My toddler’s hands around summer of this year. It feels like I just took this photo yesterday. But no. These are way bigger now, several milestones have passed, and 2020 is about to end in a few days. Where did the time go? Inarguably, life has never been more surreal since the pandemic began. This is the year when we told ourselves to “slow down”, yet time keeps flying by in the blink of an eye. It’s bizarre how the hours feel fast and slow at the same time. We wake up thinking we’re still in the same day – in limbo, just like how it was a week ago. Celebrations cancelled, travel plans postponed, less commute to work – life hasn’t been that complicated lately. But why do we feel drained and overwhelmed, as if we’ve had too much to handle just for one day? It’s hard to keep pace with all of the changes taking place this year. It’s so easy to get distracted, which also adds up to our mental and emotional overload. So, where did the time go? Why is it December all of a sudden?
Today as I turn a year older, I’m sharing this photo as I reminder to pause and reflect once again. This year, I’ve watched these hands grow by the day. I held these during the times when she wanted to step outside but couldn’t, when she cried and asked me when she’ll be able to see the playground again, or when she happily annoyed her work-from-home Dada. These hands remind me that despite all the negativity this year, I am blessed beyond measure. Everyday, I wake up with a purpose – to hold these hands tightly through the brightest and darkest moments. Today, I choose to look back and cherish both the good and the bad days. I am grateful for what this year has taught us. Yes, we can never get back all the things that we missed in 2020. But for sure, we’ll end it stronger and wiser than ever. Thank you dear Lord for another year. Praying that we all get to bounce back soon. 
Featured in the photo: Watermelon Chevron (left); White and Rainbow Dots (right)
