One Good Thing: 2020 in review
My favorite reads, podcasts and lessons learned this year
What a year it’s been. I could never try to compete with Oprah… but I did feel the need to share some of my favorite things that got me through 2020.
My favorite reads
I was certainly not one of the readers who became more productive in quarantine. But instead of focusing on a number count of books I churned through, I’m instead focusing on the lessons learned and lasting impacts of some of my favorite reads this year—after all isn’t that why we read?
Books such as Cheryl Strayed’s Tiny, Beautiful Things and Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird gave me comfort and wisdom in this frazzled, hectic, worrisome year. As I write this now, I’m realizing the connection between these two books and larger themes of 2020. Sometimes it’s necessary to focus on the tiny, minute details to find joy in situations that feel uncontrollable. The same is true advice for writing—or, I would argue, any big challenge in life—we must tackle it one bit a time, bird by bird. (This is not something my anxiety brain computes easily.) These daily reminders got me through 2020 when much of the world felt big, scary and out of control.
Jefferson Bethke’s To Hell With the Hustle reminded me there is power in the quiet places and there is nobility in slowing down and drawing boundaries. It gave me a new perspective of minimalism and how we can structure our lives better to reflect what really matters most.
Lastly, I will leave you with two of my favorite stories from the online world: Polina Marinova’s interview with Brandon Stanton of Humans of New York and this profile of Mary Jo Copeland in The Washington Post. Two incredible humans making a real difference in the world.
My favorite listens
Brene Brown’s Unlocking Us — there’s something to learn and be inspired by in every interview (this episode on burnout was one of my favorites!)
Jordan Raynor’s The Call to Mastery — a great podcast on calling, purpose and work from a Christian perspective
On Purpose With Jay Shetty — great lessons and interviews with thought-leaders on success, wisdom and living a meaningful life
One big thing
Gratitude. That’s my word heading into 2021. Grateful for the people, places and things that keep us grounded when the world is spiraling, grateful for the small moments of clarity, purpose and joy, grateful for the chance to do it all over again.
What’s your word for next year? I’d love to hear about it.
Until next time. Cheers!
Taylor
