Resolutions and Musings for 2021
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It’s quite funny how we all tend to feel that a new year will start everything over for us for the better. It’s even funnier how many of us felt 2019 was rough and that 2020 would be the rebound year. It’s quite amusing because we’re all doing it again with the anticipation of 2020 finally ending because surely 2021 will be better. UGH.
So for fun let’s take a look at my intro to last year’s New Year’s Eve post:
This has been quite a year…a year of many things.
Revelations. Discoveries. Memories. Hardships. Celebrations. Marriages. Babies. Good things. Bad things. Vacations. Work. Friendship. Fellowship. Worship. Success. Failure.
All the things.
It’s amazing how fast the year flew by even when the days felt long. Did anyone else feel like that this year?
Isn’t that something? No one could have anticipated all of the chaos 2020 brought. It is hard to find someone who wasn’t personally affected by this year between: Covid-19, job losses, deaths, hurricanes, tornados, wild fires, brush fires, stock market crash, riots, explosions, and all of the political stuff to merely and broadly name some things.
I want to say that this year has also been a lot of things to a lot of people and while it’s not easy to find the blessings in the midst of our trials, there are always some to be thankful for.
I can tell you that I have struggled to remain focused on the blessings this past month after losing someone and trying to process the emotions and I know I am one of trillions of people who have suffered this year in some way. So I get it. I get that this year has been tough.
Unfortunately I am not naïve enough to think that January 1st 2021 will magically change everything in our lives, but I remain hopeful that our Lord Jesus Christ will either show up and end this journey through what feels a bit like the book of Revelations (I’m only half kidding by the way) or that He will help heal and save our world. There seems to be more fear, more hate, more division, and more fraud than ever before and if you’re anything like me then it hurts your heart to pay any ounce of attention to the news. It’s a nightmare every time it’s on! One unbelievable thing after another and each story involves human suffering to some degree.
SO, what will I do with intention this New Year’s? I will pray fervently for change, healing, and restoration for myself (much needed) and for our world. I will pray for you, dear friends & family, for health, prosperity, healing, peace, and joy. I will pray that we all focus on the good and find the blessings in our lives. There are so many things to be grateful for. I will start a grateful journal where I write down one thing I’m grateful for each day. I’ve only done that for a bit in 2016 and it helped me find the good even in difficult days.
Some musings I’ve had this year that are sort of like life lessons:
Time passes more quickly each year despite how quickly it passed the year before.
We’re not promised another second on this earth, so truly tell your loved ones how you feel and spend quality time with them. Put your phones down. It’s OK to capture the moments but other than that, put your phones down.
The internet and social media are both wonderful and awful at the same time. They’re not always true/real, not always motivating, and not always helpful in productivity. They are a time thief. Yes, there are a ton of benefits for both, but if you start feeling competitive or feeling down because of comparison then step away and remember online is only a highlight reel. There’s real life (and cellulite) happening behind those doors too.
Quality time, conversations, and hugs in person cannot be replaced with FaceTime yet FaceTime (Skype, Zoom, etc.) cannot be replaced with texts. This is the longest I’ve ever gone without seeing my immediate family because of Covid-19 and I hate that so much. But, I am grateful for video calls.
Friends are really special loved ones that become like family in your heart. Some of those hugs, messages, or even the looks they can give you to let you know they know what you’re feeling are something to be cherished.
Love and forgive your family & friends. We’re all human, we’re all making mistakes and trying our best. But, life is too short for regrets.
Have you made any New Year’s resolutions? I dug out some old ones that definitely went to the wayside so I’ll give these a go again this year. ;) I like to use the term willing* because it’s a choice, not a restriction.
I am willing to give up sugar - again, except for wine.
I am willing to work out 3-4 times a week
I am willing to restrict processed foods as much as possible except cheese and wine (a girl’s gotta live, right?)
I'd like to improve my blogging skills and interactions with readers to grow my blog, including sharing live videos which has been my set back since day one // or officially end blogging (I know, this comment is always on repeat).
I will set up a better schedule for seeing family and friends consistently
I will be better about making phone calls. I strongly dislike being tied to a phone/talking on the phone, but it is important for any and all relationships.
I will keep God as first and center of my life, seeking him first.
I will prioritize my health and fitness
I will cherish and appreciate every day and the little moments before it passes so quickly again.
I will complete the marketing course I purchased when I started the blog in September 2016.
What are any resolutions you have or would like to have if you wrote any out?
XOXO
