I can’t believe 2020 is coming to a close! Sometimes, I find that New Year’s resolutions can be focused on leaving things behind or “resolving” things we might be dissatisfied with. For me personally, while I have a lot of hope for 2021, I am not setting any resolutions or adding anything new to my plate. While there is plenty that I would like to leave in the rearview that is 2020, and so much I am praying for that positively changes in 2021, there are a few things, big and small, that brought growth and happiness amidst the chaos. I think a realistic goal for myself is to maintain and carry these with me into 2021. This year has been hard for us all, and in different ways, and yet through this year of change we’ve tried to adjust to life in this new normal. My heart goes out to anyone who has experienced the many hardships this year has brought.
Before I dive in, I want to thank you for being here, supporting me, and for letting me into your life! Simply Elsa is my happy place where I consider us all friends, and during this unprecedented year, I truly cherished this community. So, with a lot of gratitude, here are 5 things that I am taking with me into 2021!
Continue with my morning and evening routines
Since being home, I had to completely redesign my morning and evening routines. At first, I struggled without my long commute for “me time,” and it was easy to hit snooze. But, I found that my morning routine of coffee, some reading and a walk around the block brought me a lot of structure and peace. My evening routine is a time where I can focus on my faith and journal if I have things on my mind. While there are some days I don’t do each and every one of these, it is something that brings happiness and contentment, which I’ll be bringing with me into 2021.
Keep staying true to myself, from lighthearted moments to when it’s hard
I am still very much a work in progress, but I have learned that there are so many wonderful things and growth that come out of staying true to yourself. I’ll keep doing so even when it’s hard and even if I might feel misunderstood. I would often put others’ feelings first and suppress my own, and didn’t realize it was causing me to not be true to myself. It took me some trial and error to learn that it doesn’t mean you are selfish, it means you are creating a healthy life for yourself, and in turn for those around you. This is something I want to keep working on in the New Year.
Carry on with little creative hobbies
2020 was a great year for new creative hobbies. In 2019 I dove back into needlepointing, but really got into it in 2020. It was so fun to have a creative new hobby that was very cathartic and also connected me with new friends from all over. I tried my hand at knitting and want to keep up with it in 2020 when I have time. I am not trying to add too many new things to my plate, as much as I want to keep up with the joy that needlepoint brings me.
Continue to be open about mental health
I opened up that I battle clinical depression in addition to my anxiety, and so many of you reached out sharing your own obstacles. I am happy, I am high functioning, and I am normal like everyone else. I hope to continue the dialogue on mental health in the new year, especially in these unusual times. We are all human and here to support one another!
Keep going with the flow!
I think this is one we can all agree on! I’ve let go of a lot of pressure I put on myself this year and just have accepted it’s time to roll with the punches. As for 2021, my only intention for this lap around the sun is to go with the flow, laugh a little harder, (virtually) hug those around you tighter, and embrace life’s quirky moments.