is really important. We've taken our eye off that ball for decades and become more productive-oriented and less quality oriented. I also think we're more tuned into all the inequities that exist in our world and I'm hopeful that enough people will stand up against that and build a more just future for all.

While the easy answer here would be getting COVID, the more honest answer is coming out of my postpartum depression. I am both grateful and relieved to be on more solid footing, and to have integrated my role as Mom into my larger identity so that I don't constantly feel like I'm picking between parts of myself. 2020 SUCKS but there have been some positives and that's where I'm working to focus.

This year in March, I was accepted as a rabbinical student at Hebrew Union College--Jewish Institute of Religion. The acceptance came as a double surprise to me. First of all, I felt entirely underqualified for admission. I had recently converted to Judaism, I had only just taught myself basic Hebrew to pass the entrance exam, and my interview felt more like an interrogation of my motivation instead of a friendly chat about my Jewish professional life and what I could bring to the institute. Second, I received the phone call during the first week that COVID-19 had hit New York and had spent that week quarantined in my apartment while the pandemic raged on outside. I wasn't expecting good news. How could any news be good in a period of such uncertainty and terror? And yet here it was: warm congratulations from Rabbi Andrew Goodman and acceptance into the school of my dreams. My hard work had been enough. My identity had not been questioned--or if it had, it had not been found wanting. Even with the rest of the world on pause, I was somehow moving forward into a new chapter of my life. And it's something I've cherished all these months I've been stuck inside. Even if the path feels obscured at present, the end road will lead to me becoming the leader and guide I was always meant to be.

Starting in March 2020, The Covid 19 Pandemic, shelter in place order. Social Distancing. Not too bad except I can't hug my friends. Many are more fearful. I have been healthy, trying to make the best of life's challenges. Fires in September, Bad air quality. Can't exercise in the hood. One more thing to keep us apart. What next? Grateful for my WRS gratitude group. Barbara, Claire, Susan G., Judy F., Lynn Roy and me. We started this group just before March lockdown. Texts almost every day. Good to have those that will see the bright side and those to share with when we don't feel so grateful. Looking forward to a new normal. Loving kindness

ha. Since this year is ground zero of the apocalypse that's a funny question. And a tough one to answer because most of the year has been kind of the same hampster wheel of life. The biggest thing is the covid pandemic and subsequent lockdowns and shut-down of most elements of our lives. I appreciate it for the time it's allowed us to just live together as a family without the usual grind of work and everything else. It's driven us (me) pretty crazy at times, but mostly it's been really great. I haven't stressed about money yet despite having almost no income and we're still moving along just fine. The best part is that my 3 year old is loving every minute of it, getting to spend 24 hours a day for months on end with her parents home.

COVID-19... switching to remote work, kids at home, wearing masks, social distancing.. I both felt blessed and challenged, fortunate and sad, and ultimately resilient... Hoping for a 5781 that is easier and sweeter!

I bought a house, was blinded by its beauty and ignored potential issues or problems. Now... I live in this beautiful house... but it's in a bad neighborhood (noise, speeding cars, gun crime in the park, trash dumped in the creek...). I didn't investigate that enough--nor would it have mattered if I had because I wanted the house. Already planning to sell... just hope I don't lose money when the next buyer is more savvy. The experience has made me somewhat anxious in the short term, but wiser.

So I finally retired. I tried it at age 61, found it unrewarding after 8 weeks, and fortunately found meaningful work as an adjunct professor for the next 14 years. I actually felt bad about myself and somewhat not guilty for not working ... for a few months. Then Covid hit. Yet - I am adjusting and enjoying having my own days!

Covid 19. We returned from a family holiday of a lifetime a week in (of 7) due to advice from the government. We had to do home quarantine as a family for two weeks. Surprisingly it was actually ok. I'm not someone who spends much time at home or with my family. Quarantine, lockdown, things being cancelled, changed that. It gave me time and space to be at home, to interact with my family, to experiment more in the kitchen....to stop and smell the roses. Certainly covid has brought uncertainty, inconvenience, fear, obsessional paranoia, social disconnection, awkwardness, economic uncertainty, lost opportunity, etc, but it has also brought love, kindness, time, space etc.

We traveled to Montana. Across country that was vastly different from our home. The differentiation of people and thoughts and ideas was startling. The escape from our bubble of safety was both nerve wracking as well as freeing. It left me resisting the ideas that I was presented and feeling even more right in my decisions, while at the same moment making me feel as if I wanted more contact between ideas. The terrains and vistas that I was exposed to were unexpected and startlingly beautiful. I was filled with gratitude for being able to visit such amazing sights.

Lockdown: it still seems a haze. It’s been an overall positive - time, focus on family. But I feel all the emotion about it has been buried by necessity of feeding the family etc. It has definitely made me grateful - for life, for home, for nature, for my garden. Most of all for my husband and children. I wonder if anyone has not written lockdown?

Covid-19 and the lock-down made me reassess my priorities and focus more seriously on my physical well-being and emotional health. I am grateful that I am able to manage financially, and that I have the resilience and self-esteem to cope with being so alone. I also really got that worrying about things I cannot change or influence is a waste of time and energy.

After years of struggling with my mental health and feeling like my work environment was the source of anxiety, despite changing jobs multiple times, I feel like I'm 'out of the woods'. I am in a new company, with a great culture, a manageable workload, where I am valued and my team looks after one another. These simple aspects have made the world of difference and I feel so happy, grateful, confident, but most importantly relieved. Relieved that my mental struggles were a product of my environment more than they were a product of me. I hope I can hold onto this feeling forever and never forget how dark life was so I can appreciate the light in my life.

The protests around Black Lives Matter have sparked something in me that was always there. A feeling about what is right and standing up for it. Until now, I have not felt like it was my place to push this message, to stand up for it. Previously, I have been more of a listener and learner, but I've turned a corner this year that has allowed me to not only use my voice in answer and when asked, but also empowered to push this message forward, amongst others. We cannot wait.

I think it's true for everyone, but the event that's top of mind is COVID. I've been working from home since March this year and I am exhausted always. It's been hard, but I also am so thankful that my job allows me the opportunity to do so. I also am currently in WA working from home and spending time with my parents which I'm so thankful for. UnCOVID related...I think I finally feel secure in my relationship with Greg. I don't think it has anything to do with a behavior of his, but I just think with time and my own growth it's been easier to trust that he loves me etc.

What hasn't happened this year has been more significant than what has happened. My work dried up. After the pandemic, clinics did not want us to visit. We had trouble finding clinics that wanted to start our program. I had started to get tired of traveling so much so, at first, I welcomed the slow down. But I quickly became bored. I decided to retire. My best friend said"Are you crazy? Wait until your work gets busy then retire." But I was going crazy looking for stuff to do. So I've been retired now for a week. I've been busy fixing up the house and catching up on doctors visits. And puppy sitting. But after that, I hope to find something worthwhile to sink my time into and still keep my family safe from COVID.

I GOT WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY! holy crap. I was reading last years answers where I was considering getting WLS and look back and can't believe I actually did it! I will be 3 months post op next week and down 50 pounds. I am so grateful to have this new opportunity for life. It has been hard but I am taking it one day at a time!

The pandemic & intensity of the political climate are hitting me very hard. It is easier to cope with pandemic than the politics. I hate Trump so much, & I'm full of suspense, scared, & excited about what might happen with the election & after. Things are also difficult because my roommate is a Trump supporter. There has been resilience with the pandemic. Zoom is great to stay connected, & I still have my boyfriend.

COVID made all my dreams come true. Apparently all I really needed to be happy was to be able to stay home all the time with my husband and dogs, my books and an occasional Zoom meetup.

No matter what else is going on in your life, I think this question is really difficult to answer with anything other than Covid-19. It's also kind of hard to think of a way that it hasn't affected life. While I didn't lose my job, we've definitely been slowed by it, and it's definitely affected many aspects of how I do my job. As much as anything else, I also really wanted to try and be a bit more outgoing this year, and to try to expand my social circle a little bit, Covid has made that extremely difficult. As to how it makes me feel, I would say that I feel optimistic and frustrated at the same time. I'm optimistic largely because of just how much progress has been made to help control it. This really shows the ingenuity and spirit of humanity along with the strength of our science. The fact that we are even able to discuss a potential vaccine for this virus within a year of it really starting to affect the world is amazing. I love that we are able to move this quickly. I'm also terribly frustrated by how many people mistrust or just don't understand science. It's very disheartening to me when I listen to people talk about some aspect of the virus and how they're afraid or uncertain about an aspect of it, when the answer to their issue is something that we should have learned in a middle school science class. But overall I'm still very optimistic that things will get better and be back to normal sooner rather than later. Since Covid is the obvious answer, I also want to stop and write about a smaller and more personal issue. Last week I had a meeting with my boss concerning a project we've been working on. I was irritated with some difficulties involving another person on our staff who was unable to find time to train on a new process that we are developing. When I talked to my boss he mentioned that sometimes the way I go about things can rub people the wrong way, and that I have a certain reputation at work - I can't really deny that, and I can't deny that it's largely my fault for actions in the past. This did leave me frustrated though. We're not a small company, and I'm at the point now where I don't really see what my next move within the company is. On top of that, if I have somewhat of a bad reputation with some people in the company anyway, I think it will be increasingly difficult for me to actually move up to a new role. I've been thinking about my future with this company for a while now, and quite frankly, if there isn't a big change for me within a fairly short time, I'm finding it harder and harder to believe that I will be there too much longer.

So many things. I will go with being promoted to a director role at work. It makes me feel like an imposter some days. But I'm super grateful for my job. It's overwhelming and tiring. And 2020 has been such a strange year. But I'm really proud to say that I've gone from an intern to a director in six years.

The victory by the "Eyes Wide Shut" crowd solidified a Hedgehog, Deterministic view of human nature and will force the destruction of Jews - because they are inherently dangerous.

Lost my new yoga teaching work to COVID. Had just opened my own studio and suddenly not allowed to have students! Deeply distressing. Spiralled into clinical depression with suicidal ideation. But only for a short time. I started making yoga videos. I started writing music for yoga and meditation. I made Hearthstone videos. I collaborated with friends to make guided meditation videos. I reinvented myself. I was almost disappointed when we came out of lockdown!

Converting to Judaism was, aside from getting married, the single most important and daunting event of my life. I am grateful and inspired to continue this journey of knowledge and spiritual growth. Especially since the pandemic, it has served as the foundation of my daily experience and life—

This past year I experienced COVID 19's impact on our world! Some changes as a result did make me more grateful for some things but I also felt a tremendous sense of loss-from my job and husband's job to not being able to socialize with friends to not being able to celebrate with family. Plus I feel so much disappointment in the government and starkly learned what a mess this country is in.

Besides the event that happened to the whole world this year, nothing really happened to me. I am categorized as an "essential employee". so I was fortunate enough to keep my job mostly normal. I still remember shelves empty, we had no bread, toilet paper, or tuna. We still have trouble getting the good hand sanitizer. What got me most, though, was even with signs explaining that some items had limits on them, the customers just ignored the signs.

My company was purchased by a large Japanese corporation. This was extremely positive for me as the current CIO had been implementing a transformation project that I did not agree with and was on the cusp of outsourcing my job to India. With the new regime this has all been shelved and I believe I will be secure until I am ready to retire, which I am hoping will be at the end of 2021.

My whole world flipped when we finally went into a quarantine state. Well, in that my husband no longer left the house, as he is a prime candidate to die from Covid. I not only was working still, full time, but taking classes, and also, now, running all the errands and anything that involved leaving the house. I never actually stopped working through it all, so I didn't that quarantine fugue that a lot of my peers did, just the Quarantine anxiety. I am grateful that this keeps him safe, but I miss the adventures we would go on just doing daily tasks. I resent the idiots around here, a red state, who don't believe the science. I am scared shitless that this is just one more nail in the coffin of this country. I am basically a ball of extreme anxiety that vacillates between white hot rage and a sobbing mess, daily. At least my husband is safe and I can vent to him and our home is a sanctuary, so there is that, I guess.

So many significant experiences this past year. One that lingers (though before September 2019): Scotland with Mom. It affected me prior to our going because of the level of stress: How would I afford it? How would we do together? Since then, compounded by Covid, is gratitude. Deep gratitude that we could go. And this past year it’s filled me with longing: to have allowed myself to be happier (for the special moment it was), to take Moms ways in stride and as her own unique way of showing up in the world (and not mine to order!), yet more gratitude that I could leave the country, that we could laugh together, to experience the wide green earth there. Relieved for the chance, grateful for the time together, blessed by the green land and friendly provision, delighted by the sights, and what also lingers — a bodily sense of not caring what others think, of settling into my own skin and being pleasantly happy there, the freedom and lightness that gives, and the desire to walk all my days In that way.

Covid-19. It has changed my world making it impossible to hug my friends or they me. Feeling sad

I spent the months of March-August almost entirely isolated, aside from seeing people while walking my dog or a handful of appointments where I interacted with people. This is a challenging situation that was only made worse by the fact that I am an extrovert and find my energy by being around others. If you had told me that I would face that much time alone prior to it happening, I would never have believed it. The time alone caused me to confront past traumas head-on, which has been painful but beneficial in the end. Now on the other side (of the isolation, NOT COVID-19), I feel stronger than I did coming into the year. I am exhausted from the work that I had and still have to put in, but I ultimately feel relief and confidence.

I was deployed to a military base overseas for 3/4 of a year, and soon after a worldwide pandemic hit and they closed the base to all travel in or out, no vacations, no visitors. It sucked. Its over now, and I am quite relieved! I was probably worth it, I get some active duty benefits out of it as a reserve, plus a lot more money than I could have made otherwise. Some career benefits, and the impact to my family was significant, but less than I feared

Well, here we are, right? COVID has been the significant experience for lots of people and I'm no different. After ten years of frequent travel from our home in LA to NY to visit my mother (and some other occasional domestic travel) and then many trips -- sometimes three times in a year -- with my s.o. to distant lands, I've been home since March. At first it was dismaying, then I realized how much I like it. I am actually an introvert who has trained herself to be social because it was important in my family of origin. My mom and one of my brothers are deep social creatures and get a lot of self-esteem from their dealings in the world. I'm not like that, though I do enjoy a good conversation and meal out with friends. So I've learned some new things about myself and that's all for the good.

My significant experience in the past year has been a series of short, but significant relationships (Sabrina, Irina, Neelu). I learned from each one and am grateful that I had them.

All the health stuff and sinus surgery. It’s profoundly shook me. I have always seen myself as a healthy person and almost dying was very Trumatic for me. I think the hardest part was having all of the medical professionals not listen to me really triggering a lot of my childhood abuse history. Once I figure that out it became easier to deal with. I realized that I do not care so much about mortality, my issue was more with being ignored and shut out. I am grateful for the second chance at life.I am angry at allopathic medicine. I am relieved to be mostly in one piece. I am inspired to continue to do good work and help others.

We started going to meet weekly with the Cottrell’s and friends for church every week at their house. I am grateful to be in community there.

My job decided that working from home would save the hospital money. My manager told us that we will start to work from home I was so excited about that opportunity. I am grateful because working from home allows me the opportunity to be safe and in the comfort of my own home. I will also be able to save money and spend time with my family and not have to deal with office drama people whispering and talking about you. I am grateful for this opportunity.

Well, COVID happened. And political unrest. And racially motivated protests. And major changes at work. It's all still happening, in fact. I feel such a mix of things. Tired. Frightened, about all of it. Grateful that I am well and so is my family. Lonely after months and months of being by myself in my house. Uncomfortable with all of the uncertainty. And yet also calm, like I've had time to rest, to think, to process, to exercise. And more confident that if I put my faith in the Universe, the Universe will take care of me.

In the past year, I've entered two incredibly difficult relationships, where there's been an accusation that I want to change my partners. It's made me feel misunderstood, wrong, and like I'm destined to be single forever. Of the first (which ended), I felt resentful. Of this current one, I feel confused, and like people think I want things from them that I don't want. I want us to be happy, I want us to have good days. I don't know if that will happen. I feel inspired to be a better partner for them, to open myself up to discomfort when it provides growth.

What a year! But I guess we say that every year eh? But really, holy shit. I am currently at the standing desk co-working set up in our living room on Delaware St. where it's just been me and Hannah for the past few weeks. It's been so fun hanging out with her, truly a blessing. We just finished up the first week of the new Gap Program with Tufts and are also prepping the curriculum for Fall CIP, we'll see how it goes! Some big things that have happened so far: 1. Patagonia for 30th bday - amazing challenge with an awesome woman! Although I dissapointed her because there was no longer attraction on my end, and she didn't think I communicated that well, we had a great time. Patagonia was a bucket list of mine, and it will stay on it because I'm going to do it again for my 60th! 2. Moved to Berkeley - I think this is actually the big one. So many things have manifested since I moved here. Sure, COVID as prevented the usual things from happening, but I've been able to do so many amazing things, make amazing friends, and go on amazing adventures. This has been a pivitol move and I can't wait to see what else being here holds. I feel like I am truly in charge of most of my life. 3. COVID - Need I say more? Mostly has affected work and has forced me to explore other options. After this crazy but successful pivot to virtual programs, I'm not sure if this is still the work I want to do. AMIGOS stopped contributing to our 403b and will forever be in the red, and I'd be shocked if we got raises/bonuses, so the financial viability of working at AMIGOS is low. I'm low key searching for jobs now, putting my resume here n' there. Hopefully find something in EdTech that allows me to work towards my financial goals (house and maybe land?). 4. BLM movement - Police brutality has gone too far and now we are looking at white supremacy and how it is ingrained in our society and embodied in us. It's hard work, but I think the long term results will benefit everybody. 5. Truck - I got a big blue 2008 Tacoma! He's extra, way more than I need with light bars and huge tires, and I love him. He's my adventure mobile and I look forward to facilitating amazing times with friends and curating meaningful experiences for others. 6. Rebs - I met an amazing woman who I deeply respect and admire. She creates and holds space so well, invites you to be yourself and does such a good job being her authentic self. We went on our first date around Lake Anza about 3 months ago and didn't really vibe at first, but were physically attracted to each other. After more time together we realized that we are very different but have very similar values. We said this was casual, but don't really know what that means. I'm trying to pace myself, not fall to hard for her, and take my time while staying true to myself. I've been focusing on being self-reliant and want to make sure that I love spending time with myself without the need for validation of an amazing beautiful smart interesting curious woman.

The most significant experience this past year has been our ability to spend more time with our son and grandkids, especially the birthday and holiday celebrations. Another wonderful experience is that our granddaughter is now at Penn State, which is only a couple hour drive away. Also means that we get more opportunities to spend time with our daughter and son-in-law!

This past year we celebrated my husband's one-year anniversary of surviving a massive car accident. It was humbling, looking back on the previous year and how much he's recovered, but also sad- I am still mourning the life-before-the-accident. Our life now is so different, and I know that it may never be that good again.

Turning 78…my mind reels at the number. I am grateful every single day for my good health and the health of those I love—which is mostly everybody. We thought our days would be shorter what with cancers and such—but here we are….alive and thriving. Now I must check the matzoh balls even though you're never supposed to pick up the lid!

I had my first, and most likely, only child this year. It has been the most phenomenal, nerve wracking, scary and best think I have ever done in my life.

Social justice protests. Feeling the immediate need for change, stronger than I've ever felt it before. It's making me rethink everything - where I work, who I am friends with, what I speak up for, how my voice makes a difference. I hope the momentum stays, I hope I can be a part of it for the long-haul, I hope we see change.

I moved to Cyprus for three months. I am glad that I went to live there and I learned a lot from being in a different part of the world. But it taught me that I need and appreciate having my own space, and I will probably not go away for that long again.

Of course the lockdown, but even worse all the bullshit that has happened since then. First, we went into lockdown. It felt like I wasn't going to see people for hella long, but luckily I was able to do video chats with friends and mom. Not too long after the lockdowns, after things started to feel more normal because I was going out more, the protests started re police brutality. That was also freigtening because the protests would get out of hand when the sun went down. Then there was looting and I saw a couple of young boys with flat screen tvs on my street and realized that they were some of the looters of Best Buy. Then I watched the Bay Street shopping area being looted live on tv. It was surreal and scary because I didn't know if they would wreak havoc in the neighbordhoods/homes. Then there was all these damn wildfires. What made the lockdowns ok was that going out was an option, but the wildfires were so oppressive it forced everyone inside their homes. It was also hot and I don't have AC so I needed to figure out ways to keep the house, me and the cats cool. And when those fires started to subside the fires in Oregon and Washington started blazing and turned our day sky orange one day. The following days the air quality was the worst. It felt like being on house arrest. It was so stressful and the absolute worst. So far, I have been feeling grateful. Despite all the BS that has been going on I have been able to get through it relatively unscathed. I can work from home, have a place that I live in and own, I have friends and family I can see and hangout with, and I have an air purifier and N95 masks for dealing with wildfires.

My cancer diagnosis was quite significant! In some ways I am grateful as it has increased my appreciation for small everyday pleasures. I no longer take people for granted. While I would not have chosen cancer, I have been given cancer and so will move on.

Seeing Annie perform her solo in RENT. Greg and I had promised to stay in the moment and just experience everything. And I did. I felt a shock wave through my entire body. I felt both like I was meeting Annie for the first time, but also like I was seeing the person I have always known her to be. I could see her past and her future while the moment was unfolding. It was so beautiful and I feel incredibly grateful that I was shown this vision of truth AND possibility. I'm also stunned and grateful that I was present for it.

Covid happened this year and I hit a rock bottom in drinking alcohol which I've now stopped for over 30 days. I hit a rock bottom emotionally from the racial tension and general lack of funds and productivity. I'm grateful I made it through the darkness although I'm not totally free yet.

I know there are COVID-specific questions but it sure is tough to separate this year's events from all of that, on top of this country's extremely alarming descent into overt facism. And the ever more obvious effects of climate change. Yikes. All that being said, a GOOD significant event it that my father overcame lung cancer, much to my great relief.

The pandemic I knew would eventually arrive, did. I had no definite information but I knew that considering the massive mess this planet is in, it would only be a matter of time before we would be globally compromised. I am not sure if it is beneficial in any way because the death toll is hideous, but it has tested the mettle of humanity and shown us the plusses and the minuses and just exactly who has hatred in their hearts and who has humanity in their future. I often have said that when the last primate with hair and lack of spoken language evolved past those characteristics we got into real trouble. 2020, we are on the road to more and more real trouble. The sad part tis that 'lions do lie down with lambs". The fact is it's because they are not human beings. My age serves me well because I will not face another 30 years of this. (if that), but my heart aches for those who are born today or in the last 30 years. They will inherit the only place have to exist. I wonder about their existence.

Well, the obvious answer over this past year was the pandemic. I went in to work on Thursday, March 12th, and by that afternoon I was told to go home along with everyone else at my office. I thoughtfully grabbed some essential notebooks and books, and thankfully my eyeglasses, and haven't been back to my desk six months later.

I can't think of anything more significant than living through the age of COVID-19. And it hasn't been a good thing. I don't know if I'm resentful of the pandemic, but I am resentful of a government who chose to minimize what we going to to go through. And I sure wish that we were going through this as a country united. Disgusted is probably a better descriptive word than resentful. I've gotten so lazy. That's what happens when you never leave the house, you love quiet pursuits and your husband loves to cook and bake.

I was elected to the executive board at my synagogue. I am grateful, honored, excited, inspired, and anxious to do the best job that I can.

Pregnancy and miscarriage. A miracle and grief. Grateful, changed, sad.

