This has definitely been an interesting year.  I don't know about you, but I haven't exactly enjoyed this year.  Most people I have talked to are ready for this year to be over, and they are hoping (tentatively) for the best in the coming new year.  We will most likely have a few more months (or longer) in 2021 of dealing with the stresses of COVID, but I'm hopeful that with the vaccines there will be a downward trend of people that are being diagnosed with this sickness.  

With the year coming to an end, let's reflect back on 2020 and then set some intentions/goals for the new year. Reflecting on the past year will show you what you accomplished, bring closure to the year, and then you can decide what you would like to change or keep in the coming year. When you reflect, you might want to journal about these questions.  I feel journaling helps you get your thoughts down and out of your brain.  It’s a simple process, but out of journaling comes great insight. It's a great way to look back on all you have done (successes and failures) and then clarifies what needs steps need to be taken next.

1.  Let's start with the positives.  This has been a tough year, but there HAS been positives. List everything you enjoyed about this year.  Don't forget the little things.
2. Did you learn any important lessons?  Whether you realize it or not, this year was definitely been full of lessons.  When you've grown from an experience, whether positive or negative, it is a lesson learned. 
3. Did you learn any new skills? Some lost, changed jobs, or just wanted something new to learn during the pandemic. Did you sign up for any classes? Or maybe you researched something you were interested in. When you finally have extra time it’s fun to learn new skills.
4. What challenges did you overcome?  I know we all had issues finding toilet paper, paper towels, and where the heck was Pam? But think of bigger challenges than that. How did you do working at home?  Did you have to also have to balance work and virtual learning with your kids at home? Not seeing friends caused many of us to get online virtually with them. What other challenges did you face?
5. Did you pick up any fun new activities? When we first started with the shut-down, I had more time on my hands than I like, so I started doing jigsaw puzzles and also got out to hike regularly.  Keeping my mind engaged and getting out in the fresh air really helped me to relieve stress.
6. What new habits did you start?  Where the habits healthy or not? Some of my clients got into a more healthy routine since they were at home, where others started eating more and exercising less.  Either is ok (be gentle on yourself), but you need to decide going forward if you want the unhealthy habits to continue into 2021.
7.  And finally, what were you thankful for in 2020?  Was it more time spent with your immediate family?  Was it learning to cook more meals at home? Did you enjoy slowing down a bit so you weren't constantly running all the time?  Every week I take the time to write down a few things I am thankful for. Many times I was just thankful for being healthy, but I always looked for the positives. There were many bright moments in 2020. Let’s remember those, forget about the negative moments, and then move on to 2021.

Now let’s get ready for 2021! Going forward, you will need to decide what accomplishments you want to continue or change.  If you journaled, go back and star the ones you definitely want to continue.  When things start to go back to our new normal, you might forget how great it was to slow down a bit, cook more, or really talk to your spouse.  Really think about your intentions or goals.  Here are a few ideas to journal about and see what you really want:
1. What are you going to continue that you did in 2020?
2. What do you want to change?
3. What do you plan to accomplish in 2021?  Think about the end of 2021, what will it look like?  what will YOU look like?  What will you be doing?  Think about who you want to become.

It’s time for you to look forward and leave 2020 behind. Get those intentions ready and get to work!  Drop a comment below and tell me your intentions/goals and then I can hold you accountable!