2020 has been a hell of a year!
As I reflect on the entirety of this year, between being quarantined in our homes indefinitely due to the outbreak of COVID-19, the uncertainty of the 46th US presidential election, and the complete transformation of how humans now relate and connect with one another...
I find myself thinking about how incredibly different everything is.
I have had to acknowledge this year, more than ever: The world is really changing. Drastically.
Am I changing with it?
2020 has called me to consider, and re-consider, the things I find truly important in life. How I spend my time, What I am allowing to influence me, What I need to nourish myself - emotionally, spiritually, mentally, physically.
Things like feeling connected and being in a community, which used to be as easy as grabbing lunch with a friend at my favorite spot in LES, now have to be cultivated through the conscious choices I make every day.
We are able to make conscious choices only when we take the time to become aware of our wants, needs, and goals.
As we transition into 2021, let’s take this time to consciously reflect.
Let’s take an honest inventory of all aspects of our lives - the good, the bad, & the ugly.
Let’s identify what needs to be embraced, what needs to change, what needs to be released.
Sometimes such a deep reflection can feel daunting. Remember that change is created one small step at a time.
For instance, look at the things you do daily, your habits.
Do they align with your goals and aspirations?
If they don’t, identify 3-5 small steps you can take toward bringing yourself closer to those goals.
Then go do them!
Here are some categories I consider as I take inventory:
Financial Health: Celebrate the Abundance
Have my values around material items and money shifted in 2020?
Things I Currently Do:
Things I Can Do:
Save money by cooking meals at home
Make a list of all the new opportunities I experienced this year
Calculate my debt and create a payoff plan
Give away items I no longer need
Mental Health: Stay connected & Feel Alive
What do I need to feel genuinely connected and inspired?
Things I Currently Do:
Things I Can Do
Call a friend
Connect in real life (or via video chat)
Limit my time on social media and the news channels
Plug into activities (podcasts, books, seminars) that nourish my curiosity and motivation
Physical Health: Give my body consistent, health-ful nourishment
How can I consistently and sustainably nourish my body?
Things I Currently Do:
Things I Can Do
Get my heart rate up for 30 mins once a day (did you know, statistically those who move for 30 mins each day are more likely to be in better health than those who work out twice a week?)
Reduce my sugar intake
Challenge myself to find healthier versions of naughty snacks - yes I mean chocolate!
Learn to cook a new one-pot recipe
Spiritual Health: Stay Grounded, Have Grace
What does it mean to practice grace with myself?
Things I Currently Do:
Things I Can Do
Remind myself to take a deep breath
Meditate, I recently found Sarah Blondin and I really enjoy her meditation practice
Take a nap
Allow myself to feel like I am a part of something larger than myself
How might you use the lessons learned this year to set yourself up for greater fulfillment next year?