Sequestered for more than 7 months with wife Lisa Grateful, relieved

I won’t say the ‘pandemic’ because there are additional questions to come about that. But. The pandemic ! Hard to not start with that as an answer to this question. Ok. This then. Burning Man got cancelled. It’s the only big yearly thing in my life that didn’t happen. It’s a big part of my life and I’ve been going since 2007. I went to Alaska instead. While I was in Alaska I found out some of my Burner Buds were heading out to BRC and others were too! Had I not been in Alaska having a beautiful time with a new love - I would have gone to BRC and had a ‘Burn’ And really, I could have left my new love and done that ( she told me I should go if I wanted to leave Alaska early and shorten our visit). That’s when I knew I was exactly where I wanted to be!

My mom was diagnosed with Colon Cancer in July. At the time, we didn’t know what stage she had other than that it was not stage 4. She had surgery in August and the biopsy results came back as stage 1. I was so relieved that something went better than expected this year, because it feels like it’s been hit after hit of bad news.

Pandemic-induced lockdown. We got back from 10 days in Scotland and a few days later Boris Johnson locked down the country to stop the spread of COVID-19. It was significant insofar as its the closest apocalyptic event I've experienced and it brought out the best and worst of humanity; first-line responders/keyworkers worked flat out and saved lives, whereas at the supermarket a majority of c*nts stockpiled everything. Now in September, the country is experiencing a second spike so the chance of a second national lockdown is getting real. Throughout lockdown, Em and I have continued to work like we did beforehand (thankfully) so not much has changed, just that we were restricted in our movements and who we could see, which eventually had a detrimental effect on my mental health.

I became more connected to my synagogue and felt my Jewish background and traditions inspired me, calmed me and made me feel stronger.

Homeschooling my kids over the first Covid lockdown between March and June. It was super hard being Mum, home keeper, chef, wife, and teacher. I was so grateful that the boys go to a private school and so they had a much better level of education from the teachers than many kids who were in state schools and got little to no work nor interaction with their teachers. I found it really hard to motivate them and to split my time between the two of them - how on earth teachers do it with 15-30 kids in a class I have absolutely no idea! But as hard as it was, I was so glad that I had my family at home, we were safe, and interactions with others were totally within our control - I felt safe once I’d got food and supplies into the house for at least 3 weeks. I can see this happening again!

My daughter came out to me on June 1, 2020. She had been struggling with it and it was very difficult for her. I was not surprised and I actually struggled far less than I thought I would. It really didn't change anything for me. She was in a short but intense first relationship. That brought me a lot of relief because it can be a bit of pressure to be her only person - she is open with so few people. The fact she made that connection with another was really great. The ending of that was very hard, as all such endings are. It's awful when your kids hurt. She has been up and down with her acceptance and her emotions regarding her sexuality. She describes going to a very dark place at the beginning and every once in awhile, and that is difficult to think about. That makes me anxious. But she is in therapy and dealing with it, and mostly I am happy that she is living her authentic self, as it is the only way she will find sustained happiness in life.

Last year I moved from the big city to a small one close, It has been great for me to change location, great for the asthma allergy, and great to have this green garden every morning. The bad side is that my mom is dying, so it is very difficult to see her get worse day by day, and take care of the care fully, plus taking care of fiona, who now is too old and blind to obey, and I have to micro care her... I am exhausted, must confess. Another bad point is that my stress is having me with different sikness, from facial paralisys to gastritis...oh and the menopause that started months ago.... Definitely a memorable year

Covid-19 is so significant for almost everybody. I am managing OK but sad for all who are not doing well.Those who have losses of loved ones and losses of income.

My mother died from COVID-19 on August 5. I am still working my way through it. Her death was so needless. She was so alone. I am still closer to shell shocked than anything else.

I was raped on November 15th. My world was completely rocked and turned upside down. Since then, I have learned how much my friends and family truly love and support me. And I learned that I am strong, but I don't always have to be.

Jordan's graduation being canceled. Made me very very sad. Sad for her. Sad for me. So much loss and isolation.

I became a mom! Giving birth was an experience I’ll never forget. Yes, it hurt... but afterwards I felt so powerful and proud. My partner was fantastic, coaching me and helping me relax. We were a great team. I felt really connected to him in those first days after our son was born. It was like a new, deepened layer came upon our relationship. And our little boy... never have I loved someone so deeply, so much... Also much respect and thanks to all the people helping my out during labour - the doctors, ambulance driver, nurses and most of all my midwife. Going back to work, still sleep deprived, balancing all different roles as mom, partner, colleague, friend et cetera, that’s still a struggle. But a smile a day from my little boy makes it all worthwhile.

Due to the pandemic, two fairly significant things happened: All three kids were here with me for almost three months and I didn't work for that same amount of time. It was all wonderful and honestly, a much-needed break. We worked out, cooked and ate, walked, watched tv, and hung out together. They did classes on-line and Zoe worked some, but it was the most we'd all been together in probably ten years. I loved the break from work too.

Turning 59 is a significant experience for me. I am not sure how I feel about coming up on 60.....resentful and grateful (considering the alternative). I have periods where I over focus on 59. I also often do the math on when 60 is coming. Sometimes I don't think about it.

COVID & Trump I’m petrified for myself but more for my family.

Oh, how to answer this. One significant experience this year was purchasing our first home. I feel so incredibly lucky and grateful to move in a place where we have space to spread out and a backyard for the kids to play in but I also feel a sense of pain and sadness because I know this came about quicker because of the pandemic. BUT I will forever be grateful that that we really found the house that is perfect for our family and is a house we can grow with. I feel like we have already started making memories here and I look forward to making more.

Our baby arrived!!!! I feel so many things: relieved, grateful, inspired, awe, delight, joy, curiosity, wonder, ongoing worry, protectiveness, loyalty, pride, sensitivity, hope. Also: choosing to have a home birth. Recovering from the second miscarriage. The pandemic in general.

Started to get attracted to my husband again. I was surprised. But I realize that I have PTSD and that I needed to free myself from the past before I could feel Frank again

I mean, where to begin? Covid? Scott? BLM? The last one made me feel more mobilized than ever, and donate so much more. I'm that annoying friend who points out the issues with everything now. But also, going to mesmerica did a lot for me. It was a domino effect of going, trying out tinyaco again, getting up the courage to flirt with jonah, really culminating in an amazing 2019 winter solstice for me. Of course 2020 went to SHIT. But oh well.

I started a school program in a method that provides supportive feedback in art. Grateful, relieved, inspired.

Getting WAAAAAY too obsessed with ancestry haha. I still dunno if I have any Jewish ancestry, hopefully me reading this finally found the document or knows that isn’t the case but I know I’ll still love the culture, religion, philosophies and clanship. Hopefully by then I wanna be able to say the whole Shabbat prayer by heart in Hebrew and in English. I still wanna keep volunteering on the farm like I did today on Rosh Hashanah. Love the girls, Sarah, Lily, Shelby and Dana. Def AMAZING women and very inspiring to be around good people all doing a great cause. Hope you went to temple once just to see what it’s about. See a service in person and maybe ask a few questions. Try not to be too shy about it me, but don’t ask dumb questions that you know that will cause friction. Avoid that as BEST as possible haha. You’ll get a chance maybe this year to ask about foreskin hahaha, I know you’re too tempted to ask but give it some time. Remember you’re you, you know that the Jewish community reps a lot of who you are but it not all of you. Learn and grow with it. Don’t become it. Just be you, it’s already apart of you through family, don’t think you need to prove anything to anyone to be you. Proud of who you’ve become these past couple years. Especially these last 4 months. Tikkun Olam, don’t forget that and you’ll be happy. 😜❤️ Congrats on finishing Community College !! Can you believe that you ACTUALLY did it !?! Fuuuuuuck I can’t hahaha. You’re debt free still graduating that and that’s an accomplishment 😁❤️ (hopefully at CU Denver or CU Boulder or DU.) if not, don’t stress, you know you’ll pay that off quick. You still wanted to do finance, financial management, or investment banking. Which one did you choose ? Be proud kiddo. Your own apartment too !?! Dude what the fuck was this year, from homeless living on the ground 3 years ago being eaten by ticks was your lowest point. Don’t forget to stay humble on what you have. Stoked you learned how to do that awesome steak, asparagus, and potato meal. Try to keep eating on a regular basis..... I know it’s not easy but you’re happier at least eating 2 times a day. Glad Jan got to visit you too :) hahah remember the cop coming up to you and you were high and drunk as SHIT HAHAHA. Oh silly boy, what were thinking jumping right next to damn knowing that cameras were there hahah. Glad you got home safe and we got to build your PC. Did we upgrade it at all ??? Don’t be stupid though ahah. Get a VR head set yet ? Visiting Papa during the pandemic and sharing Father’s Day with him really was awesome. Walking around the city, getting our beagle first, going back home to take a nap haha, then going to the park to watch the gay boys have fun and just enjoy life. Wasn’t it crazy actually enjoying a Father’s Day ? It was perfect huh having your dad with you on your bday huh 😜❤️? Can’t wait for many more memories like that with him. Did we go to Europe yet !!? Or Australia ? Japan ? Travel the US yet ? Or Thai land like we wanted to forever ago when we met 😆? If not show him this hahaha, you know we both need it. Let’s fucking go already 😜!!! We ain’t getting any younger and we have more things to make up for still 😜❤️ We gotta use that Gimble I got you for Father’s Day 😜 Hope we have more pics together than just the few in Europe and nyc. How the fuck did we manage to save up 17k?? (not including rent this month) Did we reach over 30k yet ? Don’t ever forget that you can live off $100 a week. Don’t be spending it on stupid shit , enjoy moments but know you wanna invest more still. Dude getting tear gased, pepper balled and watching the city go to hell was insane right ? Hopefully the businesses are back and you actually went around more restaurants or bars. See more shows again like when you saw 3 6 mafia, while the crowd screamed “fuck corona virus, that shit aint real ahha” but you knew that shit was coming.... just a matter of time :/ Overall, I’m very proud of you❤️ Keep it up wolfie, keep the Kippa on every Shabbat, you know you like doing that as a tip of the hat to the universe. Remember it’s always watching and listening, just like how you got on the phone call From your long lost cousin I’m Ohio 😂 Zadi, Bubbi, Rob amd other loved ones are watching too. They worry sometimes....coming in your dreams and giving you hugs...Remember the card ? Don’t ever feel too alone cause you’re not. People are proud of you. You should be too. Don’t expect perfection. Expect the best of you, and what makes you happy like today on going to the farm, feeling the earth between your fingers, listen to the crickets and birds chirp. That’s what makes you really happy. 🥰❤️ Have fun, be safe, and I can’t wait to what else we’ve accomplished since today (sept 18, 2020)

Bennett came back to live with me. He is 27 with Down syndrome and had been in and out of various group homes, independent homes over the past 8 years. He was not successful. He is doing well at home and we are both happy to have him here involved with the family on a daily basis. It has not been easy, but it is good.

Oy - I can hardly remember what happened to me. It's all blotted out by what is happening in our world, and watching Henry grow. I think about Henry's delays, and then his tremendous progress - especially his verbal communication. Watching him learn and grow inspires me. I know I said it as a teacher a hundred times - if only we could remember how it felt to learn how to walk, we could accomplish anything. And watching Henry do just that - now more than ever I believe it to be true. The level of persistence, the willingness and necessity of trying and failing and not feeling shame about it. If I could apply that same determination to anything else in my life, I'd be a roaring success. And yet I have done that once myself when I was just his age - so knowing that I've done it, I just need to channel it. If only I could want something enough to do so... All of this leaves me inspired, and also a little lost or sad at not having that thing that I want so badly.

Jason and I got engaged!! I am feeling so grateful and lucky to have him, and I cannot wait for this next chapter of our story. He has been the biggest blessing during the craziness of this year and I'm truly trying not to take it at all for granted.

I bought a house! I never thought I'd be able to do that, given my inconsistent income semester to semester because I'm an adjunct. I always said that I would investigate after I got a full-time job but after two failed attempts, I started to wonder if it could be possible without a full-time job. I got approved for a loan for a certain amount and when I began looking the next month, I found a place, put in an offer, and had it accepted within three days. I moved 99% of everything I own by myself because I was moving during the pandemic and wanted to get everything in the day that the shelter-in-place order came down in my state. I couldn't have asked for a better place to lockdown in and I love my home and it feels even more special to know that it's mine.

Holy cats. This year has been something else. A global pandemic, Black Lives Matter protests, uprisings against governments, the US going the way of fascism, wildfires galore, and I turned 40 right before the world went on lockdown. I’m scared, honestly. I feel powerless and angry. I feel like we’re still going about our lives as if everything isn’t different; as if the turn of the year will wipe our memories. We can’t go back, but forward looks bleak.

For the second year in a row My Dad has had some major health issues. He has a rare form of neuro-endocrine cancer that was diagnosed last September. It is stage 4 and has metastasize throughout his body. It has changed my whole outlook on life.

Well, where to start. My accident happened in April 18th of 2019. I didn’t do this 10Q exercise last year. This April I celebrated my one year anniversary of life and then 12 days later, my 50th bday. So grateful and inspired to be alive, changed, and on a different life trajectory.

COVID What can I say? Everything has changed. School and work from home. No travel. Wearing a mask everywhere. Lance moves on in March of 2020. There’s been some adjustment. In July, Exavier suddenly broke up with Sage. She’s been sad for months. In August I had a knee replacement, which has been harder than I thought it would be. Forest Fires, the Presidental Election in November...

I had a baby!! That has been very significant. I started UCLA Anderson (Business school) this month which has also been a. lot. I feel very overwhelmed. The world is in a CRAZY place with COVID-19. We have been quarantining since MARCH. Having a baby during quarantine is definitely been a thing. As she starts getting interested in the world, I feel bad that I can't show her more of the world. All she gets to see is the inside of Dave's house and our faces. No new experiences, other people, even the goddamn grocery store. So that's a thing I feel sad about for her, but luckily I think she's young enough it's less of an issue. I hope. But she is probably the most significant thing that has happened in the past year for me personally. She's only 11 weeks old right now, so she's still really hard, and I'm honestly not sure how to feel yet. But she's pretty damn cute. She smiles and talks/coos and is in general a very very easy baby and a delight. But not very interesting too. Especially since it's hard to entertain her cause we can't go out! There have been fires here so the air quality has been bad enough not to even go on walks. But that's all very near term. I mostly feel overwhelmed I think. But happy. Every time she smiles it makes me laugh. So I think I like her. It feels pretty dickish to not be sure. But I think it gets easier and then probably more enjoyable. But again, I feel like I have to keep quantifying that I also enjoy her. It maybe still doesn't even feel real yet.

Geez, where do I start? I bought a cafe February 15, opened the doors March 1. By March 15, we were closed. We reopened for porch pick ups eventually. By May we had rehired a couple staff and were allowing some dine in customers. Most people chose to continue to take out their food. It wasn’t anyone or any mandate keeping them away. CT and neighboring NYC had been hit hard. People were understandably apprehensive. But we were doing it. We were successfully navigating by taking the pulse of our community, rolling with it. We were resilient and innovative and stepped up to the challenge. Sadly, by July, the café ended, just like that. The building was sold at a price above market value. I couldn’t play. It was rich people playing rich people games. Under the cover of covid, they decided to cash out. It sucked, for sure, but the roots in my community strengthened and connections between my family and friends grew as we all woke up each day and figured how to navigate life, together, during a pandemic. I sold groceries. I delivered to high risk folks. I packaged up family dinners. I made more comfort food than I had every thought possible- roasted chickens to go, meatloaves, chili, chicken soup and bread- lots of bread! It was a punch in the gut to consider it was all for naught. So much time and energy and love pumped into a building and a vision. My family stepped up and worked their collective asses off and we charted our course through those difficult days. We were building business and we were succeeding. But when circumstances beyond my control ended my time there, we took it like champs. We embraced the time off and welcomed spending some of the weirdest days of our lives simply relaxing. Quiet pool afternoons and long summer eves on the porch, in our camper, on Rambler rides. Onward and upward! We are richer for having had the experience and I can honestly say, no regrets.

This year, at age 44, I finally learned not to be reactive and defensive when my mother offers me advice. I finally started to experience her concern as concern, rather than as judgment. When she makes suggestions, it's not because she thinks she has the monopoly on Truth nor is she operating under the premise that I'm an idiot; she's just trying to help, to use her experience to make my life easier, as best she knows how.

Of course the only possible answer to this is really the pandemic. It's been a hard, hard six months and I'm guessing we have a long way to go. We've learned a lot and built up some resilience muscles, but mostly we've learned that our normal has to change. We've managed to make some celebrations and milestones work but I am missing far away family, missing gathering with friends, wishing the kids could be in school, and terrified there will be no theater industry left when this is over.

Covid 19 causing the hotel to furlough almost all employees. I am depressed, resentful, anxious, well rested, frightened, well fed, uncertain about the future and terribly unsettled. I don't know how or when these things will pass or be handled. I feel powerless to overcome the worst of them.

While traveling into Boston in November 2019 with women from my temple to attend a lobby day for the ROE Act my toe found a raised brick. I tripped and flew into a metal lamppost. Fortunately my humerus protected my head from injury, but it was severely broken. I am grateful to the women who stayed with me and to the doctors and nurses who repaired the injury. I even attended a Zoom meeting from the hospital! Now I have an erector set in my arm, and I am patiently waiting to get feeling back in my outer hand and little finger - the ulna nerve was traumatized and is healing slowly, but my head and brain still work thanks to my arm taking the brunt of the injury.

I could pick so many things this year. My final semester of graduate school, working on my thesis, moving to a new state, starting a new job. I’ve done a lot of things this year, and I was hopeful that I would be settled in by now. But I waffle between loving and hating my job. My thesis is not officially done, nor are some of my courses. I’m mostly just nervous, anxious and resentful of how my own body seems to be betraying me. I think the actual significant experience is realizing that I am probably dealing with anxiety and ADHD. Or depression. Some kind of neurodiversity. And that scares me. More than it should.

In May, my father passed away. He was detriorating rapidly over the last year and a half, and I am a bit sad to say that I am relieved for him. In a way, he chose to go, as he refused food. He had no quality of life at the end. I feel conflicted about feeling relieved about it, but that is an honest reaction.

The big elephant is the COVID-19 pandemic. Upended everything in my life. I don’t have a lot of perspective as we are still in the middle of it. It has made me appreciate how much good I have in my life. Chris, my Mom, my material and financial security, my wonderful colleagues.

Significant to everyone is COVID for which I am resentful, stressed resigned, tired. Grateful everyone I love is healthy to date. Specifically significant for me are postponing Mo's wedding (sad, resigned, but in anticipation of next year), the Start of the Hello, Sister! podcast (eager, amused, glad to be working on something with my sister, glad to be learning new skills, wondering where it will take us)

I met, started dating, and moved in with my partner. This year has been rough, but growing into a relationship has been beautiful and joyful.

My first child turned 18! In the months leading up to his birthday I was having anxiety and worry about it. And I decided to do six therapy sessions and it totally helped. He had his birthday and I had a sense of relief and accomplishment. It's a huge milestone for me. I know you just have to help them not die, but I feel like we did a good bit more than that and I feel really accomplished.

COVID-19 This virus has affected EVERYONE! I am grateful I am in good health. I’m relieved that our CEO didn’t reopen schools for students while the virus is still running wild. I don’t think I feel resentful. I really didn’t do anything that I resented. Thanks to social distancing. Inspired, yes. The pandemic has inspired me to take time for myself and not get overwhelmed.

Oh, so many things. Our second IVF cycle produced no embryos, like the first, and the doctor didn’t recommend doing another cycle with my own eggs because she didn’t know why it failed. I felt sad, and let down. IVF is supposed to be a solution, not cause more problems. I wasn’t ready to give up on my own body.

Covid 19 happened. I was honestly a little relieved to not need to interact with people as much, particularly on my birthday, but it was awful to be trapped in Mumbai until I got home in June. I don’t mind working from home. I actually like it. It did make me think hard about my international leanings.

My mom came to stay at our house to convalesce after yet another joint (knee) replacement surgery. For the first time, she was unable to care for herself to the extent that she had to let me care for her. It finally showed both of us that I am willing and able to anticpate her needs when she can't care for herself.

COVID, for sure. Sometimes I am grateful for the time, especially with family. But I am also in mourning for activities I love like theatre and dinner parties and travel.

I got to go on my first business trip. It felt good to be considered helpful and important enough to go. First time staying in a hotel in Vegas, fancy dinners and I even got to see Janelle Monae! I'm grateful to have had this experience, especially since I've been stuck inside for 6 months now!

Crear mi emprendimiento. Inspirada y asustada por la responsabilidad que esto conlleva.

Severe depression. It was horrible. And when I finally broke free, it was hard to give myself credit for it. I guess I feel sad and angry about the lost time, but also encouraged to know that I can climb out of even the deepest pit.

As I hoped a year ago, I have had my poetry collection about COVID-19 and this political moment in America, entitled THE BUNKER BOOK, accepted by a press. This is my fourth collection. I was first elated when it got accepted for publication next year, then I was very worried it wasn't good enough. It had taken me less than a year to complete it, which for me is lightning fast! What if it was horrible? I re-read it four times. I don't find fault with it. It just feels like an awesome responsibility to talk about these times so that others later on can see what it felt like to all of us. It deals with the rise of fascist sentiments in the United States. It warns readers. I hope it is the kind of warning people are ready to heed whenever fascism rears its ugly hydra heads.

had to postpone my wedding. Resentful isn't the right word, because the pandemic puts everything in perspective - but, pretty sad because it was planned to be (and hopefully soon 'will be') a great event to bring our friends and family together.

Pregnancy and childbirth in the time of corona. I learned how resilient I am, and how to prioritize what I actually needed instead of what I just wanted: in the end I just wanted my husband at the birth (forget pre-birth appointments), a healthy, full-term baby to avoid the NICU (no need to get a high APGAR score), my parents to make it to meet their granddaughter (forget hospital visits/family help), a safe home (forget a baby nurse), and a safe childbirth (forget quick and easy). This perspective is super helpful for me going forward in my new role as a parent and, although I wouldn't recommend giving birth in a pandemic, I'm grateful for it.

Covid. Closing Mom's residence March 17 abruptly. The day before we had been invited in and a large group of us sat in the lounge listening to precautions we needed to take for this new disease. It was a very scary experience and just the beginning of the world turning upside down. Everything was eery, and different and because of this scary.

This past year has been so full of significant experiences, both personal and global/political. Personally, this past year I was adult bat mitzvah-ed, went to Patagonia with Jake (a trip that has been a dream of mine for a decade), and got pregnant on our first try. Politically/globally, we saw covid-19 come to Washington and the Unites States, the continuation of police brutality and uprising of protests for black lives, wildfires sweeping the entire West Coast this September. It's been a wild year. I feel affected in so many ways, some positive, some less positive. Covid has helped give me the space to slow down, which is what my goal was for this year. I feel so grateful our fertility journey was so easy and also terrified to become a parent. This has been a year of patience and discovery, action and learning.

I got fired from my job. I felt angry, confused, and betrayed. I am still shaken and uncertain that I will ever be employed again.

Teaching remotely due to the Covid-19 pandemic. I haven't been out of the house very much for the last 6 months. Not so much because I have a lot of risk factors, but because Ross does and also because Becca has been using my car to go to work, since I'm working from home. I have a lot of mixed up feelings about this. Some days I feel ok, other days I just feel like weeping, but I can't squeeze any tears out.

