Reflecting on a year like no other
The New Year is finally within sight, and I’m sure everyone is looking forward to putting 2020 in the rear-view mirror — but before we do, let’s take a moment to reflect on the things we’ve learned about ourselves through this wild, challenging year.
For me, it’s been discovering a love of connecting with nature through wildlife photography.
After almost exclusively covering sports for the better part of a decade, the arrival of COVID-19 left a void in my life. With essentially no athletes to shoot, I shifted my focus to Medicine Hat’s incredible animal population and found a source of joy I may have never tapped into without a global pandemic.
Ever since snapping a photo of two deer at Police Point Park in early May, I’ve been driven by a desire to find as many of the city’s species as I can. In just a few months, I’ve crossed more off the list than I even thought possible — from frogs and beavers to young bald eagles — and I don’t plan on stopping any time soon.
These silver-lining stories exist in every corner of this city, and certainly across the world as we rally to defeat this virus and return to a sense of normalcy. From getting in touch with nature to discovering sources of inner strength, here are the things that have kept Hatters thriving through the most challenging year of our generation.
Trev Stickler
Nature is a huge antidepressant. Being one with the earth lifts your spirits naturally. Y’all look after yourselves out there. Much love.
Lee Anne Hoiland
No wildlife, but I definitely rediscovered my love of photography this year.
Mandy Lee Metz
I learned the value in simplicity... getting back to basics.
And, as I’m sure most of us have encountered, how to make difficult choices. I learned that when we tap into integrity, the outcome usually works in our favour, even if it doesn’t appear that way at first.
Oh, and I sat with my guitar a lot more!
Lynne Chabluk
I’ve learned that I’m not very humble. I tend to talk a lot about all my crafts I’ve done. On the good side, I am kind.
Sam Sam
I learned that no matter what life throws my way I will survive it. That there is nothing wrong with who I am as a person and I am a great mom.
I also learned I don’t need to hold space in my life for anyone who doesn’t deserve to be there.
Astra Brauner-Ball
I learned that I do in fact still dislike the general public. Here’s a picture of the goodest boy ever.
Norine Moore
I also found that wildlife can be a challenge, but I enjoyed it so much. You never knew where the walk would take you.
JoAnn Davidson
I love living in the country! Nature does some lovely paintings!
Chrystina Olson
I love hanging out at home with my pets.