Happy New Year!
I don’t need to rehash 2020, because we all know what has gone on all too well. We are glad it is behind us and we are looking forward to 2021 ushering in a different scenario. Hindsight truly is 2020. I encourage you to ease into 2021. Breathe and take it a step at a time. Rather than putting pressure on yourself to set resolutions, instead, set a word with the intention of living out its meaning.
I’m reminded of a song from “The Wiz” called “Ease on Down the Road.”
Come on and
Ease on down, ease on down the road
Come on, ease on down
Ease on down the road
Don’t you carry nothing
That might be a load
Come on, ease on down
Ease on down the road
Here are some overall skills that will help you enter 2021 in a good space or at least more calmly:
First, INHALE/EXHALE. Secondly, be still. Third, reflect. Breathing helps us to center our thoughts, our bodies, our minds. Breathing helps us to be still. You may say, “I’ve been home and still for 10 months.” The stillness I am speaking of is centering yourself…mindfulness so-to-speak, calming your mind. Many have so much going on and they feel like they are being pulled in so many different directions at the same time.
Once again, I encourage you to journal. It helps you to be still, gather your thoughts, focus as well as to clear your mind. Reflect on what 2020 meant to you. What will you take with you and what will you leave behind? Did you learn anything? Don’t beat up on yourself. Simply listen as you reflect and assess and then decide “now what?”
The “good” I’ve heard people say they’ve learned and appreciated during 2020:
Family spending more time together
Family doing more fun things together
Learning new skills
Getting around to hobbies
Trying new recipes
Finally purging my home
Redecorating
Appreciating things I have taken for granted
Getting the pet I/we have wanted
My suggestions for 2021:
Set an intention. Normally people set resolutions for the New Year and what happens is we set ourselves up for stress and pressure to achieve the goals. The past two years I have switched to setting an intention. My intention in 2020 was ACCEPTANCE. The first line of the Serenity Prayer: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change…” was my affirmation. A song (which may seem like a strange choice) was The Climb by Miley Cyrus. How applicable. This year my word is FOCUS. It was difficult to choose a word this year. Yet, I am already finding it to be helpful.
Let go. Try not to bring things from 2020 that don’t serve you. Mental clutter. Physical clutter. Emotional clutter. Get help if necessary. Take care of your mental health. Take care of your physical health. During these times, people could use that coat, coffee maker, DVR that you haven’t used in years. Donate them to the church store or other organizations. For example, I’m part of a group on Facebook that is in my town where you can post items you don’t want or particular items you need. Everything is free…no selling allowed. There is no physical contact, “porch pick up” is the mode of transfer. This group has helped me to purge items, especially when the donation centers were closed.
Bottom line: Take it slow. Be kind to yourself and others. Look for the good.
My wish is that 2021 brings you good health, joy, peace and abundance in all ways.