Covid happened. I'm counting my blessings that I've been able to combine households with our daughter and family. I'm grateful that no one in my family or I have gotten the virus - kenahora poo poo! I'm inspired to make the best of this difficult situation.

This year I completed my first year of rabbinical school, an endeavor that gives me incredible joy and gratitude -- along with exhaustion and occasional insecurity. It has been a year of great transformation and sometimes-uncomfortable growth. There has been soaring learning alongside difficult personal and interpersonal struggle. Along the way I have discovered more of who I am and what I can do.

I retired from 30 years of teaching. I was aware that it’s a big transition—My work has strongly shaped how I see myself—parts of that role no longer fit, parts of that role we’re not authentic because of any role’s limitations. I feel liberated being without a “boss” but at the same time as I feel I’ve been liberated, the world changed (changes are continual but often unnoticed, but this change. Now my boss is “caution” and some of my newest lessons are in experimenting and assessing To figure out balancing respecting and appreciating (honoring) the gifts of living on this wonderful planet in community of that is here. I am angry about needing to live in a way that has limitations in terms of getting “out” in the world, but I can accept and appreciate the time available to go in.”

I celebrated my second year of remission from my disease. Obviously it was a wonderful milestone that brought great, not only to me but also to my family! I live in constant gratitude to HaShem for each day and whatever it brings.

COVID-19!!! Such a strange year for me living alone and sheltering at home. It feels like a new reality. At first it was just work and home with no contact with friends and family. No Easter, no family dinner, no card games. Work was busy so it was distracting. Masks and social distancing is a new way of life!!! Let’s add joining TikTok as a new hobby- super interesting social experiment. I am sad that this has become politicized and we are doing so horribly controlling this disease.

Well of course it was Covid 19. I have felt all the above emotions. I never believed that now 7 months into the pandemic that we would still be in a place where almost 1000 people die each day, and somehow it has started to feel like normal. Makes me wonder what "normal ' means. I miss time with my family and friends. After some hard times with Jim in the beginning, we have settled into a way of living that is working and shows that we do love each other. I have not had anyone close to me have this disease but I still fear it. I guess this is good in a strange protective way. I do want to be on the other side of this to reflect on how this time effected me and the world I live in.

I lost my sense of smell. I visited my GP, ENT, and Pulmonary docs. I was also coughing all the time and feared I had the beginnings of COPD like my mother had died of. But, the pulmonary doc said I did not show any signs of that and she put me on nose wash, nose spray and singular. After 10 mos my ability to smell is starting to come back. I was so grateful to the pulmonary doctor and I wrote to her to let her know. I am so grateful that I do not have COPD. I cannot smell everything and there are still some days I cannot smell but I am hopeful it will continue to improve.

My daughter's wedding (planned a year in advance for approx 200 people in a locale away from our home) in the tremendous turbulence of COVID 19 was a significant experience. The uncertainties leading up to the eventual ceremony rescheduled to be at my home for 22 people at times felt excruciating and crushing, and at other times there was deep resilience and a closeness from the hardships we all faced together. Alongside was the birth of a granddaughter, my son's first child. Experiencing that in a pandemic is humbling, raw and overwhelming. It has reminded me how challenging it is to become a parent for the first time and how alone I was when I became a mother with no extended family close by. It revealed how amazing it is to have family able to help. All the situations have left me grateful and inspired, also exhausted and amazed. Humans are resilient and strong. Another element which makes me grateful.

An almost universal response to this might be COVID-19, the pandemic with its parallel economic crisis and racial equity uprising. Our work changed, with a pivot to telemedicine, but our mission is more important than ever. New York State has suffered significant loss, in all three categories, but we've done well with the health crisis. New York Proud really means something as masks, social distancing, stay-at-home orders, new approaches to public health and safety have rolled into place. I've suffered personal loss, but not super close. Friends have contracted the virus and recovered. Some friends have died with COVID-19 and complicating factors. What's next -- that's the question.

COVID. Quarantine. Social-distancing. J FINALLY left work. S and I spent a few months just the two of us in the classroom and it was rough. There was a TON of overtime. But it was sooooo much better. Less stress. Less worrying about kids getting hurt. Oh and I had my first ER trip with a kidney stone. 0/10 stars, do not recommend.

I was diagnosed with end stage, tricompartmental osteoarthritis. It was devastating to realize the pain in my knees is permanent and part of a degenerative condition. It also inspired me to take better care of myself and value my health. I've had to mourn the loss of robust health while also redefining for myself what health can look like.

I surprisingly had my first real cancer scare yesterday - the day before Rosh Hashana began. I went in for a six-month mammogram check-up and ended up having a biopsy completed two hours later and had to wait for the anxiety-ridden news 12 hours later. I am reminded again in that moment how fragile our daily routines truly are to the world around us because nothing is ever as sure as we think that is. I find myself feeling grateful when these unexpected moments happen because they always bring us back to the realities of what is truly important, remind us that our plans for the day can be changed at the last minute without the sky falling, we can stop to connect, breath and be vulnerable even when life gets busy and be reminded that nothing is really ever guaranteed.

The pandemic shut us down. It was surreal and changed the way my organization does business. Personally, it stopped a lot of forward motion, especially at work, but also made me realize that I didn't really like going to fast. Also, I need a schedule -- or at least a little structure-- to my life. The change in schedule disoriented me, made me realize that I can continue to affect change in the workplace and that I needed more outside interests. I want to retire in a few years and this made me realize that I needed to marshall my interior and exterior resources and start imagining for myself what that will look like.

René and I moved in together. We first talked about it in December, and by the time we ended up spending the worst of the lockdown together, it seemed very natural. I'm so grateful that we found such a beautiful apartment, and that we're sharing these strange months as cohabitants. I spend a while adjusting to having so much space - I felt guilty even - so it's been a path to embracing the gratitude and allowing myself to be inspired by the space. I use the terrace for morning meditation, the spare room that looks out on it for yoga, and our big window sills to propagate my succulents.

I converted. I converted around 2 months before the pandemic. I am so grateful that I have had the wisdom and comfort of Judaism and the Jewish community during this ordeal. I am so grateful.

This pandemic year...what other significance does anyone have? I am both grateful and resentful. I am grateful for the refocus it has allowed me, the ability to not have a commute, the anxiety which has led me back to a more centered place for myself, but I am resentful of all the changes we've had to make too. Wearing masks for the next 18-24 months, the manipulation of science into a political issue, the loss of what we have always known as normal in terms of school. I am thankful neither of my parents have had to live through it.

Significant experience - absolutely this has to be the Covid-19 epidemic, which cancelled the 2020 GSN Symposium I was looking forward to so much, which would have probably been my very last chance to get together with past coworkers and friends from my entire career, and also eliminated my planned visit to two of our three children, who are living in cities where we have never yet visited them, doing jobs we have never seen them working on - and then - my fiftieth high school reunion was delayed - and delayed - and delayed again. And if this country had risen up and had a leader who could lead, and do a good job, and move forward while protecting its citizens...well, I think I would be in a better mood than I am right now. Resentful? Oh yes.

We moved! After 25 years on Jardiniere Court - with no advanced planning or desire - we went kayaking and then a month later were in our new home.

I mean, obviously Covid. But since there are separate questions about that, I'll choose getting pregnant. And still being pregnant! I am SO grateful and relieved that it happened easily and that it has so far been relatively healthy except for the subchorionic hemorrhage. And also that I didn't get as sick as I did with my first two. And that I haven't been as anxious as I was with Henry. I feel resentful sometimes that I have to be a pregnant woman and a mother to a toddler and a full-time employee at the same time. And that it seems like every week that goes by, the world gets a little shittier for my children. I feel inspired to do what I can to make the world better for them and to raise them to be good humans.

I got married November, 2019. It has been a wonderful experience becoming a wife to my husband, and taking our relationship of 12 years to the next level. We continue to learn and grow everyday, and I feel like I will be in the "honeymoon phase" for the rest of my life. I received a significant pay raise in February, 2020. It made me feel appreciated, but the bigger impact was that it made me feel like my superiors were confident in my abilities, and they trusted me to get the job done. This has been a challenging and rewarding experience, and it has continued to push me to be the best version of myself possible. I paid off my student loan debt in full (by myself!) in July, 2020. I have never been so relieved, yet also incredibly resentful for having to go so far into debt, for so long (12 years to pay off!), for a Bachelor's level education. I become more aggravated when I think of those who are even less fortunate than me in terms of accessing funding to continue their education. Our system is broken, and student loan lenders are criminals. We went on a permanent teleworking schedule due to COVID in March, 2020. I've been grateful to remain employed throughout the pandemic, and I've been grateful to live in a home where we can create a productive working environment. My agency has been outstanding at prioritizing our health, and providing us with the proper equipment at home to do our jobs efficiently. COVID has had the greatest impact in 2020, as we had to cancel plans (honeymoon) and adjust to a new normal. All things considered, we've been incredibly fortunate, and I remind myself that we have our health, employment, food on the table, and a roof over our heads anytime I feel a little down about the current situation. We've tried to focus on supporting our local and small businesses - it is painful to see so many struggling. I've worried about the health of people I care about almost daily, but so far, have been very grateful that they are doing well. The shutdown has brought some positive aspects, such as eliminating my daily work commute (saving time and money), and allowing me to be around my dog more often. Overall, I think my mood has improved, as the commute to and from work was always stressful and not something I often looked forward to (metro).

This is such a stupid question! Jeez! This year has been the strangest year of my life and probably will remain the weirdest for many years to come. I moved into college, became a new independent person, then moved back in during a global pandemic, and feel like a failure to launch atm. I'm grateful to have had somewhere to stay for the past few months, and that's the bottom line, but loosing my independence entirely was and is really bad. At this point, not being at Stanford is what it is. I've learned to not think about being back too much because it makes me really fucking depressed, but now seeing my friends move out for the quarter is rough. Alice, Zoe, Lana, Maddy, Brooke, you name them. I know that the situation is so complicated, but I really wish I wasn't at home. Anyways... It's been nice feeling like can support Mom while things are rocky with her in school and all but on the other hand, she doesn't accept help if she thinks I would feel obliged. I don't know what this is. A cry to help for my older self? Maybe a wish that things will be better in a year. I've had to work really hard to find how I can be happy back in San Antonio and in many ways I have, but it's still a daily struggle to feel like I can be myself with a helicopter parent. Online school is also pretty sucky. I make it sound like everything is bad. and it is, to some extent, but there are good things too. I just want to live my life again. I want to put faith in hoping that it'll be better this time next year, but if the pandemic has taught me anything, it's that you can't bet on shit. Bonk

The birth of my first great granddaughter, Arielle Odette Issac still amazes me. Her mother, Cassandra, had a home birth - 3 hours - with midwives. Cass is the first of the women in our family, who have children, who was married before having their first child. I'm just in awe. Arielle is so tender and beautiful and happy. I feel privileged to have easy access to her. They only live 20 min away. I'm so grateful for the effect this birth has had on Cass's mother, my daughter, Trish. She's so caring and loving and absolutely revelling in this experience. She'd supporting Cass and Lance so well. She's in her glory and that fills my heart to see the relationship they have. So different from the one Trish and I had when she had her first child, Kimberly.

Open heart surgery 7 months ago. It scared me scarred me changed me opened my heart hardened my heart I Am endlessly grateful. I think about those who abandoned me. I praise those who came to care for me

COVID-19 brought a rollercoaster of emotions and changes. What I have appreciated most is witnessing collective support amongst loved ones, the normalization of feelings of isolation and filling the pause with introspection. What I have disliked is the feeling that I'm not doing enough, the shame I've felt over not owning a home with a yard (a coronavirus commodity), projected anxiety from others' financial burdens and the freedom to travel; something I now realize brings meaning to my life.

As we know Covid-19 was a HUGE issue. Thankfully you family or I was never sick from it, but it caused a lot of anxiety of worry with everyone. I am grateful to have a job even though the hours are less.

5-day, 44 mile backpaking trip in Yellowstone with Karen and Zoe. Grateful, inspired, and eager to do another one!

I had a double stroke and my right eye is squint, my voice is hollow and the left side of my body doesn’t respond to me. I feel very lucky but at the same time I’m on a steep learning curve

COVID and spending 4 months together as a family. Spiritual growth and break-down, intense joy and desperation. Insight into my kids’ emotions and their needs. Stressful, tiring and I am grateful.

A significant experience for me is getting a full time teaching job in Adult Education. I have wanted to work full time in Adult Ed for years and I finally reached my goal. While I do get incredibly stressed and overwhelmed with moving stuff, new job, and current job with the Brooklyn Public Library, I am definitely a lot more satisfied with my working life. I feel like I have a lot of opportunity for growth with this full time job and I am so excited about the possibilities.

I met Danielle (my girlfriend) and moved in with her in her townhouse in Flemington. I am very grateful and am in love with her.

WE moved from Maryland to Florida leaving our home of 36 years. With everything canceled for 2020 and beyond we decided to jump. The weather has been good allowing for outdoor activity. Yes, I'm grateful for the chance to focus and follow-through with that long-term plan. It's been great to spend more time with our son who has lived here for 5 years.

The coronavirus pandemic. I am relieved. It made me spend less money and adopt healthier habits. I love working from home. I realize how privileged I sound saying this.

Mera Peak. Standing on top of a 6000m mountain surrounded by some of the highest mountains in the world. Literally breathtaking. So much time for reflection. Three weeks away from my phone. Social media. My friends. Everything that confused me, or misdirected me over the past few years. A reminder of who I am, and who I want to be. And a fantastic analogy for the most spectacular views come after the hardest climbs.

It's hard not to answer this by talking about my husband. In January I found out he had cheated on me with a random woman he met on Tinder, during and right after last year's 10Q. I look at how positive and happy I was in last year's replies and it's hard to wrap my head around how I could be so unaware. I feel like I'm just like everyone else and he's just like everyone else, and there's nothing special about our 12 years together any more.

Covid has been a life changer. A stupid, man-made, leftist/China-created, life changer made for an election year and pushed by a criminally complicit media. It is a real virus, but has been overblown. I resent the lies, the fear, the masks, the erosion of rights and liberties, and the sheep who so quickly handed everything over to the tyrants - and who continue to do so.

I quit my job, went back to grad school, and am in the midst of a career pivot. I started out sad and resentful and feeling like a failure, but I was super supported by my husband and I was actually able to find a career doing something somewhat different. I can also see a pathway to a second career.

After Covid-19 forced us into our homes in isolation, my lover has faced debilitating anxiety, panic, and even some paranoia. It has made our world smaller even than it already was. I am feeling sad and scared.

Of course the pandemic, the criminal leadership by Trump, the reactions to the murder by the police of people of color, and the wildfires in the west dominate out thoughts. There does not seem to be an event unique to me that seems particularly significant. In general I am more worried than ever about our country.

The two significant events are COVID and the exploding awareness of systemic racism. Both have made me unsettled and angry because of the lack of empathy and leadership in our government. Also, as someone who lives alone (except for my dog) quarantine has given me more time than I would like to think about my own life and where I need to pay more attention.

Has to be living with pandemic. Learning how to live with it. Working from home. Masking. No travel. Hardly seeing anyone except on Zoom.

My mother died. I am grateful, relieved, resentful and sad. She had been living with Alzheimer's, so there is a blessing, but it also happened too soon and perhaps due to the challenging conditions in care facilities during this difficult time.

Last November I finally received a promotion to Director! It was really exciting and I felt like I worked really hard for it. Plus the raise was nice. I like my team and I think they work hard. However, there is one weak link (out of three) that makes it hard to motivate. She's the most senior on the team so the rest of the team often times take cues from her. A lot of times this creates a super quiet and uninspired team. I thought having this promotion would be great and I love the work. I just didn't think it would be this hard. Now, working remotely, things are even more difficult. I hope it evens out and I'm able to learn more as a manager but the first year as Director has been more of a challenge than I expected.

I spent a day in August with a new friend, but someone I had only met one year before. We got to know each other unexpectedly, from chatting during the covid lockdowns. The whole friendship and experience was, is, unexpected. Yet the time we spent together touched me deeply. I am very grateful. I don't even think this person realises how much it meant to me, how healing our being together that day was. Even if we never have another day like that, I hope I gave something equally deep and meaningful to my friend, this kindred spirit, in return.

We bought a house and moved. I think it honestly felt like less of a big deal than it otherwise would have in the shuffle and scare of the pandemic, and I don't know how I feel about that yet. It would have been nice to treat it as the successful life milestone that it actually was, but we were too busy trying to make all the logistics work during a lock-down while also working full time. I am very grateful that we were finally able to do this; we've wanted to for a while, and this was the culmination of years of planning. I love our house, and I'm really happy with having done this. But a lot of the celebrating (having friends help us move; having a house-warming party; doing a houseblessing; etc) just couldn't happen.

OMG - so many significant experiences this year. #1 is the pandemic, which has changed everything in so many ways. My daily life hasn't changed a ton -- I am still going to work every day, and we are very busy. But like everyone else I am not going anywhere. I miss my bike commute, and seeing people other than Steve and Julia every day. I haven't seen anyone in my family since February. There are a few things I'm grateful for during this stressful year. One is that I have a husband and daughter to see every day - I'm not alone. Two is that I have a roof over my head and an income to put food on the table. Third, I'm grateful for increased closeness with my family on the East Coast. We are talking every week now, and that is a blessing.

COVID-19. This is probably the response for everyone. It arrived in Canada back in February and slowly expanded across the country. I was forced to quarantine in March after coming home from the worst trip (with Erin) to LA, and have been working from home since. Obviously, the entire world has been changed by this virus - it is used as a political weapon, monetized by governments, and also as a scare tactic. There is so much information out there that I am overwhelmed and unsure of what is real and what is not. I have enjoyed working from home - which is something that I never thought was possible. I was someone who was against it because I assumed that people working from home are not actually working. BUT - I feel like I have been much more productive both professionally and personally. I do not miss my commute, paying for parking or fuel - I don't even miss seeing people that I work with. I enjoy my solitude and independence. I am still not *happy* at work. Things have improved from last year, but I think that is because I am trying to staying in my own lane and remember that work is not the 'be-all-end-all'. I just feel that my personal beliefs (ie: leadership style, integrity, etc.) no longer align with the company I work for and it makes it challenging to want to do more for them.

This past year, I applied, interviewed, got accepted, and started attending med school! Right now it's hard to appreciate all the work I did to get to this point because I'm drowning in material, but when I step back and think about it, I'm extremely grateful to be here. There was a point during this year when I thought I would have to apply again and that I wasn't good enough. But I'm here, and I deserve to be here! So all of the above: I'm grateful, I'm relieved that I made it, I'm inspired to be following my dreams, and I'm proud of myself for doing it.

My son died. Liver Failure. Alcohol. I am crying a lot. Not as much as 2 weeks ago. But a lot. I limp.

I didn’t get a job as easily as I hoped. Initially each reaction eroded my resiliency and attitude and ability to reflect. At times I became a bit depressed. Then a week or two later something would happen personally and I was thankful I was able to focus my full attention at home without worrying about juggling work. A friend reminded me today “appreciate the moment you’re in, the future will still be there and you’ll be grateful for this time”

So on March 16 got furlough and it now over 6 months. This not how saw my year going. I very greatful for my family and friends who have been there for me. I very luck to live at home and not have any big cost.

I can only think of one significant experience, and that is the shelter in place order that kept me mostly in my home with my 20 year old daughter for 6 months. It was mostly really fine. I had thought I might actually get some things done that I had wanted to do for a long time, particularly since she was home to help me, but nope. The combination of the fact that I continued to have to teach online all summer, and then spend time trying to figure out how to deal with teaching in the fall, and also just thinking about what would be happening with Molly's school, and worrying about my parents, and everything meant that I accomplished very little. I did start getting my bedroom in some order, so that's a start, but my life is still a view of chaos. Nevertheless, the fact that my daughter and I got along really well, with very few blips, while seeing almost no one but each other for six months tells me that we really do get along well, and that she is a really good person. I am grateful, relieved, and somewhat battered by this year up to now. I am really glad also that I went up to see my parents in early March, because, even though it was a distressing visit, it would have been much worse had we had to go through this without my having seen them.

I got married last fall! Since then I've felt an overwhelming feeling of relief and security. I started to look at people differently too - I don't feel like I have to prove myself as a woman anymore.

Wow, for this year, it really has to be COVID-19 as the big experience. I am grateful for all the learning that has come, resentful for all the take always it has brought, and inspired by all the home focused activities that it has allowed us. I know, deep within me, that we are not in charge. That God is in charge. And this period has been an overwhelming reminder. I can also see how this period has been a build for my recovery.

I think many will comment @ the pandemic for this question. It affected me most from a physical perspective: I was approved to work-from-home from my cottage. This was SO appreciated for my mental wellness. AND it's a sneak peek because I'll be moving here permanently when I retire shortly!

I got divorced and I am so grateful and relieved. It’s so nice to be on the other side of this and to look back and know I did a hard thing but it was the right thing. And I’m happy!

Connection. The first girl I ever loved and I have started a new life together. I have found happiness. Feeling loved. Loving back, without conditions. My soul wants to be near her, sitting next to her. My daughters have shown me patience and love by following me to this new life. As a father, I feel evermore love and am proud of who they continue to become as women.

COVID happened to me and everyone. I am sad that we didn’t have better leadership to look out for the country and I am embarrassed and disappointed in the United States. I am grateful my family and friends have remained well.

I bought a painting. I've bought art before but generally by my friends & pretty inexpensive. This cost a lot & made me feel adult (I who have never owned anything that cost more than a computer). I am, ahem, frugal for the most part & I was pleased for once in my life to be extravagant.

Like the world, I am affected by the pandemic. In spite of my anger of how the asswipe has dealt with it, I am so lucky and grateful to live my life as I am. I am lonesome for my family, for the freedom to travel, for the simple pleasures of shopping. But I am safe in my whitebread world. The chaos is around me. But my biggest decisions are what to make for dinner, and what to watch on TV. I yearn to hold my loved ones, put my face to their bodies and drink in their love. I hope to live a long time to tell the story of this horrific pandemic, the terrible governmental response, and hopefully, the fall of this despicable president.

I got a regular phlebotomist, HES BEEN WITH ME FRO ALMOST ONE YEAR. makes going to the lab fun and a pleasure! Relieved! Grateful!

Man, 2020 though. A lot of people consider this to be one of the worst years in American history: Covid-19, Black Lives Matters protests, Trump is still president, High unemployment, West coast forest fire catastrophe and also killer hornets.. For me, all of these events highlight how lucky I am in my upbringing and age. 26 is a good age to be during Covid if you have a stable job. I graduated college four years ago so school closures don't affect me (and I was online well before other people were for my masters). My job lets me work remotely for the same pay and that has led to unprecedented flexibility and family time. I have no child care obligations. I'm not in the west coast and haven't been stung by a killer hornet. And I can leave myself out of the protests with impunity. I feel grateful for all of that and I hope in 5780 I can stay grateful.

Over the course of the past year I took a new job that is not a career path but a means of getting health insurance and a regular, if not wholesome, income ("relief"). I had an extramarital affair ("inspiring"); got pregnant; terminated the pregnancy ("grateful"). My young cousin died of colon cancer and six weeks later his widow gave birth to their child, while all around me I see folks who don't deserve to breathe the same air as these people thriving ("resentful"). This was the year that I realized we are entering late-stage humanity. I'm perpetually terrified of the strife and violence that will inevitably visit most of the people in the world. I feel hopeless today and most days.

