How To End 2020 And Start 2021 Being Grateful

If you had the power to click one button on a remote control and jump right into 2021, would you do it?

At this point most of us would not hesitate to do so; saying the year 2020 has been tough is an understatement. Before you leap, there is one catch though. Once you hit the button, you cannot change your mind or look back. Some would still tap the button right now, while others are a little more cautious. As you are thinking, consider what the aftermath of this global pandemic has done. It has put us front and center with unexpectedly knowing what it now feels like to be unprepared in the worst way worldwide and uncertain about what lies ahead in the future.

A popular meme floating around social media now is “2021, before you get here. . . we need to see some terms and conditions.”

I personally could not agree more. Even though we are in December, the last month of the year and we can see 2021 steady approaching, are we ready to leave everything from 2020 behind?

Being mindful of the past, embracing the present and focusing on the future can help us.

But what exactly does this mean and look like?

Being mindful of the past is facing how this year made us feel. Being forced to stay home to abide by social distancing guidelines reared some ugly negative feelings for most. We lost loved ones in death more this year alone than we have ever experienced. The security of our jobs, homes, and finances were snatched from us like a thief in the night. This year forced us to be more conscious of our mental makeup physically, emotionally, and spiritually as if it were a trinity, you cannot have one without the others.

Embracing the present causes us to face reality and consider the facts. This is the biggest era of identifying toxicity of self and in others to break generational curses, practice healthy self-care methods, and appreciate how necessary it is to pause-be still-and reset in life.

Focused on the future is appreciating the time we have right now to heal, grow and evolve into being a better person. Plain and simple that involves dedication to growth. . .being brave, having faith and giving grace to ourselves and others.

As we think about all of this, what can help us be very selective about what we need to take from 2020 to move gratefully towards 2021? Here are three tips we must take with us before we jump into next year.

Gratitude List-a list of things we write down every single day that can help us glide through our emotions better by focusing on-not what we lost-but what we have to be grateful for. It is important not to overthink this and start with something small then work towards bigger things and watch our list grow daily. Reflect on the little things we overlook or take for granted like a beautiful sunrise, refreshing rain, or the creation of nature or our love for animals. Add bigger things like an uplifting conversation with someone, having access to basic needs to live like (food, shelter, clothing) or being blessed to have another day of life.

Respond vs React-are behaviors we all partake in daily, yet the key is to practice one more than the other. To react to a situation or person is a defense mechanism or survival tactic done on impulse that normally we tend to regret later. To respond is a slow action that normally stems from thinking things through, considering all the facts, and using both our conscious/subconscious mind. Think about the things you are suffering the consequences of now because you reacted at some point. We benefit ourselves and others when we learn to respond more in life vs reacting, this is a work in progress.

Dedication to Growth Mindset-is the act of developing the mindset to be committed to growth. Which means healthy growth can only take place in rich environments with the right tools. Go inward, date and get to know the inner person of who you really are. Work at being able to look past a person’s behavior to understand the why in their actions. Recognize that being stagnant, a-know-it-all type of person or remaining stuck will not help you grow. Again, this too is a work in progress.

It is safe to say we should grab a few things from 2020 to help us step confidently into 2021 with a deeper understanding regardless of what we must face ahead. There are way more things we can add to this list, like the lessons we learned in 2020, how this year changed us, and how looking for ways to be humble is a part of our daily routine. So, in case you forgot, you still have not decided what you would do. Remember, the only catch is you cannot change your mind or look back. So, tell me, will you hit the button right now to end 2020 and start 2021 grateful?

It’s amazing to me that you know exactly what it takes to make me blush just by taking the time to read my work. Thank you for letting me express myself and share with you my thoughts and feelings through writing. I promise to write more if you tell me what’s on your mind too and what you’d like to read. Remember to love yourself, try something new and appreciate your tribe. I appreciate you!-Nikki. . .