Tech Gratitude: How Connecting Online Helped Us in 2020

I do not need to list the many reasons why we are all eager to put this year behind us. As I reflect on the challenges faced I am thankful for the strength and resilience of those around me, both in-person and online. And while I can’t wait to resume big celebrations, dining inside restaurants, family vacations, and workshops in front of full auditoriums, I am really thankful for how digital connectivity helped me get through this year. There were a million disappointments in 2020, but here are 8 reasons I am grateful that technology kept us connected through it all.
I do not need to list the many reasons why we are all eager to put this year behind us. As I reflect on the challenges faced I am thankful for the strength and resilience of those around me, both in-person and online. And while I can’t wait to resume big celebrations, dining inside restaurants, family vacations, and workshops in front of full auditoriums, I am really thankful for how digital connectivity helped me get through this year. There were a million disappointments in 2020, but here are 8 reasons I am grateful that technology kept us connected through it all.

1. Family FaceTime

I can’t imagine how much worse this challenging time would have been if I couldn’t see the faces of the people I love. I sent my oldest son off to college this year and not being able to hug him or visit his campus for 3 months has been difficult, but weekly FaceTime calls helped to bridge the distance. Group video calls with my sisters, parents and friends became a necessary way to combat loneliness and boredom. Being able to see each other, share stories, and laughter with people who mean the most to me were vital lifelines through the worst of days.
I can’t imagine how much worse this challenging time would have been if I couldn’t see the faces of the people I love. I sent my oldest son off to college this year and not being able to hug him or visit his campus for 3 months has been difficult, but weekly FaceTime calls helped to bridge the distance. Group video calls with my sisters, parents and friends became a necessary way to combat loneliness and boredom. Being able to see each other, share stories, and laughter with people who mean the most to me were vital lifelines through the worst of days.

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2. Creative Social Networkers

In my line of work, and really for any parent nowadays, the dangers and cruel behavior on social media is a top concern. This year, however, I was amazed at the creative, powerful, beautiful, and witty posts of people all over the globe. Some of my scrolling highlights were The Tonight Show Home Editions with Jimmy Fallon’s adorable girls, the epic drum battle between the Foo Fighter’s Dave Grohl and 10-year-old sensation Nandi Bushell, John Krasinski’s Some Good News, and of course, the hilarious breakout star of the year, lip-synch sensation, Sarah Cooper. It wasn’t just celebrities, real people on Twitter had me giggling through my news feed and clever college students abroad produced priceless TikToks about being quarantined overseas. There are so many truly gifted people online, and I am thankful that a small portion of their mini works of genius helped us all feel less isolated even when home alone.
In my line of work, and really for any parent nowadays, the dangers and cruel behavior on social media is a top concern. This year, however, I was amazed at the creative, powerful, beautiful, and witty posts of people all over the globe. Some of my scrolling highlights were The Tonight Show Home Editions with Jimmy Fallon’s adorable girls, the epic drum battle between the Foo Fighter’s Dave Grohl and 10-year-old sensation Nandi Bushell, John Krasinski’s Some Good News, and of course, the hilarious breakout star of the year, lip-synch sensation, Sarah Cooper. It wasn’t just celebrities, real people on Twitter had me giggling through my news feed and clever college students abroad produced priceless TikToks about being quarantined overseas. There are so many truly gifted people online, and I am thankful that a small portion of their mini works of genius helped us all feel less isolated even when home alone.

3. Streaming Services

I will not admit how many hours I melted into the couch in 2020, but passing the time indoors was made much more entertaining because of the fantastic programs being continually delivered to my screens: Netflix’s Ozark, Dead to Me, The Crown, Outer Banks, and Schitt’s Creek; Apple Plus’ The Morning Show and Ted Lasso, Disney Plus’ The Mandalorian and the brilliant, cannot-hype-it-enough release of Broadway’s Hamilton were all much-needed distractions.
I will not admit how many hours I melted into the couch in 2020, but passing the time indoors was made much more entertaining because of the fantastic programs being continually delivered to my screens: Netflix’s Ozark, Dead to Me, The Crown, Outer Banks, and Schitt’s Creek; Apple Plus’ The Morning Show and Ted Lasso, Disney Plus’ The Mandalorian and the brilliant, cannot-hype-it-enough release of Broadway’s Hamilton were all much-needed distractions.

4. Health and Fitness Apps

I really missed my gym workouts and Pilates classes but at least I was able to stream some great workout programs into my home to keep me exercising, and staying strong. Plus, my FitBit held me accountable to get moving every day.
I really missed my gym workouts and Pilates classes but at least I was able to stream some great workout programs in to my home to keep me exercising, and staying strong. Plus, my FitBit held me accountable to get moving every day.

5. Supportive Online Groups

It was difficult to remain focused on work at times but my supportive networks helped me to keep going. Staying connected to others facing the same challenges while working from home and sharing solutions online was enormously helpful. I am particularly grateful to the women of DCFempreneur and Side Hustle in the City for their inspiration and encouragement.
It was difficult to remain focused on work at times but my supportive networks helped me to keep going. Staying connected to others facing the same challenges while working from home and sharing solutions online was enormously helpful. I am particularly grateful to the women of DCFempreneur and Side Hustle in the City for their inspiration and encouragement.

6. Distance Learning

Virtual classrooms may not be ideal but we should all be appreciative of digital devices enabling our kids to continue learning. Thank you to all the educators, school administrators, and technicians for making it possible. Additionally, I am thrilled to share that I completed the comprehensive Digital Wellness Institute’s Certification program and excited to update my services with the latest research and guidance on technology use and wellbeing.
Virtual classrooms may not be ideal but we should all be appreciative of digital devices enabling our kids to continue learning. Thank you to all the educators, school administrators, and technicians for making it possible. Additionally, I am thrilled to share that I completed the comprehensive Digital Wellness Institute’s Certification program and excited to update my services with the latest research and guidance on technology use and wellbeing.

7. Collaborations and Partnerships

Social networking facilitated exciting connections during the quarantine. I am honored to be associated with The Digital Wellness Collective, Campus Outreach Services, IndieFlix, and many more who were easy to work with in this difficult year.
Social networking facilitated exciting connections during the quarantine. I am honored to be associated with The Digital Wellness Collective, Campus Outreach Services, IndieFlix, and many more who were easy to work with in this difficult year.

8. Virtual Client Workshops

I am fortunate to be able to work from home but this year would have been impossible without the support of all my valuable clients. Thank you for inviting me to Zoom into your homes, meetings, panel discussions, and conferences.
I hope 2021 will bring us back to more face-to-face meetings and exciting events. Until then, stay safe and use technology with intention and mindfulness to remain connected.

I am fortunate to be able to work from home but this year would have been impossible without the support of all my valuable clients. Thank you for inviting me to Zoom into your homes, meetings, panel discussions, and conferences.

I hope 2021 will bring us back to more face-to-face meetings and exciting events. Until then, stay safe and use technology with intention and mindfulness to remain connected.


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