Moving to the Tower House. I felt thrilled to be more in nature, not have a landlord on the premises, be in a whole house and heat with a wood stove. It has definitely been a step up in responsibilities. Also it is a mile from the ferry and not as close to many neighbors. i have felt isolated during the pandemic.

I lost my job in February 2020. I was quite devastated and hurt although over time was happy to have a break of seven months and time for a reset. Also provided me time to be with my children as they were out of school because of COVID.

I quit a couple of things that had been causing me a huge amount of anxiety- a part time job and being the head of my Masonic lodge. The amount of space that opened up emotionally from deciding to end these two things was immense. It helped me to learn that it was ok to let things go.

Being unemployed during a global pandemic. I went through a rollercoaster of feelings - sometimes grateful, sometimes resentful. I felt useless and like a failure and then I felt angry with myself for not taking advantage of this rare time off. I had moments of feeling trapped and others of feeling completely liberated. I spent my time working hard to transform my skillset and career into something else. I was so relieved when I got a job. And so was my husband. My unemployment really affected his mental health too.

parents having covid in June. I was so devastated and so scared, especially because I was so far away in SF, and even if I went home, I couldn't see them or care for them. When my dad went to the hospital, I was so scared of losing him. I was scared for my mom because she had pre-existing conditions that could complicate everything. I was so grateful for Bao being home, but I also felt so helpless being out of control and pacing around the apartment not knowing what to do. I was scared of waking up to bad news, and I hardly could sleep. I was grateful for work being so gracious. I was grateful I was healthy, but I was scared out of my mind. Hearing my dad barely able to speak on the phone was unbearable. I thought of the worst case scenario, and I wasn't ready for it. What did help me get through was the thought that my parents were survivors - they came here surviving, they fought their way to own their own business, they have survived so many odds. They would survive this. It was this thought that gave me hope that we as a family would survive this. If we could survive this, we could survive anything. It's a comforting thought that reminds me of who we are. I wish that this hadnt happened to them, but because of this experience, we grew as a family. We knew the gas station was no longer a risk worth taking for their health. I'm still shaken by this even months later. But I've grown, we've all grown, we'll continue to survive.

I changed my gender and my name. It's been a long time coming, since I was six actually. I'm in my 50s now. The turmoil leading up to claiming nonbinary status and changing my name was fraught with anxiety and future-tripping. Then it happened. I thought there would be more to change on the other side, but that's not what happened--at least not yet. It was the leap that I needed to take, not the leap and the rest. The rest is yet to come. I'm still wrapping my head around my new name. I'm still wondering what I want to wear and how else my nonbinariness will manifest. But I also don't have to worry about it. I'm ok being right in the middle of it as if out to sea on a life preserver where I can float without a specific destination. It's really all about becoming comfortable in my own skin. That feels great.

I would assume that this answer for everyone has got to at least include a nod to COVID-19. I can't yet count all the ways that this has affected me and my loved ones. I am grateful that all my loved ones are healthy--that most of them have had no trace of the virus and this that have seem to have recovered easily with no lasting effects. I am grateful that I have been able to spend more time with my children--time they would have all been off to school. I am grateful that my wife and I have good jobs that have allowed us to continue safely providing for our family. I am grateful that the extra time at home has allowed us to settle so many projects that had loomed so large for so long. I am relieved that so many of the stagnant and oppressive ways of pre-COVID existence are being or have been disrupted or obliterated. Clearly this process is ongoing, messy, and at times, disconcerting, but their is nevertheless a relief that so many things to which we clung so tightly have been stripped from our hands. Let it continue to be so. I am resentful of the nostalgic notions of returning to some semblance of pre-COVID consciousness--in any form that it presents itself. I can have empathy for the fear that drives the nostalgia. I can even understand why at times. Nevertheless, I have seen to much. I know from experience that you can not unsee what you have seen or untaste what you have tasted. There is no going back and I struggle with those who can't yet see that. I am inspired by all of the above...by the blessings that I recognize and for which I am grateful...by the relief that I feel that we are all doing so much of the hard work of progress together because we are being forced to do so...by the resentment that comes with wrestling with human beings doing the best that they can. We have never been here before. Where we go now is in our hands. We will make mistakes. We will fail in ways and soar in others. That is terrifying and inspiring.

I'm afraid that COVID and the ensuing isolation have overtaken any other experience in the past year. I seemed fine at first, enjoying a break from the work commute and enjoying more time to myself. I read more, started relearning Hebrew daily, spent more time with my dogs, baked lots of challot and enjoyed just sitting outside surrounded by trees and sunshine. For these things I am grateful. But then Passover came and went without family and although I cooked a holiday meal, set a beautiful table and Zoomed with my sons...what's a holiday without my boys home? I really resented having all this time off and not being able to visit my sons, help them move into their new home and just hang out. Then came the fires and we've been enshrouded in hazardous smoke for 10 days and can't even go outside or open a window! I am relieved that today, erev Rosh HaShana, after a huge thunder and lightening storm last night, the smoke is finally clearing! Hopefully the start of a much-needed sweet New Year!

This past year started out in a low spot. My young son had just been politely thrown out of his kindergarten after barely more than a week due to his under-treated ADHD. I took a leave of absence from work right when I was feeling more confident in it. I had to plow through paperwork to get my little guy properly cared for and registered in school, then work with him for months to get him able to attend full-time. And then life seemed better for a couple of months. My boy loved his amazing teacher and school. I was back at work part time and loving it. While this year has been horrible for virtually every person in the US, I keep trying to focus on this one bit of progress—that my little guy who had struggled so hard both with the crappy start to kindergarten and the awfulness of online learning in the spring started his first grade year online, at a new school (again, since we moved), and has had an overwhelmingly positive attitude about it since Day 1.

Aside from having to deal with the COVID 19 lock down, I survived a potentially life-ending or altering accident while boogie boarding in the ocean. My wife brought me in to safety and thankfully, my neck just had a small fracture and some ligamentous damage that seems to be healing as expected. My condition could have been much worse. Oddly, my outlook seems to be unchanged in that I still gratefully welcome each day eager to accomplish something, help others, or to simply have fun. I am relieved and inspired to get better. Certainly not resentful.

I fell off my front porch steps back in Feb. I was trying to walk up and balance myself with 2 bags of groceries. I fell backwards and it seemed that the ground was rushing up fast so I stuck out my right hand to protect my head from crashing on to the concrete sidewalk . It’s funny(not) but there seemed to be not one neighbor home, or maybe they saw me fall and were too embarrassed or laughing at me. But after lying there for a couple of minutes, the EMT training kicked in, I checked my head and no concussion, remembered my named, I didn’t break a hip, but my wrist was going counter clockwise. Drat!!. I had to figure out how to get off the ground with my left hand, I walked up the steps into my house, got some ice and drove to an emergency room. I was really hoping that my wrist would require a cast, but no. Surgery was the case they gave me. Everything happened exceedingly fast and looking back in hindsight, it was like I had just made it to the border of Never again normal land. After surgery I didn’t see my surgeon for almost 4 months, not even a phone call. It seemed I had to heal in isolation. Looking back and at it now, having recently completed a couple of months in physical therapy, I was really disappointed, it seemed that the Hippocratic oath ...failed. Just like 9-11. Waiting for a specific group to show up at your hospital, while turning away those who really needed help.

Watching our beautiful state of Oregon burn and witness what it means to lose everything, including your family members. I still haven't even processed what it will look like when we finally try to return to our beloved trails and lakes and forests -- but for now I'm just so grateful our home is standing and our air is starting to clear and I might be able to leave the house. "Lockdown" took on a whole new level when I wasn't able to walk out the door for 10 days...hearing the birds and having those daily walks in our little forested park and our neighborhood were my salvation. But there's just been so much loss this year, I honestly can't process it. My hope is this brings a collective shift in how we live and relate to each other and our natural world.

I think everyone has to say the pandemic. I think on one hand, it sucks. I miss folkdancing and other things I loved doing. But on the other, I've made a life for myself and adapted and took advantage of opportunities this pandemic created. There were things I would have never done, tried, learned if not for it..people I would have never met too.

I kind of feel like it's hard to talk about anything but the pandemic these days, but I'll list one "result": I moved in with my significant other. This had always been on the "roadmap," so to speak, but given that it's in the middle of a pandemic, this change is even more significant. It's a lot to be in the house with each other 24/7. Communication is always something we're working on, but it's nice to have someone around since my previous living situation had taken a turn for the lonely and was negatively impacting my mental health. I definitely feel an improvement and am happy that I still feel able to make progress even in these crazy times.

I found out that my big sister is having a baby. It is the most happy and excited I have ever felt about anything . I am overwhelmed with love for her.

Something told us to push up our wedding date from June to February. Two weeks later, 10 of us on a hill overlooking the city, dinner after at a local restaurant. It was perfect. I’m so grateful that we transitioned into shelter-in-place as a newly formed family. I feel blessed.

I imagine many people responded with the pandemic. For me it is definitely the significant experience of the past year, which has interred with things I planned and hoped to do, and with any spontaneous things that came up. I have the added inconvenience that I have a profound hearing loss. I use two cochlear implants to be able to hear and understand people and things. I am still undergoing rehab on my newer one for rehab practice to improve my understanding of speech. Although my understanding is improving, I rely heavily on lip reading to understand what people are saying. As a result this world where most people wear face-masks makes it difficult to impossible to understand what people are saying. I do not see this improving for a long time. I also miss seeing and being with family members and friends. Our daughter and grandchildren live 3,000 miles away. Others live scattered in many places in between.

My broadway tour, Book of Mormon closing prematurely. It closed March 11th without any notice, and we didn’t know it was the last show. It made me sad and angry and longing, now I feel grateful for the time we did have, and lucky to have worked and saved money. When the shut down happened, I realized how small I am in the greater picture. Not in a negative way, but in a way to surrender to the universe. To let it do what is intended. I am okay now with what has transpired.

Grateful for Jareds complete recovery, he’s been so happy, singing, such a pleasure given his severe disabilities. COVID has kept Jared home with dedicated teacher from his school and his morning respite gal has been wonderful. Constipation has been way better and overall health vastly improved. Great to see the twins grow with Adam and Jason in a stable relationships, careers and families. Grateful for our good health, considering our age (71/70) and 24X7 care for Jared.

While COVID-19 has been THE most significant event in the world - and I am filled with so wmany emotions, some conflicting with one another, it is not the experience that has happened to ME. Seven weeks and 4 days ago David B. replaced my left knee. I knew I had ben suffering, but the amount of relief I feel points out how bad it had been. I was not only in pain, but I gave myself permission to wallow (a tiny bit - I would never admit that is what I was doing at the time) in my condition. I all but ignored my food plan. I let others get things for me - especially if they were up or down stairs. I took an elevator when it was available. I parked close to buildings I needed to enter. And I was probably lazy in my relationships and every thing else I did. My Cheshbon nefesh is beginning to revolve around that more and more. I made a decision the week before surgery. When Dave cut the arthritic knee out of me, I would jettison all of that crap, that intentional obliviousness I had practically embraced. I would return to the food plan - not with a vengeance, but a determination that my very survival depended on it. I have stuck to it almost religiously. A few bites I should not have taken have been spit out. Exactly two were chewed and swallowed. But I have stuck to the plan. I am down 23 pounds from my all time high of 268 the morning of the surgery. And I feel great. I am not missing anything. And I am on top of my game again in so many other ways. It is not perfect. I a still cleaning up my side of the street. I am not wallowing. And I am entering into cheshbon hanefesh for the Yamim Noraim with a sense of excitement and hope, not dread. And I plan on doing the Hazon ride from Tel Aviv to Eilat (if it is happening) in November of 2021, just after my 60th birthday. I have found inspiration in the mirror. Happy Birthday to me.

I continued to speak out on important issues such as community and Black Lives Matter. Taking a moral stand and listening to other different opinions can sometimes be taxing but mostly rewarding. I am grateful to be alive and in a leadership role wherein I can use my voice for good.

covid19 has changed the world and I have been fortunate to have handled it well , mostly ,because I am retired and don't have to be exposed. Another thing this year was a fall on the ice that tore my rotator cuff bad, and I had surgery july31st, and am rehabbing now. Luckily, with the pandemic, it didn't change my life that dramatically.

A single experience? I bought a house in November. It was scary. It was after losing my previous home so I was grieving. I sort of clammed up and moved in without any emotion, barely made it through the holidays and then finally around March I broke down and started to heal from such a sudden and traumatic change. I know that may seem silly but I raised my son in that previous home. We had so many memories there. And I lost it so suddenly, so stupidly, due to my ex husband, that there was nothing I could do. So I bought this house. And it is still taking me months to actually live there. It’s almost been a year and there are still boxes. But it will be a home.

This year I took a leap of faith and started my Masters degree. It has put a lot of things into perspective for me. That I alone am enough. I am smart enough and I am deserving of the job of my dreams. I am so grateful for this gift and opportunity to help me see that. It is still challenging and my confidence is still beaten down by my current boss. But I know when I look back on this in a year I will be on a better place. I still am very sad that one person can be so incredibly jealous to beat down another. But I will survive.

Leadership with pathways. Inspired to stop playing victim and martyr role and having the courage to make agreements in place. 5 step to listen and hear people out.

Losing my job. I feel it has had its pros and cons. I was relieved to get away from the situation, work environment and my manager as it was a pretty negative environment. The job allowed me to move from Nottingham. I am also frustrated with my behaviour, repeated patterns and lack of consistency in my work performance. I don't think I Listened to my gut about the job in the beginning and never really wanted to be there. I have felt somewhat hopeless and negative about future employment prospects.

So much change Started going deeper writing meditation and yoga . Developed new exciting patterns

My church is at a crossroads: the church is small and does not own a building and the founding rector recently left. The prospect of change, which I believe is needed, is intriguing but there is division regarding what direction we should take. I currently feel it is a wilderness experience.

Coronavirus pandemic and California wild fires. I feel scared. Sometimes depressed and sad and despairing, like this could be it. That normal life for humans is forever changed. I hope not. It feels strange to be part of a generation living through such a tumultuous time when so much has changed. Just in my life we've seen cell phones, wifi, electric cars. Things no one ever had that are now indespensable. But now human life has changed the planet in such a scary way. Also the construction on the T tracks near our house has intensified and I'm having to deal with the noise and the smells and what feels like maybe water pollution as our water suddenly doesn't taste very good. So, just feeling the degradation of our planet, of our country. But on top of that I feel deep and abiding and regular joy being with my baby. He makes me so happy. He's so gorgeous and fun and relational. He has a great sense of humor and laughs all the time. He's a happy baby, and I'm so blessed and aware of it. Also having great times with Joel lately. Very appreciative of him. Devoted father and partner, regular check ins, takes care of me, beautiful, competent, smart, accomplished. I am very blessed.

My husband, John, died this past July 13th, early in the morning. We were together. I am grateful we were together till the end of his life here, relieved that he's no longer in pain, and broken that I've lost my best friend, lover, confidant, and soul mate.

Working from home for 6 months was unexpected, and homeschooling my kids through the second half of the school year was unexpected. As we are still living it, I’m not sure when I’ll be back to working in an office full time. The pandemic is horrible, and was horribly mismanaged. To date we have lost 200,000 American lives, most countries ban us from traveling to their shores, and 30% of the country still thinks it’s a flu and a hoax, thanks to the Orange occupant of the WH. But I’m grateful that I have a job, and I’m grateful to work for a company that allows me the flexibility to be home with my kids where they need me. I’m grateful that although I didn’t search this career out, it’s one that is keeping me employed and keeping a steady paycheck coming to my bank account. We are at this moment healthy and relatively happy, and for that I’m grateful beyond measure. I’m still scared that I could get sick, or one of my daughters could get sick. We are being vigilant when we are outside the home, and doing our best to avoid those who are too selfish to wear a mask or try to mitigate the spread to their fellow humans. Our house is warm, we have food, and ours pets are happy to provide companionship. We’ll keep on keeping on.

I believe many will have an experience here having to do with the Great Pandemic of 2020. For me, this time coincided with the time I had started studying The Stoics. Because of that, I was able to navigate the first few scary weeks with a detached eye, concentrating my efforts on my family, my neighbors, and my community. Because I kept my energies focused on the immediate, and the local, It made quitting Facebook and social media so much easier. I learned a lesson, that maybe we have too much connection, not to others but to technology, and soulless things. For the first time in my life, amidst of a shattering world, I am at peace with who I am. I am grateful for that.

I would like to think of something more positive, but right now Joan's death is heavy on my mind. Dealing with sorting out the apartment and dealing with the nursing home and funeral home. It makes me anxious about my own death. It makes me realize that I would like to make sure I do not leave others holding the bag of cleaning up my life. Or paying for it.

I became an unemployed musician for the first time in my life and actually filed for unemployment for the first time in my life. All due to COVID19. It's a mixed bag of resentment towards those who won't help prevent the spread so that I can work again, and being inspired to be creative in other ways within my industry.

In December of 2019, I had cardiac ablation surgery, to treat the supraventricular tachycardia I had struggled with for the past almost 50 years. The surgery was not an option until about a year earlier, when an episode of my excessively high heart rate was finally captured by a heart monitor, and the condition was definitively diagnosed. And then I was initially reluctant to have the surgery because the idea of the process kind of freaked me out. But I finally decided to undergo the surgery, and ever since I have been both relieved and grateful. I have not had an episode since, and I don't have to worry about having an episode ever again. Thank you, modern medicine!

COVID-19. Everything has changed. I love staying at home all the time, but... This world is sick, and we are the illness. It's only a matter of time before something happens that we as humans can't come back from.

Retirement happened. I had been anticipating and looking forward to it for a couple of years. Of course it was colored by the pandemic and so it wasn’t the entry into retirement that I expected. Nonetheless I feel blessed to have reached this new chapter.

I became a freelance writer! I just looked back through my emails, and saw that the first pitch I ever sent out got accepted on September 25th 2019, a tiny little bit under a year ago. Honestly, when I wrote that pitch, it was because of a conversation I'd had with my brother in Vancouver a few weeks before about how I was going to be supporting myself this year, because I was really worried about my finances, and I was really pitching just for the sake of saying I'd tried it. I had no expectation that it was going to be accepted. And then it was accepted! And for a lot more money than I ever would have thought to charge for my writing, too. I remember working on the last few paragraphs of that article in a freezing cold Tim Horton's on the day it was due, rushing to finish it up before I started my shift at the restaurant where I had just been hired. And then it got published! And then I started booking more work! And suddenly a small-town paper is hiring me to cover the Canadian election (one of the major party leaders had his riding in my city), and I'm getting work at local newspapers like EFN, then national magazines, and my short fiction is getting published, and I quit my restaurant job, and I'm getting some major freelance bylines, and now I work full-time for CBC. And when I look back over all of this, it just feels surreal. It's unbelievable - a little intimidating, in a good way, to think about what a whirlwind of accomplishments this last year has been. I am so grateful I have been able to build my career as a journalist in such a big way this year, when at this point last fall I was really doubting my ability to succeed in this field. I have no idea if I'm ever going to have a year like this again, in terms of such dramatic career growth, but I know I'll always look back on this as the solid foundation to my future as a journalist. And the funniest thing is, that first pitch that 'snowballed' into the rest of this? It was inspired by me complaining to my partner about having a sore neck, then joking about how 'sorneck' sounds like a Vulcan name from Star Trek. So I also feel very, very lucky to have such a supportive partner who listens to my absolute nonsense - sometimes, that absolute nonsense turns into a career-defining year.

Of course, the pandemic. But before that - Nicaragua. I spent a month in Nicaragua this winter. I immersed myself in another culture and started my travel adventures! I loved it. So grateful I can do this. It is showing me more and more about the rest of the world and how my experience as a privileged white person has clouded that. I want to do more.

This year I had a baby! We had to try for almost four years and do six rounds of infertility treatment but he’s finally here. I think one of the things about 2020 is that, despite all of the hard things happening in the world around me, in my cozy home my dreams have come true. I now have everything I’ve ever wanted. There’s such a disconnect to what’s happening around me sometimes. I am learning to balance the joy of new motherhood with the grief I feel for all of the hard things happening in the world. I often look at my smiling nine week old baby and wonder how, when such inherent beauty exists in the world, when dreams come true and struggles cease, there are people who are still struggling on and awful things happening and such cruelty on a real and public scale.

In the past year, my first grandson was born. I got to be with my daughter during labor and delivery, which was an awesome experience. I loved helping out the young family afterwards, as well. Those experiences also inspired me to begin training as a childbirth educator and doula (including postpartum doula), as part of the heath coaching business I am building.

Outside the pandemic which has been all-consuming, I have been inspired by the renewed attention to race and inequity that our country continues to grapple with. I was able to take some of these themes and develop a new campaign at work which was very fulfilling as well, taking my beliefs and putting them into action.

Could anything be more significant than a global pandemic? Ways I am resentful: I am frustrated in my response and how easily I have been overwhelmed by this, the wildfires, increased national and global fascism and hatred, and the demise of the planet. I have let myself go and feel week, unhealthy and useless. Ways I am grateful: I have gone inward and spent much time honestly and openly examining myself and trying to really, clearly see and embrace all that I am. It's hard work and I hope to mature and hone to a better self through it all.

The significant experience I have experienced this past year has been the money that I was living off of in now depleted. It still affected me but I was not caught off guard. Each time the statement came I would get upset because the stock market was tanking and shortening the time I had left. I am grateful that I had this income for the last 16 years. In some ways I am relieved. This day as arrived and now I need to move on. Yes, there is some resentment because I felt cheated due to the stock market crash. Yes, I do feel inspired to find out what God would like me to do.

I had meningitis. I'm sure that I should say COVID, but honestly, my meningitis was far more impactful on my life. It was horrifically painful, brought huge cracks into our marriage, forced me to reconsider the kind of mom I could be and it forced my kids to grow up way to quickly. Im still dealing with the issues. Im super pissed about my bad luck. Annoyed that its still an issue almost 9 months later.

This question has really got me thinking about how the COVID-19 pandemic will probably color all my answers to the 10Q questions this year. A lot of things come to mind when I think of "significant experiences" this year, mostly because everything seems new and significant, but probably the most significant thing is the complete change to my lifestyle and income since the lockdown began in mid-March. I went from teaching yoga six days per week (and driving to Ojai for four of those days), to barely teaching any classes (two virtual and one in-person class per week on the schedule, but very lightly attended, if at all). Now, it's true that before the lockdown, many of my yoga classes had no students and I had been seriously considering dropping the ones in Ojai, but to have the classes cancelled and the studio closed rather than to give up teaching of my own volition makes it seem so much worse. If I'm being honest, though, I really like that I'm able to spend more time at home and to work on developing my skills and teaching style, although I'm sure missing the regular paychecks.

I drove back solo from St Louis to Toronto right at the start of the year. It was really relaxing, if slightly heavy on the solitude. I could go at my own pace, and the weather held. I guess crossing the border isn't something that's so easy these days.

Well, there's been a global pandemic. I'm all of those things. Life is so strange right now and I wonder what will be in a year. The pandemic has caused so much loss--of course of lives, but also of experiences. No conventions, no camp, and no successful job hunt. Plus, it's been so isolating. But, I find sparks of joy and moments of happiness. And try to connect as best I can.

I gave birth to my beautiful daughter! She's taught me so much about slowing down, staying in the moment, taking one day at a time, and seeing the beauty in small, everyday things.

I don't want to get too heavy on this platform. At least not yet. Something significant that happened was my wife becoming pregnant. It made me feel all of those adjectives and then some. Overall, I'm thinking more and more about the person I want to be. I am no longer acting in my own self interest and I'm not sure how much control I have over the outcome.

