On Friday, we officially begin a new year! 2020 has been filled with uncertainty, sorrow, pivots for most, and yet, there has been joy, sparks of goodness and happy moments as we’ve reconnected with our families differently and our normal routines have been shaken up. In retrospect, perhaps 2020 was the disturbance to the status quo so many of us secretly needed.
No matter how you feel about 2020 and how much you’re looking forward to the clock striking at midnight on December 31st, here are some ways you can say goodbye to 2020, and welcome to 2021 in a healthy way!
Let Go and Keep
Are you a fan of organizing shows like Tidying Up with Marie Kondo (Netflix), Mission Organization (HGTV), the Home Edit (Netflix) and Hoarders (Netflix)? If so, you’re familiar with the concept of LET GO and KEEP. If you’re not familiar, it’s the process of going through a particular area of your home and deciding what items you will LET GO by either donating or throwing away and what items you will KEEP.
I’ve decided to LET GO of my self-doubt in 2021. If there’s one thing I’ve been reminded of this year, it is the second agreement in the Four Agreements, “Don’t Take Anything Personally, nothing others do is because of me (what a shocker). I’ve learned that what others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream.” The lesson? When we are immune to the opinions and actions of others, we rid ourselves from being the victim of needless suffering.
I have decided to KEEP my commitment to movement as I head into 2021. From a point of physical activity, I’ve walked a lot more during the pandemic due the fact that I’m always home and it’s a safe way to get out of the house and get some fresh air. I’ve really come to enjoy walking outside (even in the frigid temperatures) but I wouldn’t decline a great deal on a treadmill. 😉 Through walking, I’ve learned that it’s not only about the physical activity, but it’s extremely important for my mental health.
I’ve also realized that I have a strong bias for action in all aspects of my life. Newton’s first law of motion states that an object at rest stays at rest and an object in motion stays in motion at a constant speed and direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced source (SOURCE: Khan Academy). Some would say that 2020 was an unbalanced source that knocked some of us out of motion, but I contend it knocked me into motion and fired up my desire to inspire masses and to change hearts and minds through connection.
So, I ask you … will you stay in rest or in motion in 2021? What are you letting go in 2020 and what are you keeping and taking with you into the new year?
It’s a Vibe
2 Chainz may have made the phrase “it’s a vibe” mainstream, but we shouldn’t underestimate what that statement means. “It’s a vibe” is all about a feeling – your big mood. How and what we feel matters! Entrepreneur and spiritual coach Danielle LaPorte believes that our feelings combined with our thoughts equal our behavior. If we take the time to clarify, deepen and live our feelings we become more powerful and positive. Trusting my feelings has never led me astray and deciding that I control my feelings has changed my life. What will your 2021 VIBE be?
Make a commitment to someone else
Cue the song, Make Someone Happy. All joking aside, modern day happiness expert, Gretchen Rubin believes one of the best ways to make yourself happy is to make other people happy and I agree. When we make a commitment to someone else or to do something else for someone that action shifts the focus away from ourselves. It can be as small as picking up groceries for seniors, delivering a meal to an ill friend or maybe it’s a commitment to be more present with your family or children.
Making a commitment to someone else by being of service or volunteering is an easy act of goodwill and positivity. I know first hand that when we positively impact the lives of others, we positively impact our own lives. How will you make SOMEONE ELSE happy in 2021?
365 Challenge
Is there a practice or habit you want to do every day? I like to start my day with gratitude. Every morning, I take a few minutes to acknowledge and capture what I’m thankful for in the present moment in an app on my phone. My top two points of gratitude have been my health and life and the health and lives of my loved ones for the majority of the year. Establishing a 365 Challenge is a small step you can take in practicing mindfulness. By adding one action to your daily routine you can help combat anxiety and improve your mental and physical health. What’s one thing you want to do EVERY DAY in 2021?
Word of the Year
I’ve created a word of the year for the past 12 years and each word I have chosen has set the tone for my year. A word of the year serves as a guidepost or overall theme for one’s year. When establishing a word of the year, you should consider the following.
- Is your word of the year personal and related to what you want to do, accomplish, achieve, experience or become in 2021. It can relate to your 2021 vibe.
- Is your word of the year, ONE word (REMEMBER it’s called a WORD not WORDS of the year)
- Are you clear about your big what and in why for 2021? Does your word of the year connect to your vision, the BIG PICTURE you hold for your life?
What’s the one word that will serve as YOUR personal theme for 2021?
Vision Board
If you’re familiar with me and my work you know I LOVE vision boards. Vision boards are a collection of images and phrases that state and inspire you to pursue your goals and dreams.
The process of creating a vision board allows you to define your goals and desires, gain clarity, reflect and tap into your creative skills. Additionally, vision boards are a visual tool that can help you measure and track your goals.
Join me on National Vision Board Day, Saturday, January 9th for a Virtual Vision Experience. Reserve your spot today!
