I love a good reset, and usually at the beginning of each New Year, I have spent time thinking about what I want to accomplish and what I want to change to better meet my intentions. But with the pandemic, and what is sure to be a long winter before things begin to hopefully normalize, I have decided to have two more general/less specific goals for 2021–to be deliberate in most of the decisions I make and more generous in the time and money I invest in helping those in need.
Over the past year, one way I tried to cope with an upended life, was to give myself leeway on a lot of things both big and small–eating properly, not drinking too much, being goal-oriented in my work, keeping myself organized in general, dressing with more care and just plain thinking forward. I let things slide just enough, that I know it will take some work to get back to a pre-pandemic baseline of what I normally do. But what was the point when the world was in limbo? Sooner or later, we will get to a new normal, and there will be opportunities. Who knows what those opportunities will be, but I want to be ready, to have been thoughtful and purposeful the last few months, so I can fully enjoy and take advantage of them.
Also, one positive note of 2020 is I gave more of my time and money than I have in years past to those who need extra help–whether it was tutoring disadvantaged kids to get into college (the two girls I work with have both been accepted for next year and it is the best feeling in the world, but now we have to navigate the finances to make it a reality for them), or donating money to food banks, homeless shelters and more. It feels like this new year everything will be harder for so many, so I plan to step it up.
I am giving myself leeway to slide backwards at times, but in general these two goals feel not only achievable but also important positive steps that are worth putting my energy into. Are you making goals? Love to know if yes and what they are. Here is to the hope that 2021 will be far better than 2020! xx Jennifer
(the top image is from the Dolphin Studio 2021 hand-screened calendar, which you can order here. Thank you Samira Nasr for posting on Insta–I love it and ordered one.)
I love your blog – follow it religiously!! Congratulations on putting out extremely high quality content!
I wanted to point out a typo – you said the girls you tutor were “excepted” – I am sure you mean “accepted” – damn autocorrect!
Happy New Year!! x
Happy New Year Lindsay and thank you for the head’s up! x Jennifer
Very worthy goals, Jennifer! We will never regret helping others or giving more – of ourselves, our time and our money.
I’m determined to stay politically engaged in spite of the stressful year (4 yrs!) we’ve had – and the desire to walk away is strong. But I believe I need to hold the new administration to achieving inclusive goals and finding more effective ways to enrich the lives of the marginalized.
And on a personal level, better eating habits and regular exercise.