You know, everybody mourns, everybody grieves over the dead. Everybody assumes that loss of life is the worst grief there is. But grieving over someone who is still walking around, I assured, is life's greatest tragedy that no one ever talks about. Yeah, heartbreak is one thing, it's a tremendous kick to the crans; but what I am talking about is soul wrenching, all encompassing, loss of all function, never ending ache. Paths taken, voluntary choices make that take people out of each other's life. A forever fare-thee-well. It is super strange feeling; a closeness to someone not so far away; but far away enough that's so far you're on different waves of existence now. I ceased to function for much of the year. I went through the steps, I showed up to work, I went grocery shopping. I paid my bills. But when all went quiet, I died. I not talking a few tears and a stuffy nose. I am talking a deep dark hole, not knowing a way out. I am talking about death. Endless time wishing you were gone. I am nothing but resentful. F. Scott Fitzgerald said it best: You never know exactly how much space you occupied in peoples lives. But don't you? Surely, everything that was between us, wasn't just one sided. I believe in the school of thought- that actions speak louder than words. So each day that goes by, each day that you consciously allow the space between us to grown, show your actions. You can decorate absence how ever you want--but you're still going to feel what's missing. I think of you so often, you have no idea, And I really hope a day will come when I can willingly go without you. Surely this grief has to come with an expiration date.

Lung cancer... It changed my life for the worse in one way, and for the better in other ways. I've been able to remove much of my different business responsibilities, and start to focus more on my wife, family, and my home B&B. The down side of course is all the medical issues that come along with my sicknesses. The worse by far is the cathiter and having to wear a bag to pee.

This year has been full of experiences- my separation and spending half of the last 8 months living with my mom in Louisville, graduation and changing roles. All are interrelated, and attached to me slowly and painfully breaking out of the to small space for myself and seeking space for freedom and growth. I have been going through a dark tunnel, and it has been hard and sad and scary, but also the right path. I am proud of my personal integrity and grateful for the support I’ve had on the journey but it’s not done yet.

I led our congregation in a pandemic. There is very little this compares to. It was incredibly stressful, exhausting--physically and psychically. I've alos been inspired by the power of our community. We are stronger now, IMO, than we were 6 months ago, and that is saying a lot. I'm stronger now too. By and large I did this without losing my cool--not quite entirely, which is too bad, but Hey! I'm only human.

I moved in with my girlfriend. It turned out that I loved the house and not her. I feel guilty but I did not consciously do wrong. How did it affect me? I had maybe the best summer ever.

Coronavirus was a pretty huge experience. I was lucky to have it so much easier than most, and for that I’m immensely grateful. But it still introduced a level of uncertainty into my life that I’ve never experienced before, despite the transient lifestyle I live. However, it also forced me to slow down and really focus on taking time for myself. It caused me to focus more on the quality of my relationships with others, especially since I’m notoriously bad at reaching out. It was there STOP that I didn’t know I needed, especially having never taken a break for more than a month at a time.

I needed major house repairs. One of the hardest things for me to do is reach out for help but I did and insurance got involved. I was so stressed but I just had to trust that everything would be ok and it was . I’m grateful as a newish homeowner to have that experience behind me and feel better prepared to deal with issues in the future

Obviously, the lock down (or perhaps, more accurately, our self-imposed isolation) is the biggest event of this past year. We have stayed at home with groceries delivered, online exercise classes, online acting class, and acting opportunities. It definitely takes its toll. We are definitely grateful that we have the ability and resources to continue a relatively near-normal life while staying isolated. Relieved that we are retired and that I don't have to cope with work-related matters. Also glad to not be home schooling children! Resentful, yes, that our travel plans are all pretty much out the window. We are still trying to plan for the more distant future, hoping for the best, in many ways. Inspired to take on new activities: drawing, crafts, acting. I have many options and interests - again, blessed

My new job was a fresh breath of air that I didn't know I needed until I was able to retrospectively look back on the years at my last organization. While I'm grateful for my time there - I made life long friends, I was positioned to do some of the more exciting type of work available and it helped me realize what I'm most passionate about as a career - other circumstances also made me feel small, boxed in and less than to feel truly excited and happy to be at my job and do the work. Over the last 9 months (wow), I can say that I'm in a wonderful place that allows me to build, create and grow to however high my ambition takes me. This is a reminder that often when you are in a cycle or a rut of unhappiness, or even contentment, that you don't always realize it in the moment...even if that moment isn't actually a moment, but rather several months or years. It takes taking yourself out of the normal swing of things to compartmentalize your norm and reflect on what's really going on.

It's hard not to focus on the significant effects COVID-19 has had on my family and me, including the uncertainty in the kids' educations and our jobs and future financial wellbeing. Of course, there have been positives too - more time with the family and more time spent outdoors trying gardening. However, I'm trying to focus on the positive, and a significant experience for me that was positive and not COVID related was going back to the UK and London with my husband in January, to experience it so differently as a tourist, and to recognize what I like about it, what I respected, and what I was relieved to have left behind in the story of my life... it was interesting to think about how different my life would have been had I stayed there in 2004, plugged through as an investment banker, and continued to experience the loneliness of being a solo American professional woman and Jew in that city and society. It made me happy I'd followed my gut and made the decision to leave when I did, despite the feelings of failure I had at the time and often since. Yet I also very much enjoyed the visit and gained new perspectives on the place.

I became old. At 76-and-a-half, not surprising, right? But suddenly this year, the normal trending downwards is getting in my damn way. Walking is more work, seeing, remembering, juggling keys and bundles— it’s all Trump’s fault!

So many things happened this year on a global, local, and personal level. First, of course, is the pandemic. Pretty much we've been locked up for the last seven months. The result has been a lot of anxiety, fear, and concern. My business was affected by having to stop working in my office and work from home. My office has been an expensive p.o. box. It's difficult to know what to do in terms of trying to sub-lease or just try to find someone to take it over. The riots happening in downtown, while hasn't affected me personally, has added to the overall tension. Then there is the presidential election. There seems to be so much riding on this one. I've never felt so anxious about a presidential election before. And most recently was the fires that have kept us locked in our houses for the past two weeks. On a professional level, I've had a very good year financially and started a virtual group that is going well. I'm grateful that we all have our health and so far none of us have been affected by Covid-19. There are actually many things to be grateful for, and it's important with all the shit seeming to fly in our faces that we remember how much there is to be grateful for; Our health, we have money, a home, and support.

I have finally come out about my sexuality. I no longer feel the need to hide it. I am not ashamed. My friends have been so amazingly supportive and loving. I no longer question whether I actually belong in those social groups, because I've been honest, and they have held me up.

This year has been a shit show. My mother died. My cancer metastasized. One of my best friend's died. Too many have died. I am not grateful. I am not resentful. I am sad and angry. I have a boatload of tears that won't come out. I think I'm afraid because they may never stop.

I cleaned up my relationship junk, got closure from the past and then I met Luis!!! Soooo grateful, also relieved I met ‘the one’ after thinking maybe he didn’t exist. Inspired for so much of my future now that I’ve met my match. So full of love!

Had to look back to see what I was doing before Covid and wham, realized that I had nose surgery leading to a set of tests to see if cancer found in a small throat tonsil tissue had any spread in my body (no). Grateful and subsequently a new test showed nothing alarming. Meanwhile, decided to have cataract surgery since all of our travel plans have fallen apart due to Covid - particularly overseas travel Started some new projects and then all of the FTF meetings turned into Zooming. I am much more deadened by the constancy of what I am calling Coronas: The Plagues of the United States to be incorporated into an art piece. The social distancing and our now week of smoke air has sapped my focus, energy, enthusiasm for tomorrow.

Covid-19. I am all of the above. It has completed turn the world in it’s head, made is all look inward and take stock of what we value. It has been massively challenging and also generous in giving us so much time at home with our families.

My wedding date came and passed without a wedding, thanks to the virus. It was sad and I am a bit resentful of those who have gotten to have their special days without this chaos, but I also feel relief knowing we made the safe and smart decision.

Pandemic and lockdown - stuck at home for 6 months now and trying hard not to catch this disease. Ironically, my physical isolation has made me feel even more connected to the world community, because of all the things I've had to do on zoom. My little San Diego temple community was local. Now, because we can't hold services at the temple, we are providing programs online for devotees worldwide. I spend time every week with some 400 people from around the world. I miss seeing people in person, but I think this widening of my social circle will last a lifetime - long after it is safe again to mingle in public. So I guess I am grateful for that. And inspired. My career plans even changed because of this. Life is an adventure.

2020 was all about Covid19 - the flu-like pandemic that has attacked the entire world, literally shutting down the world from travel to schools to nearly 200,000 people in America dying. Our country's numbers are astronomical because our idiot leader Trump, who must be defeated November 3, looked at this as a distraction. He did not protect the nation. He is a despicable, narcassitic human being who is to capable of being the president. But that is another issue altogether. Too many people worldwide have died of this virus. Our nation was neither prepared nor lead well to keep this fast-spreading virus at bay. No 0ther single issue has affected the world since the 1918 Spanish flu like this. There was no camp, no vacations, no school except virtually, no theater, no concerts,....no nothing. Zoom became the means of communication. And, the end is not in sight. It began in China and spread like wild fire. Families have been devastated. Other issues of great concern: climate change variables like hurricanes and floods and wild fires that are out of control and horrendous killings/shootings of black men especially. Protests abounded and violence erupted throughout the nation. Specific killings have been the result of police brutality and have caused a tipping point that will result, finally, in change. And, yes, this election MUST shoot Trump out of office. He has done more damage to our nation than any other president. He must go.

The most significant experience of this past year has been the COVID-19 pandemic forcing me to work from home for the last 6+ months. It has been a very stressful time. I am grateful for the fact that I have been able to focus on my health more and gotten to know my children better. I also am grateful that I have a good job that has worked with me to manage the strange situation that came about when all of the schools in the state closed and that we have a good and safe home to be in. I am relieved that my work has not forced me to put myself in harm's way. I am very resentful to the Trump administration and Governor Ducey for being a lackey to the Trump administration. It is shameful that the United States has not been a leader in how it has managed the pandemic and I am sad for the 200,000 + lives that have been lost in this country due to COVID-19.

This almost feels like a trick question. The pandemic is the most significant experience of the past year, by far. Ironically, it has affected me in ways that I think most people can't relate to. I feel more at peace with my life than I have in a while. I feel more relaxed. More comfortable. More myself, even. I think it comes from a place of feeling like I can finally be an absolutely sheltered homebody without any judgment. No one is saying, "you should get out more" these days. All of that being said, I also feel scared. I worry that this will never end. I worry that it will impact my family, friends, and loved ones directly. I worry that it has changed our country so much that we will never be able to experience what life was like before this again. But I also feel inspired to learn new things. To make the most of every single day. To tell people how I really feel, because what do I have to lose. You know, "you're never promised tomorrow" and all that. All in all, I think it's been a positive experience. Now if only I could have experienced it without 200,000 people dying.

Shared our home With my son Daniel and grandsons Leo and Maxwell for the first three months of the pandemic It was both wonderful and very hard The boys are 6 and 9 We also have a 12 and 20 yr old here Overall, went pretty well It was a challenging time

The death of my beloved dachshund followed by my Mom's terminal cancer diagnosis and subsequent 2 month stay in hospice before Mom's death remain pervasive in my heart and mind. Am I grateful? Oddly, yes. Neither Mom or my dog are plagued by the diseases that took them from me. Inspired ? In a way, yes. I know what to live more aware, more appreciative of what Life offers. It's incredibly hard but, worth it.

I finished school in May and then moved out to Colorado for my first real, out of school job. And I was able to discovery the physicality of joy, you know? Like before, it was all joy pulled from a place of study and academia and mental challenge. But here, it feels like reading rapids correctly, and pulling the crux on a multipitch climb, and making salad and eating it in the sunlight. And it feels SO good.

COVIDCOVIDCOVID Tired. Engulfed. Happy to have my family with me, without wanting to kill each other or go insane. Lucky to have a nice house with a garden where we can just hang out. Sad that my children are missing rite of passage experiences, and super sad that there are so many people so much worse off.

Though it resulted in postponing our wedding, grateful we took the opportunity to do a family trip to Europe when we did, since any future travel is uncertain. The kids bring this up a lot, which makes me happy.

#COVID19 Specifically: - the border closure (all my partners are stateside) - the cancellation of all SCA events March-December, including the entire camping season (Trillies, Pennsic, AWP, Bonfield) - 6 months and counting of lockdown I've documented much of the impact of C19 on my DW, but I have to say that while I am grateful that I CAN keep working virtually through the pandemic, and for good money, that doing so in isolation has sucked. Emotional shopping has been at an all-time high, depression has dropped me to all-time lows, I sleep a lot, I do very little creative, my home care and personal care have all suffered drastically. "Nevertheless, she persisted."

Not counting general COVID, I would say getting involved with the Black Lives Matter protests that began in June has been the most inspiring to me. It's been arduous speaking my truth and standing my ground. It's required a lot of checking myself and my intentions and my privilege and requiring more courage and integrity from myself. It's been a catalyst for learning and difficult discussions and a commitment to be a better version of myself.

Clearly Covid-19 has affected my whole world. It has changed how I teach, making it so I taught remotely for the second half of the spring semester and the whole of the summer. Fortunately we have made accommodations to teach some classes on campus this fall (complete with masks and social distancing) but it still feels strange. One of my students commented the other day that he still doesn't know what I or his other students really look like. I find the change in teaching has affected my mood a great deal. I am still struggling, but coming back to campus changed my mood for the better in a big way. When I was teaching at home I slipped into not changing out of my PJ's until after I taught my morning class, and that was not good for my mental health. Now I have to be in the office around 8am, and showered and teeth and hair pushed. It really helps a lot.

I started teaching kids full time. This time last year (Sept 2019) I was exhausted every day (and still am). On my way home for Shabbat dinner for the first time since becoming a teacher, I cried when I got to the top of my street. I felt so overwhelmed and also relieved to have a home and people I love to come home to. This year has been just as wild since I am teaching virtually, it feels like I'm doing it for the first time all over again. I still feel exhausted, but at no point was I ever broken, I still served the students to the best of my ability, made time to listen to them, help them, and love them, and I am proud of that.

My father died this spring. I still don’t know the extent to which it affects me. There was a lot of anger. Mostly directed at his wife, who I have always had a difficult time with. My grief redirected into a lot of being fed up. Fed up with the overcommittments. Fed up with trying to do everything for everybody else. Complete unwillingness to put up with mistreatment of my friend. My dad’s death, which I did not publicly acknowledge at all, tipped the balance in so many of my decisions and actions. The ripple effects will continue for a long time.

I raised a child through the newborn stage. Rolling, crawling, and walking all before a year old. I'm relieved that everything has gone relatively smoothly, sad that it went so fast and he won't be my tiny baby forever, and exhausted by the challenges of motherhood. My son doesn't sleep well independently so I'm not just a mama during waking hours when I'm not at work, but all through the night as well. I am tired but happy.

My Eulogy for Daddy 💔😔 1/27/1939-8/22/2020 “My father wasn’t a man of many words. We could sit in silence and just be. His eyes could be closed, but he still always, truly saw me. When he was next to me, we did not need to speak and I didn’t have to think. Yet, as an overthinking, chatterbox, you would think that bathing in his stillness would place limits on our relationship. But, it was quite the opposite. My father’s impact was significant - he was a profound, calming force in my life that can never be replaced. While his body failed him, he was the strongest man I’ve ever known. During the last six months I only saw him a few times - I wanted to keep him safe. But we spoke more than we ever had before, enough to reinforce that he loved me and my family selflessly and unconditionally. *****did the best with what he was given every single day, and without fail, gave everyone his whole heart whenever he could. He was an outstanding human being, devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother in law, uncle, and friend. While he hated fuss of any kind - he would be so happy knowing you’re all here (on and offline) to honor his memory - he loved you all so much. And - at the end of the day - that’s all that matters.... showing the people who you love, that you love them .... because we are all one blink away from stardust. I know my father always said he was “fine”.... and I also know he just wanted to shield all of us from his pain and suffering resulting from years of layers and layers of sickness ..... he did not deserve this ..... My father was a good man who always just wanted peace.... and I promise to continue to try and make him proud of me by listening to people, living peacefully, and leading with love by example. To close, I’d like to share a short reading depicting how I’d like to believe he left this earth ...... 💞 “The Ascending” I have passed a mountain peak and my soul is soaring in the Firmament of complete and unbound freedom; I am far, far away, my companions, and the clouds are hiding the hills from my eyes. The valleys are becoming flooded with an ocean of silence, and the hands of oblivion are engulfing the roads and the houses. The prairies and fields are disappearing behind a white specter that looks like the spring cloud, yellow as the candlelight and red as the twilight. The songs of the waves and the humans of the streams are scattered, and the voices of the throngs reduced to silence; And I can hear naught but the music of Eternity in exact harmony with the spirit's desires. I am cloaked in full whiteness; I am in comfort; I am in peace. Daddy - I will love you forever and miss you until the end of time.”

The most significant experience for me was covid and the related isolation. It has deeply impacted me in so many ways and I feel grateful for my family. Resentful of the stress. Inspired by the change it has brought.

The pandemic, obviously. It does make me angry and resentful. It was handled so poorly in this country (and many others, really) by individuals and pretty much every level of leadership and government. This could have been over, but instead it’s just like we are all just waiting for our turn to get sick. And I’m really angry that I seem to be the only one who takes it seriously anymore - and most of my friends who I do see out and about aren’t suffering any consequences. But you know the second I eat at a restaurant I’m going to be the one in the ICU. Fucking infuriating. We are clearly NOT all in this together.

I got married! Jack and I got married on August 8th, 2020 and it was perfect. We were worried the pandemic would ruin things, but it was even more perfect than I could have imagined. I am so grateful for how everything turned out. Also we bought a house! I am so very grateful that we were not only able to buy a house, but we closed and moved in literally a week before the city went into lock down. I am so lucky that I got to quarantine in our new house with Jack. I had an office space that made working from home so much easier.

CoVid is the obvious one. After some initial panic and then some stress over Steve taking it seriously, I managed to calm down and almost enjoy the slower pace of everything. Steve and I spent months together in our condo - enjoying each other's company, making food and music together. With so many unknowns I managed to feel incredibly grateful for everything we have: a nice home, access to food and drink, Steve's income, technology to stay connected with friends and loved ones. I've also been amazed that my anxiety and need to know about upcoming plans and events have not been a huge issue - especially in the first 3-5 months. I'm grateful for that.

COVID would be the most popular answer, however the social justice awareness was one that has had an affect on me. Trying to change the minds of a lifetime of injustice towards a group of people just based on their skin color, religious beliefs, etc. is a huge task. Marching with the PEACEFUL protesters caused me to think about my privilege and ways to keep it in check. Try to find ways to uplift those who have been (literally) stepped on in the past. Help where I can and shut my mouth when I need to.

So much happened it would be impossible to pick just one- the world changed and we became one in pain. Many horrible traumas occurred including the death of my dad. It was terrible to be unable to burry him with family. Some small blessing and silver linings with kindness throughout the world and new zoom friends.

Getting laid off from RCG happened. It was a miserable experience, and I'm not sure it's gotten any better - but it may have been necessary to free me up for the next step. Without it, I might not be starting the deeper work that's necessary to move on with my life.

All the help people have given me generally, and also with regard to my book. Many people read my manuscript and gave it rave reviews. Now, however, I am waiting (for the past three months) to hear from the publisher I sent it to. It's a wonderful book that would have a positive impact on the world, but without getting published that can't happen. AND SO, I am wondering about my purpose in life.

Victoria moved in with me in Seattle! I'm intensely grateful for that. It was super stressful while we were in the "limbo" stages - in March when the pandemic was closing in and we weren't sure if we would not see each other indefinitely or take the plunge and live together, and also in ~May - June when we started to see that it would be impractical for Victoria to move back and decided to start looking for places to live together next year.

For me, it was the "perfect storm" of West Coast wildfires and Covid taking place at the same time, not to mention the ongoing horrors of the Trump Administration. In so many ways, it was hard to breathe and I am exhausted.

I was reminded of some things I wanted to forget. I was happy and at peace before that, but poking at the things better left to rest only brought me misery. I became quite depressed and my self-esteem got hit really bad. As a result, I reached for another relic from the past, a strategy to make me forget again. But the strategy sucks, yet I don't seem to care.

After fighting it for many years, I started medication for anxiety and low grade depression. While probably accelerated because of the pandemic, it is something that should have happened years ago. I feel really relieved, and it is definitely making a difference in how I interact with my family and with my work.

Honestly. Being diagnosed with Sjogren’s was significant. It allowed me to get on medication which has allowed me to feel better. It’s also given me a way to advocate for myself with family and friends.

Are you kidding? Covid19! It has frustrated me because of losing a vacation due to it, and angered me, and left me in a long term feeling of sadness, loneliness, low-level depression, and fear. It is more or less taking away a year of my already older life.

Just a little pandemic named Covid-19. While my feelings on it are uniformly negative, it has definitely affected me in mixed ways. I finished graduate school online, muting the celebration of it all quite a bit. It took away opportunities for travel, specifically seeing an elderly relative. On the flip side, I slowed down and took a needed break while also moving in and, in various forms, committing to a cis male partner. I really try to be grateful and/or reframe to a lens of gratefulness with all life experiences. That has been poked a little, but really hasn't changed. The pace shift has helped me be even more introspective--moving away from externalizing, looking and feeling about things rather than blindly moving forward. I think that's been good for me. I feel thankful for the privileges and goodness I still consistently have in these weird times, and try to honor the difficulties as they pop up.

In December-January/Kislev-Tevet, inspired by a book on attachment theory, I embarked on an attempt to go on as many low-pressure dates with as many people as I possibly could. The experience reminded me that I am interesting, fun, likable, and even desirable, and helped me internalize that I didn't have to cling to the first person who showed me affection like my love life depended on it. I even found my current partner from the experience, and felt that we were able to genuinely choose each other. I am still sort of in awe that such a simple shift in mindset and willingness to be vulnerable produced so much benefit in my self-image and relationships.

This year has been quite a weird one and I have have several significant experiences. Covid happened which led to a complete shutdown of the world. Then I was diagnosed with fibroids and instead of celebrating what I thoufhr would have happened by Maay, I has to have surgery to remove fibroids. So, I'm not pregnant ☹. I'm sad and disappointed. I don't know what God's plan is. Fernando,Lisa's husband attempted to commit suicide yesterday as a last ditch resort to try and manipulate her. He is currently in the ICU. Hopefully, he'll pull through and get deported. I'm mostly mad at him for being so selfish.

I gave birth to a beautiful, amazing boy!

I graduated!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 4.0 GPA SUMMA CUM LAUDE HIGHEST HONORS IN BOTH MAJORS At 54 years old, after 7 years in school, more than 30 classes. I am beyond grateful, somewhat relieved, not at all resentful and completely inspired. I never dreamed I would be capable of being so successful at learning. The journey to my degree changed me permanently, and I believe it is for the better. I have a super power now, a very very bright, focused light, which can be shone on anything I wish to comprehend.

My family was challenged with serious health matters but things are better now. I am grateful for improvement.

The birth of my son, Royce. It was absolutely not what I expected, even though I did not have may expectations for labor it was overwhelming to say the least. With that said, I could not be more grateful to have a healthy, stunning, incredible, sweet, loving and smart boy. Every day is an absolute gift. I see life from a whole new lens and experience a love I have never felt before. I am so grateful for this incredible adventure of a life with him and Alex. He has brought so much joy to us and our families/friends. Beyond inspired to be grateful and present in every moment. Inspired to practice living a life I would want for my son.

