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Original poster

Positives you can take from 2020

76 replies

Greydove28 · 04/10/2020 18:16

Starting a positive thread abt 2020.

Positives I can take from 2020 are:
Ive spent more time with my kids and dh as wfh
Ive learnt how to enjoy the outdoors
I've made new friends and enjoyed a closer bond with my family
Saved money as not been commuting or able to go anywhere
Read loads of books, which i dont normally do.

What are your positives?

OP posts:
headlock · 04/10/2020 20:32

My family were fortunate and have had positives despite Covid. Between furlough, being able to take time off from self employment and receiving the relevant government grants we were ok. As well as that we saved a bit of money as we weren't doing anything. It was good to have a break from life. We live in an area of town that is walking distance to the country side so our daily exercise during lockdown was always lovely. We also have a garden.
We honestly can't complain as some have had it really tough. We know people who have lost their livelihoods. Businesses that have taken years to build completely decimated.
A crazy, crazy time.

ilovebagpuss · 04/10/2020 20:37

You have asked for positives which is hard for me as I had to work throughout not at home having nice bonding time with my DD’s.
However the birdsong and walks were a lovely addition to my days.
The lack of rushing to drop off and pick up was a stress removed from the day.
I got Covid so that’s done now no more dreading it (unless I get it again)
Th

AngelicaElizaAndPeggy · 04/10/2020 20:50

It's nearly finished?

Bellesavage · 04/10/2020 20:53

Not divorced...yet.
Only needed to clean the car once

feellikeanalien · 04/10/2020 20:55

@AdoptedBumpkin Thankyou.

refriedbeanstalk · 04/10/2020 20:59

My area is getting lots of People Friendly Streets to try and stop rat running; car ownership locally is ridiculously low but SUV drivers make the streets horrible. Hope this a turning point for london streets and it'll be cleaner and safer for pedestrians especially disabled people and families with buggies / bikes.

Doesn't really make up for the people we've lost and things we've missed this year but long term it will save lives ❤️

optimisticpessimist01 · 04/10/2020 21:20

DP and I got along MUCH better than I thought we would
Made me appreciate seeing my family much more
DP got a job that is his first job in his dream career
Saved money and are a lot closer to owning our first home
It also made me realise how much I love teaching and being around students- I hated WFH!

KeeOe · 04/10/2020 23:33

I've finally found myself. Apart from C19, this year has been one of the worst of my life. I've pulled myself up by my bootstraps though. I've made my life my own again, made my home my own again. I've taken ownership for my own life and happiness.

Found a new job to replace the one I despise. (I start in just under 3 weeks), that pays more money. I have found the most amazing group of friends and most importantly, my beautiful daughter is happy and my baby dogs are settled and content.

Its not a year I'll look back on fondly, but its one I can certainly say I've learned so much about myself and become completely self reliant. I am so much stronger than I ever, ever realised.

Egghead68 · 04/10/2020 23:36

I’ve got good at using Zoom

Lincs90 · 04/10/2020 23:44

I was able to really appreciate springtime in the countryside by my house during my family walks in lockdown.

I got to WFH in my third trimester. I wasn't looking forward to this but turned out to be quite good for me.

Heffalooomia · 04/10/2020 23:49

@VenusClapTrap

It’s been a good year for tomatoes and apples.
When I read this I thought of the Elvis Costello song 'it's been a good year for the roses' I can't think of anything that I would term a positive but there are some silver linings, lots of weaknesses have been exposed it's been interesting and entertaining in some ways
Heffalooomia · 04/10/2020 23:50

@refriedbeanstalk

My area is getting lots of People Friendly Streets to try and stop rat running; car ownership locally is ridiculously low but SUV drivers make the streets horrible. Hope this a turning point for london streets and it'll be cleaner and safer for pedestrians especially disabled people and families with buggies / bikes.

Doesn't really make up for the people we've lost and things we've missed this year but long term it will save lives ❤️

Completely agree, suvs are ruining our urban landscapes 🤬☹️
marriednotdead · 04/10/2020 23:52

A mixed bag for me. I had COVID just before lockdown started but came through ok as did my adult DCs.

Been furloughed but still have a job to go back to for now and am returning in a few days. Saved money despite drop in pay because no commuting costs.

