The year that had us all believing it may never end is finally coming to a close. Most of us are more than ready to finish this last chapter and get started on a different story, complete with new adventures, characters, and settings that will leave 2020 in the dust for good.
With every new year comes the hope for something greater, but this time things feel very different.
There seems to be a collective understanding that in order for 2021 to be better than its predecessor, we will all need to do our part to make it that way. There is a sense of community, even as many of us remain isolated. And while we can all agree that 2020 presented many challenges, it’s nice to think about how much we have grown as a result.
As we step into the new year and leave behind the historic year that is 2020, it’s important to be intentional. We all know now just how precious time spent with loved ones is. We’ve all learned to adapt to big change. And it is crucial that we take the knowledge and experience we’ve gained this year into 2021 and get off on the right foot.
New Year's Resolutions are often forgotten by March, and just the idea of them is laughable to many. But after a year like 2020, perhaps it’s a good idea to begin this new journey with concrete, meaningful goals. With this in mind, we’ve compiled some ideas for your 2021 New Year’s Resolutions that we believe will help you live more fully and intentionally.
Have regular, scheduled conversations with loved ones.
We learned in 2020 just how important it is to stay connected with others. Even if life is throwing unimaginable obstacles at us, family and friends can keep us sane. In the new year, try setting regular dates with those you care about to catch up. We often get used to hearing about our friends’ lives through social media, and we miss out on connecting on a deeper level because of it. Make it a habit, whether that’s weekly, biweekly, or monthly, to call your friends and check in on each other.
Develop a new hobby.
Many of us experienced a new level of boredom in 2020 that we thought we may never part ways from. This made us resourceful and creative, and so many people started hobbies and projects that they otherwise may have never begun. In 2021, let’s continue on that path and find new topics to get invested in. Whether that’s doing something active like a new sport, or something more creative like learning an instrument, why not try something new next year?
Read one book a month.
If you’re not currently a student, it can feel impossible to set aside time for reading. Juggling so many different responsibilities on a daily basis leaves little room for personal time. Yet there are so many benefits to reading regularly that make it a practice we should all prioritize. Reading is an enriching activity that not only makes you smarter, but also can provide a source of entertainment. Committing to just one book a month is a great place to start.
Start a journal.
Journaling is a therapeutic practice that can improve your mental health as well as provide you with a written record of your experiences. So many mental health professionals recommend journaling for deeper introspection and catharsis. After a year like 2020, why not resolve to prioritize your mental health in the new year?
Create a digital family archive.
Countless families had to spend 2020 apart from each other, and after having that experience it has become ever so clear that memories are absolutely vital to keep a family connected. If your family has a collection of home videos and print photographs, make it a goal for 2021 to get those digitized so that you can easily share all those memories with each member of your family. Analog media does not last forever, and can become damaged over time or get lost. Digitization is the only way to ensure that your precious memories will be preserved through the generations. Make 2021 the year when you and your family finally get all your memories digitized.
Would you consider adding any of these resolutions to your list for 2021?