COVID! Being house bound for 6 plus months with husband. Cut off from elderly mother, friends, family. I’ve grown closer to husband. A surprising, lovely discovery of warmth and humor in our relationship. I’ve surprised myself by being able to stay calm and relatively centered through catastrophic challenges. I’m grateful for these discoveries plus my ability to maintain my practice when so many others have lost jobs and homes.

Ha! You mean COVID? Not getting to see Aaron for more than 6 months? Having his Patagonia NOLS trip cancelled at the very last minute? Seeing so much of life turned upside down by the pandemic? Aaron leaving M&T and moving down to Philly with Abby? His painful chapter with New Western Acquisitions? His having been accepted into Maryland's MBA program? Her having been accepted to Villanova? Having a renter and a buyer for 255 Burns Road? This string of "significant experiences" is like the song Dayenu. It would have been enough. Each of those things would have been enough to be termed "significant". Taken together they have been a tsunami of "significant". How did these things affect me? They collectively overwhelmed me, humbled me, terrified me, and crushed me emotionally. Many many sleepless nights. And yet...and yet...collectively they also re-taught me that painfully difficult lesson I seem to need to re-learn every so often (perhaps far too often): To TRUST! To let go of all those things I cannot control [eg. ALL OF THE ABOVE] and stop trying to control them or even pretending I can. To entrust my life, and everything about it, to G-d. And to trust that, in His far wiser and more powerful hands, all will turn out just as it is meant to. AND the reminder I seem to need again and again, that even when life does not seem to be turning out the way we want it to, and nothing seems to make sense, in hindsight there will someday be clarity we don't have today. Someday, it will indeed all make sense. Until then, just hang on and keep the faith.

COVID-19 swept through the world. My wife was furloughed for 3 months, which was fine, because she got unemployment and supplemental unemployment. But I'm a bit resentful and also weirdly grateful at the same time because my office furloughed the majority of the staff, but I retained my job and kept coming into the office as normal. I'm grateful to have retained my job, of course. There's always uncertainty as to whether the job will be there when it's time to return. But I'm resentful that I missed that amazing time at home with my wife when it felt like the world was going to hell, and also selfishly, that I missed that amount of time to catch up on movies, tv, and gaming. I also would have made more money with the supplemental unemployment money from the government. So my emotions are very confused around this time.

COVID-19. I don't think there is ANY way I could have predicted what that would be like or what the experience would be. How has it affected me...hmm. I feel CONSTANTLY exhausted, stressed, and much more prone to anger and tears. There is never, ever a break - from the kids, from 'work' (which is at home), from other people, from the situation, from trying to manage it all...sometimes it just feels like it is way, way too much.

My journey had lead me ceremonial magick in early July and I cannot express how grateful I am for this experience. With this study, I'm learning how to maneuver through my depression, harness my will and change my reality.

Being stuck indoors because of Covid and, searching for something to do, finding online writing courses via Zoom. I have found myself in a community of writers - or several in fact,and am working my way out of self-obsessed memoir writing, back into fiction. I am very grateful, relieved to be writing again, just recently found my first character again, now seeing where she is there days, promising.

Quarantine was very difficult, but it decreased my anxiety to be at home more. I was really surprised by that. I like working from home, and while I miss people, all this tech stuff has been kinda fun.

I've discovered a great interest in Phytotherapy. Now this is something that interested me in the past but I simply did not think much of it as everything about Phytotherapy seemed like a bundle of old wives tales and snake oil sale. This year I was able to approach it differenttly: combining my interest in History with my scientifically driven mind. I now study the traditions that originated certain natural remedies and hold them up against up-to-date scientific research on the subject and I can honestly say that I feel like I took a tumble down a rabbit hole of folk wisdom that's backed up by actual and proven science. I'm absolutely loving it and wanting to go deeper and deeper!

My father had a stroke at the end of June. It made me realize how much my parents have aged. I no longer see them the way I used to. Now I notice the grey hair and the slowness in their stride. Oddly enough I’m grateful that it happened. It’s made me open my eyes and cherish small moments even more.

I'm sure everyone will answer "coronavirus". It has certainly affected my life for the worse. Almost no get-togethers with friends (I have seen Anita, Tom, and Chip in limited ways), made me apprehensive about vounteer activities (but I still keep doing them), and canceled a major trip to Scotland. I have not been too hampered in what I like to do, other than the gym, and I've made up for it with home workouts. I worry about Jeff being so bored and inactive. As for feeings, apprehensive, grateful that I have the resources (financial and Jeff) to survive through this, incredibly angry at the idiot occupying the WH and his moronic followers for making this 10 times worse than it had to be.

Managing a house during a pandemic! Looking after bills, the boiler/my toilet/my shower breaking, buying food every week, cooking and cleaning and generally being an adult! I feel grown up, but at times felt resentful at how easy my housemates had it while I took on all the responsibility myself.

There were so many significant experiences. Hard to pick one. The one with the most unknowns, the most anxiety was the birth of my next granddaughter. Her mom, my daughter, has wanted a second child for some time. This was officially a geriatric pregnancy. Lots of complications and consequences other than the baby. Baby arrived with help and support. She's mysterious and wonderful and adventurous and capable of great joy. We love her in all the best ways. I worried for my daughter's health and still do a little. But, worry is not something I do easily.

The COVID-19 pandemic is by far the most significant experience of the past year. It has affected me in a few ways. First, my entire family has been home for the duration. I'm grateful to have this time to watch my daughters grow and evolve. That said, having them unable to go to school and camp has also been very difficult. After our experience with virtual school in the spring, we decided to get help for the fall and that has been invaluable and I'm very grateful to be able to afford it.

Oh my gosh, so many things. Paul and I are engaged! That happened February 17th in Switzerland on top of a mountain with the Matterhorn looking over. It was magical, we were literally on top of the world. However, so many tragic things are happening this year. Too may deaths of black lives at the hands of police, COVID, climate change causing so many catastrophic events (fires, hurricanes/cyclones, etc). With everything happening, I'm so thankful for my job, Paul, my health, having so many friends and family who I care about and them me. Everything happening is so sad and tragic, but it really makes you grateful and thankful for what you have. Don't take anything or anyone for granted.

Finding out we were infertile. A pandemic that caused me to not see my own mom for almost four months. My brother in law dying suddenly. Not going to Hawaii because everyone treated covid like a joke. This year has been absolute shit.

COVID is a significant experience that has happened in the past year. I stopped work on March 18, 2020. My husband had to work from home as his lung specialist said, "I won't sugarcoat this. If you get it, there is a high probability that you will die." Luckily he was permitted to return to work after 2 months. During that time his back started to hurt so much that we were very sedentary. Finally, I got to work September 9th. Then a sore throat had me getting a test that I don't feel I required. I waited 5 days with no result sent. Finally I took it into my own hands and found my negative result online. I am all those: grateful, relieved, resentful and inspired. I lived in fear for 6 months and gained weight. I am grateful for time with my husband. I am relieved I DO know my body and was correct with my health assessment. I am resentful that my husband is feeling pain and there is nothing I can do; migraines, neurological pain, constipation, hot flashes, etc from medication that isn't solving his lung problem. I am resentful that I had to wait 5 days to not get results thus declining 5 days of work. I am inspired to try to come up with something I can do, other than video games, while I kill time at home, alone, waiting. I'm angry that my husband is sick. I am angry that COVID has kyboshed my perfect life. I am angry that I am in a rut of boredom that includes too much food and wine. I am angry that 2 mechanics cannot figure out why my car is acting dangerous (lurching when road surface changes). I am happy that my sleeping is finally getting better as I have more outside interaction and things for my mind to ponder over the evening. Sigh - I am tired of being tossed around by a virus that cannot be seen but infection can lead to death of those I love.

Not covid itself, but the privileged white reaction to the lockdowns. We were told to be grateful, to reevaluate our values and our priorities, to think carefully about how we spend our time, to decide if 'normal' was worth getting back to. It was the most pervasive gaslighting I've ever experienced. It was present on all social media. It was present in the news. It disregarded that some of us may have experienced that kind of reevaluation in the past, even more than once. My resentment is still present. I had built the life I wanted, and instead of allowing for grieving, the world told me that my life wasn't good enough. That I shouldn't want it back.

It seems as though every day this year was significant. Being laid off, welcoming Jeff into our home, deciding to try to get pregnant (no dice yet), the pandemic, the wildfires. It’s been a lot of significant experiences. Getting my IUD removed comes to mind as a significant experience. The last bit of Nathan’s presence from my life, removed- surgically extracted. And thrown away. Good riddance. Being labeled ‘inessential,’ when so much of my identity was tied up with righteousness, that was quite a blow to my pride. But the irony isn’t lost on me. The only essential things in life are love and family and community and connection. Recognizing the truly upside-down logic of the systems that dictate our lives, determining what is and is not essential, I feel emboldened now to refute all of those forces which diminish the real point of being human. Capitalism claims certain work as inessential because capitalism is vampiric. The goals of capitalism are not the inherent goals of humanity. They are indeed at odds. Capitalism can not claim my existence as essential or inessential- it has no idea what those words even mean to humanity.

Oh man... 2020. There are so many including a world-wide pandemic and lock down, wildfires, rescheduling our wedding. But on a positive note, we bought a house. It means we can garden and raise chickens and sit outside. It means we can grill and get to know our neighbors. I feel so grateful. After the lock down started, it seemed so urgent that we find a place with a little outdoor space for ourselves, and we did it!

There can be no doubt. The most significant thing that has happened this year is CoVID and lockdown. It has stolen so much from us and me - but more us. Normality. Togetherness. Fun. Holidays. But I am grateful. My marriage and my family have survived this test - and it has been a test. And it has made me appreciative for what I have. Being able to see my kids grow was a gift.

How can I talk about anything but COVID? I am sad that it does not allow me to see my 99 year old grandmother, since it is considered too risky to visit. I am tired of seeing people behind masks. I am annoyed that I can't travel, eat out, or attend harp lessons or yoga class in person as I usually do, but I am grateful that none of my family members are sick. I am grateful also that I could experience working from home during the last few months. The sun is still shining and flowers still bloom. I have a loving family, plenty to eat, clean water, safe shelter, and a job with great teammates. There are many opportunities for silver linings amidst the dark clouds. And...may Biden win the presidency in November!!

the pandamic, deseved racial justice totally affected everyone and everything, I am confused

Open the Record Store June 6th 2020. Great Grand Opening, months of hard work, cut in by the beginning of the Pandemic, made the opening a true community experience. Since opening the store has been continually growing onward and upwards.

My most significant experience this year was getting COVID-19. It created a slew of associated health problems that has vastly reduced the quality of my life. Am I grateful? Hell no. Am I relieved? Yes, I'm relieved I'm still alive. Am I resentful? You bet I am. I blame Trump and his "it's a leftist hoax" BS for the outrageous spread of this virus. Had he done ANYTHING, so many fewer people would have died or had their lives ruined.

We bought a new house and are renting out my old one. I'm grateful and excited to see what our lives will continue to look like in our new home. We love the neighborhood so far and it was a huge blessing during the start of Covid-19 when everything locked down and my husband and I had to work from home. We had the space and safety to be able to do so together.

Significant experiences were in abundance this year. The onset of Covid19 brought life as we knew it to a screeching halt and the hard-fought balance of work/childcare/personal summarily collapsed. There's a lot to be resentful of: the impossibility of caregiving while working full time, vacuous federal leadership, other people's bad decisions, etc. There's also a fair amount of gratitude: me and mine are healthy for the moment, Frank and I still have our jobs, our schedules are relatively flexible, and NJ is a state that had made responsible steps towards re-opening. But I also want to shine a light on a MUCH smaller significant experience, one that happened last week and will certainly be forgotten if I don't write it down. We were all the playground and a little girl came over to ask Dorothy to play. Dorothy was deep in some imagination game that she had concocted for me and her to play so she politely told the girl "no thank you." The girls dissolved in tears and ran off to her father. I, of course, felt awful and prompted Dot to approached the girl and brainstorm games they might both like playing together . (The other girl initially suggested tag -- Dot's least favorite game.) Then Dot started feeling anxious and began crying. Frank went to talk to her and I heard him explain that it's not her job to make someone (aka the other girl) happy and that it's okay if they don't play together. I was gobsmacked. Is the best advice or the worst? I can't fully stretch my brain to imagine what my life would look like without the driving need to please other people. I would probably be better off. Maybe? Certainly, I'd be a more masterful negotiator. Or maybe not? I've tossed around the value of Frank's advice to Dot for days. I do want her to hold her own in moments of disagreement or tension and not feel there is inherent virtue in self-sacrifice. On the other hand, isn't part of the social construct the need/desire to make as many people happy as possible? And aren't we all supposed to play a role in that effort? Isn't that, in part, what kindness is about? Clearly, I don't have any answers, but I hope to continue chewing on the questions.

Our trip to NYC last Fall was amazing. Apart from the newly renovated MOMA and a lovely, if chilly, walk at Central Park, the theater experiences were superb. Even the Broadway production of Byrne's American Utopia was moving, even though we had seen much the same show n concert in the Summer. Sorkin's "Mockingbird" was a brilliant adaptation of the novel, reminding us that race relations matter even today. Mary Louise Parker's performance in "The Sound Inside" was some of the best stage acting I've ever seen, and the play itself is the best I can ever remember having seen. Even "Jagged Little Pill" turned out to be no mere jukebox musical, but a timely, riveting story set to some of my favorite songs of that era. The entire trip left me grateful and in awe of the human spirit; to have shared it with Karen made it all the more sweet.

The year 2020 has been a year of flexibility. With no concrete plans to what could happen with this virus, it was a learning experience for me to go "unplanned" Between the overall health scare and the kids being homeschooled it was an experiment in thinking outside the box. Just having my hubby go to work and come home without this virus was something to be grateful for.

A significant event that happened the past year was the COVID pandemic. I am grateful that my family is all healthy, we have food on our table and I can volunteer in our community to help those less fortunate. I was inspired by the outpouring of love and caring in our community and the world. I am trying to look for the good and connect with community the best way I can.

I started teaching online. I'm grateful for this challenge.

One of most significant experiences, besides the global pandemic, is that I bought a townhouse. Never did I think I’d be buying a townhouse, nor did I expect it to happen when it did (I closed on my birthday). I am so happy that this happened, even if there were some headaches along the way. Overall, it is so wonderful having a place of my own.

I moved from Bellingham to Kenmore this past year to live in a house with my partner and good friends. I am grateful for the change, as it has brought me many joys while also bringing with it new challenges. I love my living space and the love in our home. Sometimes we disagree and experience conflict, but that's part of being human relationships. The change in my life was needed and I am proud of myself for making the leap.

I came down with bronchitis for the first time ever at the beginning March. While I felt awful for a while, it was a blessing in disguise as it kept me at home as the Covid pandemic took hold and I continued to self-quarantine as I recovered .

Daniel was born. Grandbaby #9. He brings us so many smiles!

My mom got ill last summer and we had to clean out and sell my parents home and move them to a retirement facility. During this process I realized that my parents were more mentally ill/hoarders that I had thought. And, I am doing work to realize how this affected me - in my relationships, my view of normal, and my feelings regarding my parents. I have been angry that they haven't realized their issues and are unwilling to address them. However, I am now understanding more that they are not capable of understanding their behavior and how it affects others and am adjusting my behavior accordingly.

I broke my arm mountain biking, and it required surgical repair, 8 weeks of physical therapy. I learned how vulnerable a patient is in the ER, when their clothes are removed and they've seemingly lost everything. The kind of vulnerability that leaves one fully exposed. Two weeks later we'd be in lockdown due to COVID. I felt sad, despondent, lonely to my core. My friends could still ride (one safe quarantine activity) and I was stuck inside on my trainer. It was a hard, hard time. I learned also how much cycling has become part of my sense of well being in life. When I was able to be outside on a bike again, I felt free, happy, jubilent. Overall I feel grateful, I discovered that cycling is a part of my life, now and forever.

I moved post-divorce from the SF Bay Are to Los Angeles. I needed a change in my life, which had been in a (comfortable) rut for a number of years and the universe conspired to kick me out of that rut big time. I have many complicated and mixed feeling about this. In many ways, I loved my rut but I was languishing. The move, together with Covid-19, has inspired me to do many new things. For example, I now volunteer 3 times a week at the LA Food Bank. I originally did this just to have a legitimate reason to leave my house during the pandemic but I have found it to be so much more. It's enjoyable work and I have real sense of doing some good in the world, even if it's not what I expected to wanted to be doing. I said many times during my work life that I wanted to feel my impact more directly than I could from an office job. Now that I am "semi-retired" I seem to have found a few ways and I am grateful for the opportunity.

Most significant event is the death of my father in February. Grief covers all the ranges, from heartbroken, guilt, loss, sadness, anger at the universe, anger at him, anger at myself. I did not get to resolve our distance that had built between us. I hope he knew how much I loved him, adored him, emulated him, was just like him, stubborn like him. I learned so very much from him, maybe more than he realized. He did inspire me to be true to myself. But I think he sacrificed so much of himself for Duty. He sacrificed for his mother, although he loved her greatly. My coming home for April, was not a sacrifice, it was a privilege, maybe a touch of redemption. Yesterday was my birthday. What I missed most was not talking him. Hearing say, happy birthday and I love you. I love you daddy. I’m sorry you didn’t see the world. I’m sorry you mind didn’t open to the wonders of difference, the beauty of diversity. I’m sorry I had to guard myself with you and not let down those walls and let you see my inner beauty.

Well duh COVID of course! And it was not just one experience. It was a global, series of experiences! I'm not sure I've ever partook(?) in a global experience. So describe it? It went from WTF to totally creepy to not seeming so bad around S FL to really bad around S FL to a political event to a lot of conflict to seeming more under control and finally now to everyone getting a bit more comfortable with these shifted norms. I was affected in some really crazy ways--I got to dust off and put to work some of my stored-away old public health knowledge (worked on a paper, recorded podcasts, doing a presentation next week). I also made some important day-to-day decisions regarding how function, work and socialize, based upon data at the time. I feel proud that I am level-headed and confident that I have made choices that are in line with my values. And, here's crazy, I also upped my fitness game by adding biking to my regimen and started dating. I'm proud to have continued LIVING LIFE... which is something that I need to do (I'm just not quarantine material). So yes, grateful to have studied public health, relieved to have dodged getting infected (thus far), not resentful, maybe a little inspired to keep working on more papers/research/presentations around this disease.

My father's death is definitely the experience that will forever color how I view 5780. Losing a parent is awful, and I miss him terribly (especially since the White Sox just clinched a spot in the postseason). And I am also so grateful for the way my whole family was able to come together. All of his children were able to say goodbye to him while he was still sentient, and we were all able to be together in the days immediately before and after his death. As far as deaths go, it was a really wonderful experience (I know it must sound so strange to say that). It's hard sometimes to hold all of the feelings I have around it--the grief of his loss, the anger that losing a parent is part of the bargain of life, and the gratitude for how it happened. It was a real lesson in "both/and" thinking.

My wife and I moved to a Continuum of Care Retirement Community in Independent Living section. We are aging, and without much family support , so thought it would be the wise choice at our age and stage. We feel it was G_d directed. The Covid 19 Pandemic has kept us from getting completely adjusted. We do like the community and area.

There are so many to choose from! This has been such a significant year. The obvious answer is that I finally formally converted to Judaism. I'd been putting it off for so long, partly out of depression and lack of motivation energy, but more out of fear of being rejected--not just rejected, but dismissed and condemned for my presumptuousness. It's my deepest fear that doesn't involve someone's death. But first I started doing research and writing about it, and then I started to look into the local synagogue, and then one night I saw a twitter thread of advice on how to start the process and thought "if not now, when?" And that Friday night I went to Kabbalat Shabbat, and I was very open about why I was there, and everyone was welcoming, and I made an appointment with the rabbi (who didn't realize what it was going to be about.) And then the appointment started off disastrously, with me bursting into tears from nerves, and the rabbi obviously somewhat skeptical. Well, not skeptical, just not immediately convinced (which is as it should be, I know, but I was still scared.) And then I threw myself into it--doing the reading, attending services in person until COVID and then over Zoom every Friday night, joining the Talmud discussion group and a class on the history of conversion. And when the rabbi had to move to a new synagogue after four months, instead of passing me on to the new rabbi as a conversion student, she decided I was ready to convert with the other student. There was something I wrote for myself early on in the process, about conversion and the support I was getting from my coworkers and the fanfiction and zine essays I put out into the world. It's longer than I feel like transcribing here, but the gist was that it's terrifying to open myself up to criticism and attention, it feels like cutting myself open and letting people look at the slimy glistening organs, but when I do it, I am giving people the chance to respond with kindness and love. Often they do, and when they respond with scorn and cruelty, that isn't an indication that my self-doubt was accurate, it's just them turning down the opportunity to be kind. But usually people want that opportunity. My conversion has affected me in so many ways--it brought me out of my isolation into a community, it's given a new rhythm to my days, it's given me an inner core of certainty that I can fall back on. Not about the universe, just about myself. But it was also part of the process of learning to be brave and open. I'm not all the way there, or even close, but I made significant progress this year, and that is a fundamental positive in my life.

How could I not say the pandemic? As of today, I have been working from home for 6 months -- 6 months I never expected and never thought would last this long. On the whole, it's terrifying and baffling and awful. For me personally, I am so very aware of my privilege -- having a home, a big one with lots of space, resources to be able to afford supplies and get me through financial glitches, a job I can do from home, a family who lives with me, loves me and cooperates and gets along. So in that sense, I am grateful -- not for the pandemic, but for what enables me to roll with it. It has also forced me to grapple with what it means to be in the middle of a crisis that isn't bad for me. What is my responsibility? Is it OK to feel OK? Does that make me callous? Can I feel OK and still care about those who aren't, and how am I supposed to proceed with that? This is my big reflection this year as I go into the high holidays.

Working from home since March 16 has been really great for me, it seems to simplify my life a lot. No, it's not just the whole isolation thing, as that has eased off in recent months and working from home seems even more important to my mental health.

Rachel got engaged! It is what we were all hoping would happen, and it happened two days before her 30th birthday. Of course the significant thing is Covid and also the awareness of BLM, but I am still swimming in happiness about our good news. In the midst of so much that's bad, it is wonderful to not only have this happen but to be able to share it. People seem genuinely thrilled to hear something good.

I moved from my hometown (where I had lived all my life) to a new state across the country two weeks before quarantine hit. At first I was miserable, I felt so isolated and I resented being stuck in the suburbs after having lived in the perfect downtown location in my previous home. I was supposed to work in downtown San Francisco, which would have satisfied my need to be in the center of things in a big city. Instead I am working from home like everyone else, and although I'm grateful to be employed and love my job, I don't enjoy how little I get to leave the house. I'm still counting down the days until the new normal dissipates, but I think that I am doing a really good job of adapting to my new reality. I also think that while the timing of this move was abysmal, I've proven to myself that I can make myself happy anywhere. I'm feeling a LOT better and I am genuinely learning to like my boring little town. If I can be this happy now in the midst of this clusterfuck, I feel really optimistic about building a future here with my fiancé Gregory.

