Welcome to 2021! It’s finally here. We made it. Do you feel different? 

Every January I sit down to reflect on the past year using a couple of simple questions. What did I do? What did I learn? What did I share? As I began thinking about 2020, I quickly realized it was one of the strangest and most challenging I’ve been through. The twists and the turns just kept coming… Yet, in a way, I also felt stuck, like the year was one long rainy day stuck at home with my activities limited, plans paused and physical interactions frozen. A huge case of FOMO.

2020 also provided us with a tremendous opportunity though. We may never again experience anything like the forced changes of the past year with our typical schedules dissolved and the loud buzz of life silenced. I now realize that there are lessons and experiences that made 2020 a huge year for me, perhaps one of my most transformational. 

What was 2020 for you? If it could have been better, I challenge you to give me five minutes a week this month to focus on you, and to ensure 2021 is your best year yet. This will give you a taste of what my business and coaching services are all about.

Step One: Thanking 2020
First, reflect on what you got out of last year and memorialize it. You can scribble it on a sticky note, type it into your journal, post it on social media (#2021Ignited), whatever works for you. 

What did you learn? What did you gain? What did you appreciate? What did you do that you always wished you could?

Let me get you started with my own example in the form of a letter. 

 

Dear 2020, 

As years go, you were a real son-of-a-gun, but I do appreciate you all the same. Thank you for: 

• Quality time with my family. We had so much fun baking, gardening, camping, hiking, learning and teaching together. I also put a renewed focus on my marriage. 
• Addition by subtraction. With no commute or school drop-offs, we were able to stay up late to play games and enjoy good TV (Schitt’s Creek and The Mandalorian) and then sleep in and enjoy leisurely family breakfasts. 
• Comfort. We did our best to appreciate our authentic selves and put a premium on feeling good. Am I going to put on makeup today? No, of course not, you look beautiful just the way you are! Can I wear these sweatpants again? Absolutely! You deserve it. 
• New ways to connect. I took full advantage of Zoom and Polos to keep up with dear friends, family and even to reconnect with old colleagues. If you haven’t tried MarcoPolo yet, it’s worth checking out. 
• Humans supporting humans. I was humbled by all of the donations, funds, mask making, “We Got This,” and the many conversations I had with my daughters about sacrifice, community and above all else LOVE!
• Front line workers. I am so appreciative of their service and dedication. They are the veterans of this pandemic (from one veteran to another).
• Being healthy and alive! 

Thanks Again, Becky

 

Appreciating our past experiences helps us be more present and see our future dreams more clearly. This reflection also allows us to more meaningfully establish how we want to spend our time and energy to live by our values. Take this challenge with me and spend five minutes reflecting on appreciating 2020 this week. You’re worth it! 

If you are looking for more ways to make 2021 your best year yet, my classes are now live. Prioritize My Life, Organize My Space. 

This Week: Post your 2020 Thank You List (#2021Ignited)

Next Week: Identity what we want to Bring With and Leave Behind