We humans are weirdly resilient.
A few years ago, I wrote (through tears), “Life can be such an off-balance mix of highs and lows, beautiful moments and heartbreaking ones all scrambled together.”
It remains true at the close of this tumultuous, challenging, disorienting – and, yes, often heartbreaking – year. There are points of light, even in dark times.
I asked a few friends to think of some good moments they experienced in 2020 and share them in the form of a top five list of things they did or simply enjoyed.
Their lovely responses (and fun photos!) are below.
Kelli Donley Williams: Top 5 Things I Made
These are my top five favorite makes of 2020 – a year that provided ample time for me to be creative.
1. Cornflower Yoke Cardigan from Vintage Baby Knits for my niece, Maxine Eleanor. She was born August 1.
2. No. 1 shirt from designer Sonya Philip. I learned how to sew basic garments this year. I made several of these and lived in them all summer!
3. I participated in Denyse Schmidt’s Proverbial Quilt Along. The quilt reads, “The Darkest Nights Make the Brightest Stars.” I gave it to my eldest niece Alexis, who headed off to college in August and was having a hard time with everything she’d been forced to miss due to the pandemic.
4. My best friend Meghann turned 40 in August and asked for a quilt in her colors. This is the most ambitious quilting project I’ve ever completed. My mom quilted the top with her longarm, to make it extra special. The pattern is an Ohio star.
5. I completed Morning Sky sweater in cornflower blue and have enjoyed wearing it. I really like the scalloped edge and the fit. I made it from inexpensive yarn, and it has held up nicely!
Christin Underwood: Top 5 Ways I Stayed Healthy during 2020
1. Meal prepped weekly to stay on my nutrition
2. Made sure to do at least 3 home workouts a week
3. Made sure to hike weekly for Vitamin D
4. FaceTime and Zoom called my family once a week
5. Journaled and did meditation for mental health
Lucrecer Braxton: Top 5 Songs I’ve Been Listening to This Year
1. Diana Gordon, “Woman”
2. Almondmilkhunni feat. Evander Griiim, “Grapefruit”
3. Yung Baby Tate, “That Girl”
4. Maxine Ashley, “Lobster”
5. Koffee, “Toast”
Sangeeta Agarawal: Top Ways I Learnt To Do R+R This Year
1. Call and Zoom friends
2. Walks in nature and meditation retreats
3. Cook fun recipes
4. Clean and decorate house
5. Coloring and calligraphy
6. Reading spiritual books
7. Being in pajamas
8. A little bit of gardening
Top 5 Things I Enjoyed in Spite of 2020…
• from Laurel Shane:
1. Camping trips
2. Cuddling with my dog
3. Reading Solutions and Other Problems by Allie Brosh
4. DIY projects like sewing masks and making home improvements
5. Rewatching The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
• from Vesna Taneva-Miller:
1. I went on my first meditation retreat in Stockbridge, MA a week before everything shut down because of COVID. This was on my 2020 list before 2020 arrived.
2. I went on an epic hike in Yosemite and hiked Half Dome. I was sooo lucky to be invited on this hike as going all the way to the top requires a permit that is given through a lottery system.
3. I was able to stay home for 6 weeks when COVID first hit. We did a lot of walks in local parks. I also learned how to edit videos and filmed 3 classes for Skillshare.
4. I planted two fruit trees in my backyard: a fig and a pomegranate. I will always remember that they were planted during COVID year (haha)!
5. I am joining Carve December, and I am determined to carve a stamp a day during this month.
• from Lori Meisner Cleland:
1. Socially distanced camping trips with my brother and his family
2. Discovering new (to me) music, like Gregory Porter
3. A slower pace
4. Increased support of and appreciation of small businesses
5. Seeing all the amazing creativity going on as people work to navigate this crazy year together
Photos that go with the lists are from the respective listmakers.
P.S. Dinah Liebold’s list of gift ideas that was so detailed and timely that it got its own post last week, so be sure to check that out if you haven’t already!