Had a fibromyalgia diagnosis earlier this year so the time off has given my body a chance to rest. DP moved in for lockdown and it's worked so well that we're going to make it permanent. He's also made over my garden which has become both a joy and stress buster.

Got DS out of his hellhole job with a bully of a manager without him having to resign- they tried to get him to. He's job hunting now but so much happier. The anxiety for both of us was horrendous and I couldn't have dealt with it while I was still at work.

Had rare and precious time with my siblings and realised who my friends truly are.

So sorry for those of you who have had tough times Flowers

samosamimosa · 04/10/2020 23:58

Dad died before covid so I could go to his funeral.

LadyCatStark · 05/10/2020 00:11

DH and I have spent 6 months together without killing each other! I think we’re actually stronger.

Despite missing out on all his primary school leavers events, DS has been able to start at a top Grammar School and has settled in really well.

We’ve saved money from not going out, lunches at work etc.

I’ve taken up running which is helping my mental health.

We’ve moved to a beautiful new house.

There are no positives to working from home though, it’s relentlessly miserable.

Wobbitcatcher · 05/10/2020 00:22

This year has been mainly quite positive for me.
I had severe morning sickness and was already signed off work when lockdown began but was able to go “back to work” much earlier than I would have if I wasn’t wfh. I often worry about my sickness record so that was a relief.

I’ve spent loads of time with my DS which I’m so grateful of as soon we will be a family of 4 and I won’t always be able to give him my full attention.

My DH was mix of wfh and furlough but his company didn’t reduce the salaries so didn’t affect us financially and gave him time with DS too.

I wasn’t ready to send DS to nursery and I haven’t needed to. I’m now on maternity so can wait until he’s school age and have saved a years childcare nearly.

My DHs works went through redundancy process and someone superior took voluntary, my DH has now been promoted to this role and his job is secure.

Lots of nice food places have started delivery services locally, before it was just Chinese food and pizza.

The only hard bit has been boredom and missing family - I haven’t been in any pubs/restaurants/shops since Feb and my son is missing out on socialising (especially now as I’m overdue and don’t want to take any risks)

Ugzbugz · 05/10/2020 00:29

I'm home when my DC comes home from school, would have spent alot of time alone Sad

TheGinGenie · 05/10/2020 00:39

I've had fewer blisters from not wearing shoes for 6 months.

That's pretty much it, it's been a very shit and lonely year

MyNameIsAlexDrake · 05/10/2020 01:41

I work with brilliant people who have shown we can rise to a challenge, and deliver. Civil service administering the COVID-19 packages.

Bluewavescrashing · 05/10/2020 01:43

I got better from a long term illness

I got a job which I've wanted for 7 years

I'm doing really well in my job and gave been offered a better contract, more money and job satisfaction

tobee · 05/10/2020 01:47

Spent time with adult dc living at home. We've all lived harmoniously. But I feel guilty that this is at the expense of their social lives, start of careers etc.

Not gained or lost weight but have started exercising religiously 3 x a week plus yoga and now feel fitter as a result.

tobee · 05/10/2020 01:49

Oh and ds got his degree Smile

Ghosts2020 · 05/10/2020 01:50

I was able to transfer to a uni I could only dream of a year ago, I have a fantastic new place, great work opportunities, have finally got my passport renewed after never travelling abroad as an adult and my cousin is now in remission for cancer!

tobee · 05/10/2020 01:50

Oh and able to be more organised and psychologically resilient than I thought.

Topseyt · 05/10/2020 02:08

@Prokupatuscrakedatus

Sorry OP, but absolutely nothing. I am glad for those whose life improved, but the effect on aged relatives, severly handicapped family members, DH income = 0, Dcs education, local communities and their efforts and activities has been devastating. I am oldish, with underlying conditions and already survived a life threatening illness - and I am fed up of this overkill.
Me too. Sorry OP, I'd really like to think of positives but this year is heavily weighted towards negatives.

I have frail and elderly parents with mounting health concerns. Lockdown caused them to have to suffer several serious crises where I couldn't even go to see them (they were scared by the government propaganda). It was devastating, cruel and inhumane.

I got made redundant and at my age (and in the current job market) I seem to have little prospect of finding work again.

2020 has not been a great year. I shall not look back on it with fondness

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