I was let go in March from my role at PCCO. It's been financially devastating, but emotionally, a blessing. I had enough hours to get CERB and EI, which means that I don't need to immediately sell my house. I have some time to figure out how to get paid so that we can keep our home. I'm scared about keeping our home and still moving forward every day. I am resentful, very resentful for how I was treated while I was at the company. I was promised so much and the CEO delivered on none of it. He's a user, and I KNEW that and I stayed; just like I did with previous romantic relationships, I held on when I should've left. I wish I had negotiated a better exit in my offer letter.

I got laid off. And I didn't have another job lined up. I've been functionally laid off since February with a 3-month contract in March. July, I consciously took a month off and August started me "job hunting" again. I realized I didn't like contract work, I like working with a team. In the beginning, I was resentful, now I know I was absolutely blessed. I have been able to start school without stressing about balancing it and work. I have been fortunate to be home while my daughter started distance education with her school. I was able to go on small adventures with my 15-year-old, and we had a BLAST. I am grateful that 1. I have a husband who has supported me completely throughout this lay-off and encouraged me to take the time I need; 2. That I was able to pay my bills and stay healthy during this time; 3. I was able to take the time to recover from three years of almost constant traveling and heal my mind and body. But, I was totally resentful at first :)

Quit working at Queen of the Rosary. Saw it coming. Started at St. Walter. Great place to work. Much more successful than Queen, but don't see how I fit just yet.

Oh jeez. We're six months into pandemic and quarantine. This threw me well off my journey to wellness that I started by changing my job. Things were starting to go great, and then bam. I've tried to still have some wellness - the swimming this summer, taking time to relax, dropping the law review article for now, accepting the state of our lives right now - but it's hard. The constant pressure I am under is enormous.

Covid, obviously, is the most significant experience. I got scared but content, doing my job etc. Angry at the trump and other republican science deniers.

My most significant experience this year would have to be the pandemic. I had To change everything about my life, plans, and business and find a way to stay a float. I have Mixed feelings. I’m thankful, but it was and still is Hard. Staying afloat financially is hard - Enough for me to nearly uproot my career.

After 7 years at a small nonprofit, I changed jobs to instead work at a state agency. I mean - I could and maybe should start with the bigger picture of COVID-19, protests, and wildfires. But, that was something that weighed heavily upon me last year - that I needed a new job, that I needed to get away from feeling useless at my past job - and now I do feel valued and needed at my work. It feels really good, and I am grateful and relieved. I am not resentful anymore. And while I am not necessarily as inspired as I might want to be at work, there are glimmers!

Covid-19 - first reaction was denial, then acceptance. Immediate response was to embrace and support all the new options over zoom and to donate to all the food banks and health centers. I am still grieving for those who are impacted. As time went on, I became angry at the people not wearing masks and those who would use pandemic for their own selfish causes. Grateful that my family is safe but sad for those who are not.

The year has been overwhelmingly transformed by COVID. It has been a confusing, frustrating, frightening, challenging journey the whole world has been taking. I have learned a lot about isolation, resilience, endurance, and loss. And it is far from over.

Nadia and I decided to leave New York. I have mixed feelings about it honestly - I'm going to miss a bunch of things that only New York can offer, but I also know we need to leave. We've been struggling here for too long and I think leaving will help us start a new chapter.

I quit my job - relieved on one hand and terrified on the other. We’re in the middle of a pandemic and I’m looking for employment.

Living on my own for the first time in a very long time after a break up the year previous. It has its ups and downs but I feel very structured when I’m on my own and I can relax. I always felt very aware of other people I lived with and that for some reason had an impact on my mental health.

I think I have to divide the past year into pre- and post-Covid. Pre-Covid, I did a lot that would make me from last year really proud: I stage managed (or ASMed) 3.5 shows, called 1 of them, got a summer internship, and made some new friends, all of which was awesome. Post-Covid, things have sorta sucked. It felt like the end of the world when classes were cancelled and sometimes it still does. Most days I'm bored, sad, tired, lonely, or some combination thereof. That said I did start playing Dungeons and Dragons and drawing more consistently, which feels like something substantial.

I began a professional training group and it has changed my life. It has stirred places in me that have been so protected and hidden, that have been swaddled by fear/terror and the longing for connection that this place in me carries, exiled/sequestered, frozen in time. Slowly connecting w/ my want/need for connection, comfort. Also to share my love more freely and courageously. A number of my clients have had spiritual awakenings, spurred by Covid, in my office. Watching them cleave to God, to the Light, stand rooted in spirit amidst these profound world changes. So moving, inspiring and reminding me to stay rooted in, deepen my felt connection w God/Spirit, Love

I was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic cancer shortly after the pandemic created a stay at home way of Life. That journey has been most remarkable. Halfway through my prescribed treatment, my scan showed a complete response. NED. I consider this a miracle made possible via the support of friends around the world, plant medicines, allopathic treatments, and the ‘Invisibles,’ my allies from the Beyond. Total gratitude! Life is such a gift!

new grandbaby, more years behind that ahead, reflective

The death of Jonny's mom in the midst of covid was really tough for me. I started to get very anxious and have irrational thoughts that I projected onto Jonny. He needed me and I couldn't be there for him the way I should have been. I'm glad we held on and made it through together, but I am forever going to regret not being there for him.

I donated a kidney through a paired donation so my sister could get a transplant. I was very grateful that I was healthy enough to participate in this lifesaving surgery and inspired that I could save a life.

In March, work sent everyone to work from home. My hours were not cut and I am able to work in my home office. I have been healthier and had fewer headaches, body aches since switching to my own space away from harsh chemical cleaners and allergens. I have learned a lot about my work ethic and health issues. I am grateful for the opportunity and it has solidified my desire to remain working from home from here on out.

An encounter with a man while waiting for a bus on Broadway (NYC). Our conversation led to my finding out that he was the first man of color to serve in the FDNY, not long after he served in the military during the Korean War. It took court action on his part, but he was a pioneer. I was very inspired by his story.

I entered lockdown with a huge sense of personal relief

I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I'm very relieved that my family was supportive, and that my cancer was stage 0. I'm also very relieved that I didn't have to have radiation or chemo. Having 2 surgeries was hard, but it could have been so much worse. I'm thankful that I'm now on the other side of it.

I changed roles and teams at work. It has fairly significantly increased my workload even in this remote environment, but it's also very satisfying. I am grateful to be working with terrific colleagues and an easygoing, pleasant but serious boss who seems to be aligned with my strengths and goals in a better way than my previous couple of leads.

The worldwide pandemic happened. Holy Crap! Made the whole world shut down. Made us all have to take time indoors to reflect and reinvent ourselves. It affected my mental state but also brought me closer to my family. My dad also died. We had to figure out his situation and get him set up with a place to live, sell his car through sweat and tears. I felt resentful, angry and sad. But I got it done and he's been a lot better ever since.

Wow. Significant experience. Ha! We moved from Canada back to Houston in March, then the Coronavirus pandemic turned into a lockdown quarantine. It’s September and it still is going strong. So many dead. And then so many black deaths by police officers. Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd. There has been a riot of activity this year. Schools are still mostly remote learning. We haven’t had any vacations this year, and Terrence’s new job is SO stressful. So many changes, so much going on. It makes me feel— overwhelmed.

My marriage finally came to a breaking point and he moved out. I feel sadness, grief, relief, resentful ness, inspired, freed, confused but full of potential. I don’t know where I/we will wind up.

Significant are the covid health issues! It affects all of life and I am grateful my family and I are still healthy. I am not relieved or even resentful much, even inspired some to look for better ways to live!

COVID??! The upheavals have come, and continue to come, in stages. First, it's terror--like what does this mean? how will I make this work? Then, acceptance--which is basically me saying something like, 'it is what it is. We'll make it work.' And finally, gratitude, which is odd as hell, given the circumstances, but I really have been so grateful for my family, that they have their health, that my children are healthy and bright and fun and funny--that they have each other to play with and fight with, that I have a job and so does my husband, that I have an easy relationship with him, which means I enjoy spending time with him in small quarters, that I got to have so much time with my girls, more than I will ever get to have again, I'm sure. When I see the pattern--terror, acceptance, gratitude--I find it easier to snap myself out of the dread that creeps up from time to time, and say to myself, "I'll be grateful for this in time."

I haven't done much this year because of the pandemic. It has been really hard - I was surprised how attached I was to the things in life I would say I didn't care about or would 'get over'. Logically, of course it doesn't matter that I had to cancel a vacation, etc. But I was surprised how emotional I was about not having anything to look forward to, how hard it was to draw on my emotional reserves, how isolated I really am.

There have been several. Obviously COVID. Grateful in that I was able to keep my job, work from home, and strengthen things with K. Not grateful that it cost me a significant amount of income, caused me to not be able to see live music or people I love, and I lost out on my vacation.

COVID-19 is really revealing the things I don't want to take with me when this is over. I'm learning a lot about managing my time and learning to work from home (and that I can work from home, contrary to popular belief). I don't want a 2 hr commute. I don't want to work so hard I'm killing myself.

This past year, I experienced an awakening about the role that stress and cortisol play in my body and my life. This happened in 3 ways. 1. Due to COVID, I was forced to dial down on social interactions, and in doing so realized that I became substantially calmer, happier, and relaxed. I embraced the fact that I have been forcing extroversion because it is an identity that I have held for so long, but that I am a much more content person as in introvert. 2. I was diagnosed with telogen effluvium; basically, my hair has fallen out/shed due to what is usually a significant stressor or life trauma. While I claimed to have had no stress whatsoever over COVID, while everyone else was freaking out, I believe that inside I had significant stress and repressed it such that it expressed in my body in other ways, namely my hair. 3. I quit caffeine. I am aware that caffeine raises cortisol, but I did not believe that it impacted me much or that I was even consuming very much at all (I was down to 2-4oz of coffee in the morning). The detox that I underwent when I quit was absolutely horrible and showed me that I was significantly impacted by caffeine in a way that I had not previously realized. The peace of mind, focus, stability of energy, and #1 incredibly improved sleep that followed this decision showed me that this cortisol release was dampening my body and spirit. I am super grateful about this realization, very relieved that I don't have to battle coffee anymore, and inspired to continue to make more changes toward progress not perfection with stress. I have tried meditating but so far I am not loving it. Time will tell.

Amy's many illnesses throughout the year have had a major impact on me and the family. Especially so when she had the flu, pneumonia, ear infections right about the same time as Covid hit. That was very scary. I must admit that I have been resentful about how this has increased the load on me. I am also very impressed on how she struggles thru it all. And I am grateful that none of the illnesses were life-threatening. Although I was truly scared about her dying in the middle of the night when she had her bad flu and pneumonia.

I had many experiences this year. The major one was helping my boyfriend create his vision for the Sprinter Van to live van life. I know that it is his van, but feel a little resentful that I poured my blood, sweat, tears and a little finance and I am not sure if going forward in this last quarter of 2020 and going into 2021 that I will be part of his journey.

I got married this year! It was a whirlwind. Everything was different than we imagined it to be because of the global pandemic. We could not gather in person, and so we reinvented the day to take place over zoom, and made it as meaningful, inclusive and participatory as possible. It was such a blessing to move forward with this joyous event even in the face of such hardship and pain for so many folks. What a gift it was for us in our own lives *and* a gift that we could share our love and happiness with others all over the world.

Moving to Seattle. At first, I felt excited for this adventure, new reality, new experiences and challenges. Now, settling into my new routine has been an adjustment period. I am grateful for Jason's partnership, friendship, and support. I am relieved we have been able to check off many tasks from our to-do list, but there are still ways to go. I am proud of myself for accepting these new challenges as they come and continue to push myself further.

Of course it’s the pandemic. The mis-management of the event by our President and throughout the United States and the effects it had on so many people. I am not grateful for the pandemic. However, I am grateful that I am settled into staying home, have resources to sustain me (somewhat) and not suffering like so many other people are. I have a solid network of friends that I have been able to keep in close touch with.

dropping ben at college....filled with joy for him and trepidation for many reasons....

There are many many significant experiences to choose from. This last year, I probably saw the most change in my adult life. Layoff, marriage counseling, separation, trying to make it work, passing my PMP exam, deciding to divorce, me moving out of the house into an apartment with the kids, trying desperately to get a full-time job to make ends meet, getting a fantastic job and great salary, applying for a mortgage, buying my dream house and property in Old Town Lousiville, finalizing the divorce...and all while clean and sober and working a program of recovery...and all under the lifestyle change that COVID-19 required (stay-at-home schooling, exclusively working from home, home-based summer activities, etc.) Out of ALLLL of that, a significant experience that changed the way I view my higher power and the opportunities available in this world was on Sept 12th. I signed a job offer making 115k a year, the most I have EVER made. The same day that most of the US shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic. With so many losing their jobs and me actually getting an opportunity that afforded me to the ability as a single mom to keep living in Louisville...it was simply a miracle. One that I definitely put action into, but I absolutely could not have done it on my own. Thank you, HP!

A short while after the COVID pandemic came under control in NYC, I fell and gashed my forehead requiring a trip to the ER and seven stitches. That was disturbing because it happened at home and made me feel old and vulnerable for about two weeks. Yet, that wasn't the hard part. The hard part was arriving at the ER with my adult daughter that day and having her refused entry -- it made the pain of leaving a loved one at the hospital door so very real and tragic -- to think of all those who went through this and never saw their loved one again. I despise drumpf for his genocidal COVID campaign.

In January, I went to Iceland. I've been to many countries around the world, but there was something extra magical about Iceland. There are no words to describe the feeling of seeing the Northern Lights dance around the sky. The waterfalls were glorious. The food was amazing. I am forever changed by visiting that country.

Emmanuel died by suicide. I am sad, confused, want to tell my close friends what they mean to me while they're still alive. He is the last person that I would have expected to have suffered like this. I think this reveals that anyone is vulnerable. None of us transcend vulnerability.

My daighter's wedding - joy for her, relief we managed it under changing lock down restrictions and pleasure on the day. Sense that they are a real solid unit now.

I've been working from home for 6 months. The kids were home schooled for 3+ months. It was really challenging, but we are also blessed to have space and resources to make it all work. What was really hard at times was also beautiful and brought our family closer together. We broke out of some bad habits, and perhaps picked up a few others.

I started working again. In the midst of Covid probably intensified the change, more zoom time etc. I am grateful for the income, easing financial uncertainty. I am grateful for the sense of purpose, it is good work. But wonder at my productivity mindset that turns me away from art making and self care.

Wow. So many significant experiences!!! I concluded my sabbatical in Israel -- so amazing. I have been living through the era of COVID-19 -- so perplexing, frightening, etc etc. And I have fallen in love with a wonderful man who loves me back -- so delightful and unexpected! I am deeply deeply grateful for my time in Israel, and for my new but deep love. As for COVID-19, I am doing my best!

COVID-19! It has been incredibly stressful. Children educated at home, stress trying to keep people safe, hubby's schedule changing and the future unknown. I have learned patience in dealing with things I have no influence over. I am grateful for that lesson. I resent the school system and the ways in which they've imposed on my life. Although, I am trying to find the positives in that too.

My mother passed away. I struggled with extreme sadness and some depression. She was my last surviving parent. My In-Laws and Step-parents had all passed away. Our relationship was strained and I had stayed out of touch with her, but fortunately had reconnected in the last 10 months before she passed away.

For a little over a year, I lived at home. There were def times where I felt stressed--we have people here always, I was commuting for the first few months and driving for 2 hours or more, and I felt like I didn't have my own space. But I did get to spend time with my family consistently and for the longest time since I was 17. I loved spending time with Jacob and seeing him grow (and being his favorite in the house also was fun). I am grateful for this time I had. I of course saved money and have enough to pay for school for the next 2 years which I am appreciative of, but I did have a better time than I expected being home. I will miss this time and as much as I am ready to leave, I am going to miss home so much.

The Covid-19 pandemic has turned life upside down. All travel came to a halt, I used to travel every other month to see my Dad and visit my granddaughters. I am working from home. When my fitness center finally opened back up the class size was reduced and we have to wear face masks. Wearing face masks everywhere you go is not fun. I think the emotional turmoil of not being able to visit family, go places at will, participate in events has increased my stress level in an unconscious way. I have a very short fuse, and swear at my computer more than I ever did in the past. I am angry.

grateful that my child has moved to NYC after 12 years away.

Covid 19 came crashing down and cancelled our dream trip to Egypt/Israel again, for the third time! I couldn’t believe it. It was as if the universe said, “ok, first we broke your body, that didn’t stop you so we gave Al open heart surgery, that didn’t stop you so we said how about a worldwide pandemic?” We are now scheduled for next March. What will happen next? Not sure I even want to go anymore.

Aside from the obvious global stuff. I was diagnosed with OCD, and went through therapy for it. And now I feel grateful to have gotten the help and support I did (professionally and form the people in my life) and a little bit sad - I hadn't realised how unwell I was and now it's something I will have to live with. It's ok, I have the tools to manage it now and I'm working on positive self-thought. But it was a shock to the system to suddenly have this diagnosis!

I am grateful that I have reduced my anger and frustration with my child following her outburst last year. She has done t'shuvah and understands and has changed her behavior. I am being more empathetic with her, but it's exhausting, but it is leading to a better relationship.

Naomi and Martha stayed with us for 3 months during the Covid Crisis. Although there were challenges and new responsibilities and efforts, and although we had much less time for ourselves, this was a special and treasured time, especially in developing our relationship with our grand daughter, Martha. I look back very fondly at the time we spent in Martha’s pool and, of course, walking around the neighborhood with Martha in her little car and tricycle. Most grateful!

In mid-June, after about a month working with a new boss (and struggling to do so), I was told I was being let go from my job. I was shocked. In the middle of a pandemic, when all the feedback I had received from prior managers was positive? I was truly blindsided and it was a genuinely horrible way to treat me. However, I received an immense amount of support from my former colleagues, who had a mini-uprising over the decision when it was announced. So while I definitely became more cynical in some ways from this, I think there are a couple main lessons: - Keep your destiny in your own hands. As I start my new job, which I am grateful to have and feels like a great fit, I need to be sure I am still in control of my path and am advocating for myself when I need to. Others may not always have my best interests in mind, so I need to have them in mind more often. - Lean on your network. I got my new job through support from across my professional and personal network. I am excited to pay the support I got forward, but I had a great group there for me in my time of need. Ultimately, I am relieved in the long run, because the new role I found seems like a tremendous fit and a better opportunity for growth. I'm glad my initial resentment and bitterness was able to turn into a positive.

Oof. How does a person even choose one? How am I supposed to remember a year ago? I decided not to kill myself (for now). That's a significant experience, something that affects me every day. My depression has been very severe, and my fatigue. We're all tired, we're all burned out. And everything was overwhelming and felt futile. It still does if I think about it but trying not to do that for now. My sister insisted on getting married this summer, a destination wedding with family coming from around the country. It was selfish, and I'm still impotently furious about it even though to the best of my knowledge no one got sick or died from her wedding. But it was so hard. Her wedding was right when my depression was its worst, and when I was so tired that death felt like the only option. And so there I was, going "Everyone's already in town. I don't even want a funeral but they'd insist on one, and everyone who would insist on attending my ill-advised pandemic funeral is already here anyway. It's the perfect time." But I talked myself down. Somehow. I don't even know how. I don't think it was until a couple days later that I went "If I killed myself, it would probably kill grandpa. And if he dies because of this wedding, that will kill me. If he dies right now, it will kill me. I cannot do that to him, I cannot kill him." I don't feel relieved. Honestly some days I regret talking myself down, even knowing it would probably kill him.

Working from home in this pandemic. I'm grateful, yes, but also, I secretly like it. I'm better able to do everything at home and work. I can work as much as I need to or take care of things at home when that needs doing as well. The commute is great. Seeing the children more is great. There's lots of bad to go with the pandemic; but there's good that's come into our lives as well.

No experience has been significant when compared to the COVID-19 pandemic. How did it affect me? It did not make me sick. It did not harm my loved ones. I did not lose my home or my salary or anything like that. If anything, I have benefited economically-no concerts, hardly any trips, no need for new shoes when I'm walking around the house barefoot most of the time. Our daughter had to come home, but she had a room. Our son had to come home, but there was space for him. We had planned on it. I am relieved that the virus has not yet affected any of us physically. The closings and affects on people and businesses affects me secondarily-I emphasize. My primary feeling is relief but worry about how the economic and cultural impacts will affect us in the long run. The federal government has botched its response. Many more have died than needed to, and poor and black/Latino people have suffered disproportionately. Are we going to hold the government accountable on November 3? I hope so but that looks uncertain at this point.

COVID has really changed everything. It is hard to get used to the masks all the time and I vacillate from thinking they don't do hardly anything to being very concerned about the pandemic. You read some things and it says one thing, you read others and you're in shock - it's complete opposites, who to believe? We've had worse things hit, the reaction of the docs and government seem a little out of proportion sometimes. Not sure if it is being politically driven to be more than it is. One of my main concerns is all of the "forcing" going on. My work just mandated flu shot unless you have a medical or religious exemption. To me, if the can mandate the flu shot, they will mandate the COVID vaccine (which they haven't taken that long to develop to see if it is truly safe), and the next step could be that microchip. Watching the racial fights, natural calamities, and seeing all of the turmoil really makes me wonder if we are not nearing the end. Definitely looks and feels like labor pains. I believe that ALL life matters. I'm shocked that people can feel justified at walking up to a police car, shooting the police in it - without provocation just based on what they do for a living. One of these victims was a woman who had children and what's worse is then protesters then tried to prevent her from getting medical treatment saying they hope she dies. This is blind hatred, why is this OK? The man who walked up and shot his neighbor's son - what could this little boy possibly have done to provoke that? And it's not just because they're police on the prior thing, it's someone they didn't "know", that never DID anything to them, and it was based on what they did for a living...makes zero sense. All of the burning of the buildings/businesses, looting, and murdering being thought of as justified - affecting business people who have really nothing to do with anything. These are fellow human beings, just trying to make it in life for them and their families, just like you? Why would you do that? ANTIFA taking over places and then going to local businesses (like a mafia would've in the old days) and charging them so they'd be "protected"...there's a lot of bullying going on. Public officials have protestors getting in their face, provoking them severely, and if they say or do anything - it will be all over the news and they will be at fault. These people have no qualms about getting in someone's face they don't really know, yelling/screaming obscenities at them, judging them, attacking their families, and I don't understand why this is legal. That doesn't sound like a protest to me. That sounds like a school yard bully running amuck when teachers aren't around. I thought we were over the bullying - even schools are anti-bully now, so what are you doing? All the governors shutting states down, mandating business not be allowed to open, churches not allowed to gather - it's really surreal, like a nightmare. There seems to be a lot of power grabbing. That is scary. It also seems like people have more mercy toward an animal than for human life. Both are God's creation and should have their life respected. I don't think color/race matters. We are the human race and God's family is multi-racial. We are all His creation - whether people acknowledge that or not. Why is skin color becoming such a huge deal? Do we not bleed the same, face the same trials just trying to get through life? Why is this a reason to act out like this? When someone commits a crime, they are tried by a jury of their peers (and ultimately God judges even in the olam) - why is it ok to turn this into a war especially when it's acknowledged it was wrong? There was a picture on Facebook of an child of Asian descent. The caption read that she was responsible for Pearl Harbor and I was like well that's not right and I was kind of mad...but the sub-caption said to really think about that...and it's true - who in their right mind would look at a child and be like you are responsible for something that happened before you were born? Does she hold the values of her ancestors or do the things they did? Morgan Freeman said it best in an interview, you want to see racism stop? Stop talking about it. Stop feeding the fire in other words. Why can't people be a person...not a color, not a race and not a vote for that matter which really fries my potatoes. Stop taking advantage of someone's tragedy. This person lost their son/daughter, could've been their mother/father? Did you care about that family? They are grieving, be real. Don't do such things as publicity stunts and turn it into political propaganda. If you want to do something, do it in private between you and them. The talk on abortion has taken on a jaw dropping turn that it is even on the table that if the abortion fails, the birth mother can choose to terminate the child's life. How is that not murder? Don't doctors take an oath to do everything they can to "save" life? You're going to tie their hands so they can't help a helpless baby? And the other thing, where's a baby going to go when they are being aborted? Do they not feel? Are they not a person, a human being - made in the image of God? When people don't want a child, it's a fetus. When a woman who wants to have a child is pregnant it's a baby the second she finds out she is with child. Funding Planned Parenthood with my and my family's taxes when we are so vehemently against abortion seems wrong...then I find out recently that they are putting aborted fetal tissue in some vaccines. On top of all the chemicals/poisons too that are in it. It seems like a disgusting machine. The government wants to fund Planned Parenthood, who sells fetal tissue/parts, and the CDC wants to make vaccines with the fetal tissue. It truly makes me want to barf. 75% of what Planned Parenthood does is abortion. They have been caught selling baby parts and enticing women to choose abortion. We are still struggling with infertility, we are still in the process of adoption, there are so many who would love to give that child a home...what about the child's right to life? And what's really weird is the "my body, my choice" doesn't apply when it comes to forcing people to take these vaccines. What people say is without Planned Parenthood, some women won't have access to medical care...so they don't have access to Emergency Rooms and PCP's, in the United States? The spin on the truth is so substantial. What's good is bad, what's bad is fine. The corruption is just completely out of control and it's going to take God to restore it. The peace treaties are really great to see, but they are very scary because they are prophetic. I will be happy to see Y'shua - don't get me wrong...but the Day of the Lord is going to be a very tragic day for many. In US we have a president that we can vote for. My ultimate vote is for Y'shua...but if I don't vote, someone who will push agendas opposite of my values will come in, make laws, appoint people who will appoint others and possibly make things even worse - I'm not voting for a particular man/woman. I'm voting in accord with the values they stand for and not just what they "say"...but what their actions say their values are...I don't agree with all their expressions, mandates, or ideas. But given two choices, I want to choose the lesser of the two sides. This year especially, in addition to everything else, I have NEVER seen so much controversy, passion, and hatred between coworkers, family members, friends, and community over this election. I even find myself getting offended and snoozing certain posts for 30 days because I can't believe or stand seeing the hate spewing out from some people. I'm just completely flabbergasted.

