The New Year

originally written at the end of 2020, but still rings true for a reflection of 2021…

Reality

Twenty twenty was a year that no one will forget--one for the books. Take an election year, and overlay a global pandemic, riots for racial injustice, forest fires, transitioning to work from home, losing a job or a loved one, becoming your child’s teacher, caregiver, and babysitter, and spending more time inside, maybe alone, and maybe even during the holidays. If I never hear the word, “unprecedented” again, I will be forever grateful. 

In the beginning of quarantine, my mindset and advice to myself and others was simply to “get through this.”  I did not see this as an opportunity to start a new diet or fitness routine with this so-called “new found time.” I knew that the situation of the world would take its toll on us physically and emotionally, without placing extra stress on ourselves to adopt a whole new lifestyle and the demands that come with it. The human race as a whole is burned out.

My instinct early on was survival mode, but as the weeks, months, and now almost a full year has gone by, this mindset had to change. Acceptance. Acceptance for this new norm that we are all still adjusting to. Acceptance for maybe not being the best versions of ourselves this year. Acceptance for your naked child interrupting your Zoom call. This year has taught us so much, especially humility. 

Bright Side

My wish for you at the end of this year, and looking into the new year is to ask yourself “what good can I bring into 2021?” Acknowledge that you do have choices, even during this trying time. How can you reflect on the year 2020, and move forward into the new year?

What have you learned about yourself in this last year?

You are strong: mentally and physically. It is not unique to feel like every day is Groundhog Day. The strength to simply get up, shower, and show up to work or to your family, or even to your couch is noteworthy. 

You are resilient: With new expectations at work, at home, and socially, you have found a way to adapt and bounce back.

You are flexible: Always adjusting. Plans inevitably changed and the holidays looked different. We all need to be flexible during this time. What you thought might be accomplished this past year, now might be on next year's slate. 

You have untapped gifts Have you discovered a hidden talent in this last year? Maybe you dusted off that piano in the corner. 

Have you learned you can actually cook? Or to take turns preparing meals? And have you learned to eat more meals at home?

Have you spent more time with your family, maybe around the dinner table, around a deck of cards, or on FaceTime?

Have you saved money by doing simple things at home instead of going out to eat, to the movies, and to the bar, etc?

Have you taken time to savor your memories? For those who are fortunate to miss traveling, it will return. Take a look at photos from previous trips, reminisce on the memories, and tentatively plan your next trip. 

Are you fortunate enough to have a job that easily transitioned to home? That once dreaded commute to work, now seen as precious “me time.” 

Did you find yourself feeling more philanthropic but did not know where to begin with helping others?

Now, with this new found self-awareness, ask yourself, “what good can I bring into this new year?”