This was a hard year for everyone. We thought it'd be a welcome off-ramp to 2020's awfulness but we were mistaken. The virus is worse than ever, politics are still stuck in division, and bad stuff happened.
As we leave 2021 it might be nice to reflect on good things that happened this year. Small acts that occurred in ordinary people's lives, without fanfare or applause. So I pose this question -- what is the nicest thing you did or have done to you in 2021?
(My answer will be shared tomorrow after hearing yours.)
What s lovely question to end the year on ❤️
ReplyDeleteI paid for a stranger's fuel at a petrol station as their back card was playing up. It was only a fiver, but I think it's the thought that counts. I also sent my Dad a gift box of warm clothes and one of those plug in heated blankets, as his medication was affecting him. We couldn't visit because of that either. However, we did manage to see him before Christmas.
On a personal note, a workmate put me in for a reward thanking me for the support and help I'd given him over the year. Also, my dear partner saying did I want to book time off as I seemed to be struggling.
Happy new year, SB. I hope it goes well for you.
What nice acts! Thanks for sharing. Happy New Year.
DeleteMy sister-in-law is expecting her second daughter any day now - it really should be around January 28, but the baby seems determined to come early - and it's been clear since late October that her pregnancy is of the risky kind and she can't continue to take care full time of her very lively and very needy firstborn, my niece Agáta who is not quite two years old yet. So for the past two months, we, as in the immediate family, have been taking "shifts" in taking care of Agáta, and while that has been great fun at times, it's also been quite time and energy consuming, plus it hasn't always been easy to balance everything with work, health and anti-Covid measures. Still, in the end I believe it's been pretty wonderful for everyone, including Agáta. And the new baby is now very likely to be completely OK, yay!
ReplyDeleteOn another note, I am very grateful for the lovely correspondence and gifts I've been receiving from friends I couldn't possibly meet in person this year, most notably those in the US, Australia and Japan. And I am grateful for the internet, including this blog I discovered several months ago. Thank you, Ally and all, and I am sending my best wishes from Prague! May 2022 be kind to us all.
That family situation is tough. Kudos for you guys pitching in to make it work. Best wishes to you, too.
DeleteWithout a doubt, adopting our cat Bess back in March was the most wonderful thing that happened to me this year! xxx
ReplyDeleteHow nice! Pets are the best.
DeleteThe nicest thing someone did for me was Mica (of Away From the Blue), who sent me the most wonderful email for no reason other than to tell me how much she admired me. It makes me cry every time I read it - it's amazing how something small can make such a huge difference in people's lives.
ReplyDeleteThe nicest thing I did...has to be mending my relationship with my mom. From our initial Zoom calls, chats about her Storyworth questions and essays, to our Mom-Day Adventures - this has changed our dynamic and repaired many years of distance between us. It's been a lot of work (mostly on my part) but worth it, as I've gained a new appreciation for my mom as a person (not just as my mother) and I've opened up to her as well. I'm "open in a shallow way" to most people, and it's difficult for me to let others see my inner self.
Thank you for the thought-provoking question, Ally. I'm looking forward to your own answers.
How sweet of your friend. I'm glad you improved the relationship with your mom. The adventures you're having are wonderful; it's satisfying to read about them. Happy New Year, Sheila.
DeleteI've had a great many big and small kindnesses bestowed upon me.
ReplyDeleteI've tried to give back where I can. It's definitely been a year where I have had to be more and more grateful at the support I have from my wonderful friends ;)
Definitely saved me this year. Hopefully next year I can up my giving game more. Even if it's just my time, my effort, and my kindness, I want 2022 to be a good one.
Good impulse. Healthy and generous. I wish the best of years for you coming up!
DeleteThe nicest thing I did this year was to spend a lot of time with a friend who needed it and her kids (especially with one of her kids that has special needs and needed extra attention). It was time well spent, we have been friends since we were kids and I'm happy we were able to maintain our friendship.
ReplyDeleteI would say that the nicest thing someone did for me was not one single action but more the general support I got from my husband and that I really needed this year because it was rough for me.
Happy 2022.
That was kind of you. And I'm glad you got support, too. Happy New Year, pal.
DeleteI saw a tweet yesterday that said they didn't realize 2020 was setting up a trilogy lol
ReplyDeleteWe keep thinking the next year can't be worse but somehow it is - or at least bad.
This is a small thing but I have a friend who sent a card to me every week for the whole year the first year of the pandemic. I had just lost my dog and it was a really rough time combined with quarantine.
Last year, her mom died so I reciprocated and sent her a card with a silly little thing every week. S
Some times those little things make a difference.
Karen @For What It's Worth
That's a really sweet gesture. I've seen others do it and thought I'd appreciate receiving regular check-ins. Just have to find a friend. :) Happy New Year.
DeleteI don't even have to think twice about my answer. It is the profound kindness and extraordinary generosity that you and Robin extended my way via the parcels (of paper crafting treasures) that blessed my life in early 2021. Thank you both again from the very furthest reaches of my grateful heart.
ReplyDeleteAutumn Zenith 🎃 Witchcrafted Life