I was involved in the planning and execution of the remodel of our basement into a no-stairs apartment. I'm relieved that we found a way to stay in Washington as we continue to spent winters in Tucson

I ruptured my s1 disc while riding in the AIDSLifcycle ride from SF to LA , as a result I spent 6 months in severe pain, underwent multiple medical procedures it cost me a lot of money and my fitness I gained ~ 30 pounds and it completely derailed me I am angry, frustrated, and I feel like a failure I was blamed by individuals for doing something so stupid as thinking I could participate in a 535 mile bike ride at the age of 54 even though I had spent 10 months training for it, and there were many people older than me than me on the ride.

My daughter was rushed back from her study abroad in Europe due to, in my opinion, the rushed closure of the European countries' entries to the US. Europe recuperated a lot better and have done much better than us. She could have quarentine there and finished her study abroad perfectly fine. There was anger and heartfelt sadness from seeing my daughter so destroyed and grieving. Today I wish I would have enrolled her in a Unversity abroad. She was a different person. We are looking to see possibilities for future semesters.

Hate to say it's hard to remember anything that happened prior to COVID in March of this year...! BCV - November - Tandy, Derek and NEW BABY Logan came to visit! Still makes me sad that we don't have our house in Thousand Oaks anymore so they could stay with us instead of Tim's dad, they probably wouldn't anyway because we smoke, but oh well, nothing we can do about either of these things. January - MICHELLE is pregnant.. with another boy - due November, might deliver on the 16th that would be so cool! Logan spiked a fever, needed a blood transfusion, but fortunately he completely recovered.. and all of this happened before the COVID panic, so he was able to go to the hospital FELT RELEIVED!! ACV I was laid off in March from my job at Costco, thought it would be only for a few weeks - WRONG. Was making some great money on unemployment, until I was victimized by a scammer and lost it all... How did I feel? STUPID, Ashamed, Embarrassed. We all planned on spending Passover in Houston in April - bought tickets, made reservations.. then everything was cancelled. NEXT YEAR in HOUSTON?!! Express Jet lost their contract with United and went bankrupt. After more than 10 years, Tandy is out of work as a pilot, as as about 20,000. We're all so depressed - can't fly to visit relatives anyway with the virus. She'll be starting a new drone pilot training in October, and will be back in the air someday. Son in law Barak's job was eliminated end of June, he's now a work at home dad. Got hired temporarily to work at the Ventura County Elections division starting Oct 12.

My husband started a new job 2 weeks before Covid quarantine . My older daughter was promoted at her job 2 weeks before Covid quarantine. I feel grateful for both of those because my husband and daughter wouldn’t have had a job because of Covid.

I became our school district's school board president. I was grateful for the opportunity, relieved that I was able to fulfill a life-long ambition of mine, and very anxious that I would be able to handle it during the pandemic and social unrest we still face. The amount public interaction and the fear, anger and anxiety they express makes this a very challenging and difficult (unpaid) job! Yet at the same time I see small rays of light coming through - board members unexpectedly working together, not apart; citizens expressing unexpected thanks; and small steps forward in building a united board. I am bowed down by the weight some times, and then buoyed up when things turn out well!

I had an incredibly difficult experience over the past year staying true to my morals, & acting toward my highest self with discipline every day. One significant experience of that was popping a tire on the blue ridge parkway because i wasn’t paying attention to the road, instead paying attention to the fall leaves while i was driving and slamming into a pothole. Terribly embarrassing, the day before my anniversary and 2 days before my birthday all while ON VACATION. I ultimately am so relieved that the lord spared me that my consequence wasn’t any worse than that. Delayed on our road trip, spending hundreds of dollars to repair the tire we needed to keep going and to get back home. It’s made me keep doubting and doubting myself all year. I recently looked back on my online therapy transcripts from around the same time last, and I see all of the same thought patterns still holding me back. I’m inspired to take this knowledge into the New Year, as an example of how my mind is the only thing stopping me from reaching the lords potential for me!!!

Oh my gods, this year! I'm not going to talk about COVID, because that's just too much--that's not an event, but a reality all unto itself. Tangentially related to COVID, Miles had to move in with us when the pandemic started getting bad because his mom has a weak immune system. If he had stayed with her, he would've had to live in his room 100% of the time, and wear a mask any time he went to the bathroom or kitchen--it would've been an unmitigated pain in the ass for him. It's been about 5 months now. I'm grateful for the increased amount of time I'm getting to spend with him, and he's been a great help with some of the household chores that I hate doing and Ryan isn't well enough to do. He's financially fairly strapped because he can't operate his community clinic--he's hoping to open back up on October 1st or 6th, but that depends on the direction of the COVID curve. It's been at a plateau for several days in this area since the university students left. I know it's hard on him to be living in two/three places (his daughter has been in the hospital three times since he's been living with us, so he's spending a lot of extra time at her mom's house). He feels guilty because he can't pay rent to us, and he's still obligated to help his mom with rent/water/electric. He buys groceries when he can, but the unemployment relief ran out a few weeks ago, cutting his benefits to 1/4 the original amount, so I can't ask him to buy too much more until he starts making a paycheck again. That's stressful for everyone, I think. He's not costing us extra money (as long as he can pay for his groceries), but I know he still feels badly, and I wish I could take that away for him. If I'm resentful to anyone/thing, it's the COVIDiots and the president who encourages them to keep being idiots (then saying that he never encouraged such a thing). The evidence is mounting that they are living in a reality that exists purely in their heads, where only people who "would've died anyway" or "should've taken better care of themselves" are killed by the virus, and apparently the long term respiratory effects, heart and neurological issues, and emotional hardships don't actually mean anything. If over half of the deaths weren't black people, I bet they would care more. The explosion of the build up of inequities resulting in the need for people to take to the streets in protest has been an added stressor to all of that. Miles and I frequently watch the daily show, and/or last week tonight, and the topic comes up often (as it should), so it is a constant on both of our minds. He takes it to facebook and argues with the assholes who blame minorities for their own oppression or at the least for the riots and "disruptions" to business and "normal" life. I contemplate it quietly because I hate facebook these days, and I can't imagine spending time conversing with people who apologetically believe that black people are the cause of all of the problems and they need to "sit down and shut up." I feel guilty because I don't have a lot of power, except to be on the HEAG committee at work and try to change policy there. That's tiny--I'm tiny. I wake up deeply depressed most days, but I can point to the problems, and can do nothing to fix them. So I take more meds--it doesn't help the main issue, but it helps me get out of bed and start living every day. I guess that is something.

The pandemic has given me the opportunity to get organized in my home,and in my life and set my priorities. Recently, I am staying at home, not resenting it, and grateful I am enjoying it. I am inspired to take classes, entertain with small groups of friends and do my art and music and other interests.

The pandemic in total being locked down and then shielding wasn't easy. But I'm trying to be grateful that family and friends are well and enjoy the slower pace, more time at home, less wasting money in town centre. Inspired, I wish it had stirred my creativity, I hope there is still time actually.

In March of this year, my Mom's boyfriend of 32 years who I consider my stepfather was shot in the head, in my childhood bedroom. There are no arrests and because of the circumstances, his distant relative got involved and the will went missing. Due to COVID-19 (the mass pandemic that has shut down the WORLD) he was cremated against my wishes. There's been no funeral. There has been no arrest. I can't believe he's gone and the world literally came crashing to a halt because it was just as the virus was becoming a problem in NY. The way he died, the actions of his family and my own have broken me to a point that I can't recover. It's like a wound - I may be able to heal but the scar will always be there. I don't think I can ever really trust anyone again. I have lost my last parent on this earth and I'm now truly responsible for myself (always have been but still.) I want them back even just for a few minutes.

There have been so many significant experiences this year. 2020 has been such a wild year. It's almost difficult to remember the earlier moments of this year...the "before" the pandemic, the last bits of "the normal world." I remember starting to finally feel some comfortability in my job - traveling to Miami and feeling proud of myself. I remember spending time with friends, settling into our apartment on Tasker St. Heating it by way of electric heater because our radiators would set off the smoke alarms every time we turned them on. I remember feeling like this year would be the best yet. Then March happened, and everything started to feel so chaotic and terrifying and unknown. COVID19 shook the world, shook each of us. It was paralyzing to be so afraid for those first few weeks stepping into isolation. Thinking the worst. Following the news constantly. It got better though - I started to enjoy the drastic change in pace. The whiplash wore off and it started to feel like the world was becoming more honest or transparent with me. I left my job. I stayed home for two months. I took care of my body, my partner, my dog - our family. I missed our friends and connected with them frequently. We cooked, we crafted, we laughed. We snuggled, we read, we drank. We loved. It was hard - but it was somehow more cozy than before. And then we moved. We moved to the Hudson Valley during a pandemic. It's been equally beautiful and difficult and so different than moving in any other time could be. The world is social distancing and making friends is not easy. Our friends lives are in Philadelphia and we miss and long for them - but know that we needed this kind of change. We can't plan forward. The future is incredibly uncertain and unpredictable. We are forced into presence. It's unreal and the most real all at once. This touches upon just the tip of the significance in this year - but personally - I'm trying to treat this as a catalyst for myself. I want everything to change. I don't want to get sucked into what's normal again. I want to make my decisions with the tenderness and care that has come with this year. I want to be invested in my friendships, my family, our home. I want to be grounded. In the moment. Taking care and treating myself and others with tenderness. I don't want to step backward into what was before - I want to continue to move forward into this unknown and unknowable future.

My partner of three years and I split up in an amicable decision that was months coming. I regret it not happening a bit sooner, because I knew in my heart he was not the one. But I am grateful for lessons learned and my own growth from the relationship, and certainly feel relieved and inspired for the next chapter. (For now -- let's see how dating goes!) I've moved to a city I've always wanted to live in, surrounded by friends, and with family close by. Cheers to a new year.

Vivir en casa de Wilfredo fue una experiencia interesante y difícil. Me siento agradecida de Yah y de ellos porque llenaron una necesidad en un momento importanteEn qué no teníamos dinero. Al final teníamos mucha tensión por la presión de que teníamos que irnos. En términos generales me siento agradecida y no resentida había quedó y Rosa, aunque otros miembros de la familia de sienten diferente.

I sold my house. I close in a week. It's the last house I shared with my husband. I still need to say goodbye-- pack up the memories that still live there and bring them along, find some sort of totem to house them in--but mostly I feel relief. I've been paying for two houses, and since the goal was to downsize and cut down the expenses (and not blow through the life insurance by staying put) it is an incredible relief.

In March, I told my husband I wanted to divorce. We separated and have been sharing the house. He is moving into an apartment in October. I am relieved but also a bit adrift. As much as I didn’t think I identified as a wife, I can’t say “my husband” any more and that makes me feel a bit unmoored. But I’m so much calmer and more present for my children.

This year, I met a wonderful person who I see as my partner in love and life. Our connection is as deep and full of mutual admiration and equity as I could have ever hoped. She is accomplished, talented, kind, and beautiful in all aspects of the word. Grateful and relieved are definitely words I could use to describe my feelings. Inspired is the best descriptor, as our relationship feels like the driving force to become that person I have always wanted to be.

With the Covid-19 pandemic and an epochal change in how people interact with each other, there is really no other experience to talk about. In a normal year, I would have chosen between buying my dream home or going up for tenure, but both were tempered by what is happening around me and in the world. It's a difficult time and such a rollercoast of emotions. Lots of fear at the beginning and now constant low-grade stress even if the area around me in NY and NJ is doing pretty well. I have managed to fight the isolation with very targeted visits with friends and outdoors activities, plus tons of virtual meetings with friends and family all around the world. Work has almost doubled because of the extra work due to developing protocols for reopening our laboratory and managing everyone remotely. Some days are harder than others, some days this seems like it will never end and others are spent in imagining what the world will be like when we come out of this.

I gave birth to my baby girl. I'm very grateful.

Corona! It made me appreciate the good and the opportunities still left in my life. And it made me realise how easily my freedom is taken away from me. Without any control over that whatsoever

Wow! COVID-19 affected every aspect of my life, just about. I actually tested positive recently, 9/04/20, after several negative tests. Not sure how I caught it, either. I certainly didn't attend any weddings or megachurch services or motorcycle rallies. Anyway, I'm monitoring myself for symptoms (have noticed some recent sneezing & coughing past two-three days, and have been having weird muscle aches throughout the spring and summer). And, as it turns out, I tested negative on 9/15/20. Am waiting for results from 9/29/20. Have actually been grateful for on-line church, weekly video calls with friends, more time at home, and no visitors allowed in the nursing home for which I work. The residents have been much calmer without the visits, believe it or not.

I called the police on my 15yo son and he moved out of my home bc of his growing physical aggression towards me. It was shocking and horrifying and I was shaking at the time. I am grateful for the advice I was given to call the police bc it gave me the strength of conviction to do it. If my son will never raise a hand to a woman (or man) in anger bc of what I did, even if he never speaks to me again, I have succeeded as a parent. BH now 6 months later we are talking again but he still does not live with me.

I suppose a lot of people will answer Corona. It's taken over the world. I'm not even sure how I digest the whole thing because we don't know what the eventual outcome will be. It's caused a domino effect in my life and those have been the experiences and emotions I'm dealing with. Overall I should be grateful - it could be plenty worse, but it's the feelings it bring out in me that are hard to control. First being my parents had to cancel their trip and I don't know when I'll see them next. I'm also fearful for them and their health. I'm sad they don't get to be with the girls and bond with them. Then on the job front, I'm at a lot without guiding. The farm shut down and I feel like the merlog is a schlep, gas money and is menial work I'm embarrassed about. But then I don't feel enough self confidence to do my own tours or start marketing for local Tourism. So I get down on myself. Plus I don't feel marketable for anything else in Israel. All the job applications and rejections make me feel worthless. So overall, I'm losing my confidence and identity. But then I tell myself it's all temporary. Plus I'm in a point in my life where I don't want to be challenged career wise. I need simple and easy so I can use energy on the girl. Which is another thing, being at home with them is really hard for me. I lose my shit and take it out on them.

Ended a nearly four year relationship. I feel quite mixed about it still. It wasn't working, and we were making each other miserable, but there's part of me that always wants things to work out.

Patty, my special needs cousin came to live with us. I now have little time to myself and am responsible for another human being. I am happy that I can help her, but fearful of repercussions from the Board that controls our Life Lease Property. Looking to my faithful God to work out the best possible outcome for us all.

COVID aside, I think I may have finally found a position where I can grow and not worry about funding running out. I feel valued and like opportunity exists. I'm also profoundly affected by the BLM movement. I hope real change results. I'm a supporter of reparations. The more I learn about the systemic deprivation of rights and fair treatment, the angrier I get. On another note, my horse, newly purchased this time last year, had a serious episode of colic in early November which required surgery and a one week stay in intensive care. Then 4 months of rehab. It may sound odd, but I love this horse. I was broken by his illness and my fear he might die, which was a very strong possibility. But he survived. My love endures.

I think pretty much everyone will answer COVID this year, unfortunately. It really affected my mental health, and still is. It’s hard being limited in daily life. It’s hard watching your kids have to do school away from their friends. I lost my job in March, so while I now going on 6 months of unemployment, I am still grateful that I had the opportunity to spend a little more time with my kids. Although, I think I’ve been a pretty terrible mom during this time. My temper is far too short. Sadly, I wanted this to change last year and it has only gotten worse. I don’t know what is wrong with me. 😢

My father in law died suddenly. It has been very difficult for my wife's family. My mother in law has entered a mental health tailspin and it has been very clear that my father in law was holding back a storm for many many years. My wife and her sisters have had difficulty grieving because managing my mother in law has taken so much of their energy. I am really sad that my son won't grow up with his Gow. They really loved each other and had a special relationship. Coping with Covid would be completely different if he was around as we could focus on our family rather than parenting another adult.

A significant experience that happened this year, was that I started intermittent fasting. When I think about this, I am so grateful that I found out about this way of life, as it has improved my health and (more importantly!) my relationship with food. My cravings have all but disappeared and I am able to listen to my body about what and how much food I need. I think this has helped me tremendously during this difficult year.

The most significant has been the isolation of the quarantine and the gratitude for being able to zoom

Well, we've had this little pandemic.... It has made me anxious, but overall grateful for what I do have. I have recognized just how privileged I am, having a home and food and resources to get things delivered so I could live safely. It's been mostly a curse, but also a blessing.

The 10 day meditation retreat at Garrison Institute comes to mind. I spent time wandering the woods, creating leaf and rock art, breathing. During Thomas' transmission I had a vision of a pink ribbon raising from the crown of my head and a sense of being in a community of pink ribbons. During our interview (on my birthday) I glimpsed a moment of liberation, my story dissolved and light and energy merged in the being I know as self.

Perhaps the most significant experience that's happened to each of us in the past year is the coronavirus pandemic. I'm immensely grateful that it affected me far less than it did millions of other people. My husband and I are retired. We don't have to worry about income, or a mortgage, or loss of health insurance. So yes, we're grateful. Relieved? No way. Resentful? Only of those who deny the existence of the pandemic or who refuse to take basic precautions to protect others. Inspired? Yes, in a number of ways. My husband and I have donated to a number of pandemic-related charities. I "stress bake," and give the results to my neighbors. I'm conscientious about checking on the well-being of others. Et al.

Oh maybe COVID. I have been so gratified that I've been able to teach and help other people. I have felt useful and smart and valuable. And even more so as I help out with Bela and Eliana and their schooling.

Moved into first apartment with my husband. Improved life and marriage substantially (in my view), giving us an opportunity for the first time to make a home together. Yet we experience it differently. I am grateful/happy; he is resistant, upset, disapproving, ungrateful, unhappy, and perhaps other emotions as well that I am not aware of. This change reminds of him of all he doesn't have; for me, this change is a precious gift.

I think I would be wrong if I did not discuss the COVID-19 pandemic. It really allowed me to reflect and see what is important in life and how things can change so much in just an instant. Although things may not always work out how you want, in the end everything will be ok and living and learning from that is just if not more important than the experience. While I would not like a global pandemic again in my life, it has helped shape the way we interact with the world and those around us and for that I have to be grateful.

Should day Covid-19, but for me its Missy being diagnosed with cancer. Shocked. Devastated. Heartbroken. We've planned as best as we can keeping her comfortable for as long as we can.

Well, COVID has been hugely significant in everyone's life. It is maddening that scientists knew what to expect and how to keep us safe. They then informed our leader (s) who "downplayed" it repeatedly. Currently, nearly 200,000 have died. This is maddening and sad. Staying apart from loved ones and most people is a bummer, but it is not horrible if it will keep me and others safer, and if it can lead to us getting past this crisis sooner.

My father died June 17, 2020. I'm sad he's no longer here, grateful that he didn't suffer, and happy that he lived a long live leaving behind a great legacy.

COVID-19 pandemy It affected all the planet :))

my husband and I celebrated our 2 year wedding anniversary and my b day on June 24th. We continue to grow and learn in our marriage.

The Posti strike in Finland. Because of that strike, my ferry was canceled and I had to scramble at the last minute to rebook some of our travel. I thought that was going to be the most challenging thing I confronted this year. Instead it was just the warm-up!

wow, Kind of a weird question to be answering this year, where to begin. But I think maybe just starting to make conceptual art has been a big new thing this year that I'm grateful for, and confused about, and everything in between. I'm forging forward in the section of life where my choices are truly my own, and my environment is dictated by me. So I'm coming to grapple with having feet in many different areas of life as an educator, technologist, artist, and of course can't forget *musician*! Besides that maybe just working on my first big art project with trust in play and the logistics of everything and the work and the experience and collaboration and all that has been super interesting and I'm exciting for how its turning out (and of course slightly nervous for technical but I'm happy now that I'll at least have a bit of time after installation for oversight of how things are going). Also living as an expat and feeling all of that and of course everything else going on in the world right now.

Went into personal bankruptcy assignment. I was resentful

It seems silly to write about anything other than the pandemic. I followed its spread across China through the videos I cut at work, the face of the man who discovered it, dying in a hospital bed, on the front page for weeks. When it finally came, the panic, the dearth of knowledge, the feeling of going into a grocery store to buy enough food to last us the next two weeks, so we didn't have to leave the house at all. There were sweet moments: long, lazy mornings with A since both of us were home, reading books, watching Spring come to the trees in the park outside of our bedroom window, extra cuddles with the cats. Since we're still in this thing, it's hard to see how this has affected me in the long run. I've run the gamut of emotions, from sobbing in my bed because I have fatigue and a sore throat and I think I may have infected people to a deeper calm through a daily yoga and meditation practice that I didn't do before I was locked in. I might always flinch when someone coughs. I might be braver and know that everyone will understand if I'm not perfect. Let's find out!

Of course the lockdown was a significant experience. Mostly, because it allowed us to reflect on how we were living, how crazy busy we were and if we were actually doing the right things. In that matter, I feel grateful for this period as it allowed us to take a breath and prepare a turn.

Started work at a great company, but it's enormously stressful, mostly because of skillsets and lack of confidence.