All day I have been hearing people talk about how excited they are for 2020 to be over. This year has been defined by all of its heartbreak, loss, and hurt. But if there is one thing 2020 has taught us, it is that nothing is guaranteed. At a moment’s notice, everything can change and life can be so short. For this reason, I don’t like the idea of just counting 2020 as a "loss" and wishing away the entire year. While we all have our own experiences, this year has changed every single one of our lives. Now it’s up to us to make sure that that change was for the good. Below is a list of some of the things 2020 taught me. I hope it will leave a sweeter taste in your mouth as we ring in this new year! 

• The best stories are made in moments without Snapchat stories. 

• The prettiest photos don’t have a filter on them. 

• One simple night in can do more for a relationship than one hundred nights out. 

• Restaurants are the heartbeat of our communities. 

• The holidays are better spent with family, even that one uncle who drives you nuts. 

• Sometimes we just need a walk and to breathe in some fresh air. 

• Quality time with the people you love beats FaceTime. Prioritize it whenever you can. 

• ONE single person can make a difference. To create change, it takes ALL of us. 

• Social media can trick us into believing that having expensive things, wearing the best clothes, or taking the best vacations are what’s important. But when we put down our phones it becomes obvious: the little things really do matter most. They always have.

Wishing you and your families all a very happy and HEALTHY New Year! May it be filled with family parties, sporting events, dinners with friends, hugs with loved ones, and whatever else it is you’ve been missing.