10 Things We're Thankful For This Thanksgiving
Written By Cristina Villalón
ABOUT THE AUTHOR | Cristina Villalón is the Co-Founder and Lead Designer at Álvarez-Díaz & Villalón. She directs both the Interior Design and Visual Merchandising divisions while overseeing all decisions made on a day-to-day basis at the firm.
2021 WAS ANOTHER YEAR FILLED WITH CHALLENGES AS WE CONTINUE TO FACE THE PANDEMIC.
Even amidst these challenges, there are so many things to make us appreciate and be grateful for another year. Here are 10 things we’re thankful for this Thanksgiving:
1. GOOD HEALTH
The pandemic put everything in perspective. Without health, life as we know it, cannot go on. We’re grateful for each day that passes where our team, our family and our loved ones are healthy and well. Each new day is a gift, and we should try to make every day matter and enjoy life to the fullest.
2. FRONTLINE WORKERS
Frontline workers are the true heroes of 2021. We’re thankful for all the first responders, teachers, public transit workers, manufacturers, postal service workers, and all other frontline workers for their continuous service and commitment to helping and serving communities while putting their own lives at risk. We’re very thankful for all that they do!
3. FRIENDS & FAMILY
We’re happy that this year allowed us to reunite and spend time with those friends and family members that we were not able to see much of last year. Absence, indeed, makes the heart grow fonder and after months or a year apart, we are not taking these reunions for granted.
4. TECHNOLOGY
Technology has also been a key factor in helping us keep in touch with loved ones throughout the year. It has given schools and businesses the opportunity to keep operating and has provided people with a hybrid model of both in-person and virtual school or work. Technology has made it possible for people and the economy to keep moving forward.
5. VACCINES
We’re very thankful for the development of COVID vaccines and that they now cover children and teens, helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Thanks to vaccination, schools and businesses were able to reopen, traveling became safer, and some COVID restrictions were lifted. We are finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
6. A SENSE OF NORMALCY
Thanks to COVID restrictions being lifted, we have begun to feel a sense of “normalcy” again. While wearing our masks and following safety protocols, we are able to gather with friends and family at public places and get back to enjoying restaurants, concerts, movie theaters, and more.
7. OUR NEW OFFICE
At the beginning of 2021, we moved into a larger office that allowed us to maintain social distance and keep our team safe. The move has also allowed the firm to be fully operational providing our team with multiple, safes paces to collaborate and work comfortably.As the year comes to an end, we are now expanding our office space to accommodate our growing team. We look forward to this new space continuing to help our team and our firm thrive.
8. THE AD&V TEAM
We are blessed with a lot of work and projects on the pipeline. This year, we’ve been able to attract and retain talent and our team is stronger than ever. We are extremely grateful for all the hard work that the entire AD&V Team puts in each and every day. It’s been incredible to see our AD&V team grow!
9. NATURE
Spending so much time indoors because of lockdown and curfews, has made us appreciate being outdoors. This year has made us want to spend more time taking in the fresh air, soaking up the sun and enjoying nature views.A silver lining of the pandemic is that it has encouraged us s to focus on local tourism and discover new places around Puerto Rico that provide nature-based experiences like restaurants surrounded by beautiful mountain views, and hidden waterfalls located in magnificent forests.
10. LOCAL BUSINESSES
It’s been awesome to see local businesses reinvent themselves and come up with innovative and safe ways to keep their businesses open and contribute to the economic growth of the communities in which they live and serve. We are grateful for what they have done to provide people with services that make people’s lives easier and better!As 2021 comes to an end, we are thankful for another year of lessons and growth. We are thankful for our health, loved ones, medical advances, nature, and all those people who have gone the extra mile or who have put their lives at risk to help others. Wishing everyone an amazing Thanksgiving week!