Written by Padua Senior Emily G.

As I sit here on the very last day of this crazy year, I want to reflect. When reflecting on 2020, it is so easy to think of all of the negatives, or the things that “ruined” my senior year. Although these thoughts are relevant, it is also SO important to realize everything this year to be thankful for. Personally, I am beyond grateful for my health and the health of those around me. I am grateful for the Padua community, and the ability of students and staff to grow during a period like this. I am grateful for everyone who worked during this time, whether it was in person or virtually. 

Most importantly, I am grateful for the gift of mindfulness during this stressful year. Meditation genuinely got me through 2020. It helped me learn how to treat others, understanding that they are going through the same, if not a worse situation. It is easy to simply isolate yourself and feel completely alone with whatever you’re going through, but mindfulness helped me to stay connected. 

I strongly believe that part of my ability to stay healthy was due to mindfulness, keeping my mental health strong as the days went by. When there is chaos all around us, it can be difficult to recenter ourselves. Although it was sometimes hard to focus or find calm within my thoughts, I continued practicing because I knew it would get better if I simply didn’t give up. Simply not giving up is something that meditation has taught me and it is one of the most important lessons I took with me everyday this year. No matter what is going on around us, no matter how chaotic, be nice to yourself, and simply do not give up.