It’s almost time to say goodbye to 2020 and welcome a new, hopefully better, year. Normally I would be creating my list of New Year’s Resolutions. I usually try to have one or more goals or resolutions for each major area of my life (health, relationships, work, home, etc.). But this year? Nope. Let’s discuss why and what I’m doing instead.
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No New Year’s Resolutions This Year
So, why am I abandoning my usual tradition of setting goals and resolutions for the new year? For one thing, 2020 made it very clear that sometimes life throws us a curveball. In fact, sometimes we don’t even know we are facing a pitcher when…WHAM!…we get hit in the head.
I feel pretty sure none of us predicted what 2020 brought. I certainly didn’t anticipate spending the year almost totally at home, minus weekly trips to pick up a grocery order. I’ve used less than two tanks of gas since March. That’s pretty amazing, even for a Prius.
On the other hand, I can’t begin to estimate how many Amazon boxes have been delivered to our front porch this year.
It’s been a difficult year, for sure. Losing our sweet Shiloh to cancer was heartbreaking. And Chris’ cat Miles, back in March.
On the other hand, there have been some good things that have come out of what I’m thinking of as a “slow year”. Quite frankly, I was exhausted by our usual pace and as an introvert, I’ve appreciated the time-out from all the events we normally host through our nonprofit. I think I needed the break.
As I look ahead to a new year, I’m doing so with a perspective I’ve never had before. I have a different sense of how long…and also how short…a year can be.
I’m hopeful for a return to at least a semi-normal life by summer. I’ve decided that I’m taking a year off from goals and just enjoy every bit of it that I can.
The closest thing to a resolution I’m making is to make sure I laugh every day. I’m going to read, watch or listen to something funny every single day. Fortunately David and my kids are funny so we already laugh a lot. I’m just going to take it to another level by being intentional about seeking humor.
I have a few other things I want to do more of in 2021 but I’ll share all about that in my “Word of the Year” post which will be posted later today or tomorrow.
I’d love to hear your thoughts about resolutions in general and if you make them, what they are for 2021.
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I’m doing the opposite this year. I don’t usually make resolutions but this year I’m going to try to read 21 books, make 21 crafts and move my body for 21 mins a day. The first two should be easy but getting off the couch is going to be harder, especially since I haven’t done it at all this year. LoL
I started out doing “20 in 2020” – 20 minutes on the treadmill every day. I was doing really well until our treadmill decided to take a break. David took it apart and oiled everything. For awhile I could only walk 3-5 minutes and it would just suddenly stop. It seems to have healed itself, though, and I want to re-establish that habit.
I don’t usually do resolutions but sometimes set goals. I know it’s mincing words but for me it’s a different mindset. But I’m like you. I’ve really enjoyed the slower pace of the year despite all the bad that’s gone in around. It’s given me a chance to re-embrace my passion for homemaking.
And that’s my goal for the upcoming year. To be a homemaker not just a housekeeper
I agree that resolutions and goals are not precisely the same. And I may very well set some shorter term goals along the way. Homemaking is way more fulfilling than just being a housekeeper.
Happy New Year Dee! I LOVE this! Enjoy life and laugh. Perfect! I think that’s a great plan. I think I’ll join you…Just enough and not too much for 2021!
I’d love to have you join me. We can all use more laughter, right?
I am not very good at planning too far ahead, things change so quickly. I have gone from full time work to as and when required. But I do hope to carry on with things I started while in lockdown ( gardening, online courses and reading). But I would like to see my grandad children more the eldest who is only two and a half I have only seen four times in 2020.
I think we all learned this year how hard it is to know what lies ahead. I do hope you’ll be able to see your grandchildren more in the new year.
I don’t do resolutions, but I do some goals. I’m keeping them small for 2021 though, since the main focus is on doing the things in a way that allows me to focus on better self care. I want to do the things I’ve set as my goals, but the one that matters most to me is the one about self care, because I want to focus most on taking care of myself – physically and mentally – and doing what I need to do in order to do that, in particular focussing on capturing and enjoying every hygge moment I can.
Self care is so important. I feel as though I’ve done a bit better in some ways this past year but there are still glaring gaps (i.e. exercise and sleep) I need to address.
Hopefully now that you are settled in your new home you’ll find it easier to take care of yourself.
That’s my hope…