Beyond New Year's Resolutions; Lessons from a Pandemic

Each New Year, it’s easy to focus on the same kinds of resolutions – getting in shape, reading more, trying a new class, etc. But like last year, 2021 is likely to continue to throw us curveballs and challenge us to our core. So instead of focusing on what we want to change this year, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the last year – what we’ve learned, what’s changed us, and what lessons we can bring into the new year.

Praise the Pause

Pre-March 2020, most of us were going 100 MPH. Between work, home life, kids, friends, health, and everything else, it was hard to find a moment to slow down. In just a matter of weeks, our lives were uprooted, and we were all forced to take a break from just about everything in our normal routines. Time essentially stopped, days blurred together, and we were all forced to just be - be present with family and with ourselves. Eventually, life will go back to “normal”, but slowing down, being present, and focusing on the little yet oh-so-important things will be a lesson we carry into 2021 and beyond.

Foster Flexibility

If we learned anything last year, it’s that nothing is constant. We live in a world of change, and 2020 was a blunt reminder that we need to be better prepared. Though none of us could anticipate a global pandemic, and many of us were reluctant to embrace the extreme changes it had on our daily routines. In 2021, we hope to be more open to change, embrace the unexpected, and turn life’s lemons into lemonade, lemon cake, lemon cookies (…there were a lot of lemons!).  

Raise Your Hand

The “new normal” of 2020 felt extremely abnormal for a long time, and for many of us, still does. Getting used to working from home, helping kids distance learn, and coping with loneliness and isolation were challenges felt universally. When it all felt too heavy, leaning on those we love ended up being so important for mental health and overall wellbeing. In 2021, we won’t be afraid to ask for a (virtual) shoulder to lean on or a helping hand when needed.

Find Faith

One of the greatest silver linings of 2020 was being forced to re-examine our lives and what we really wanted from them. The last 365 days were focused on personal growth, whether it meant moving, starting a new job, conquering a house project, learning a new skill, and much, much more. It’s truly never too late to make life changing decisions, and we hope 2021 brings more exciting life developments for us all and pushes us to find greater purpose and more joy in simplicity.