My Goals for 2021
Looking back on 2020, it’s clear that I experienced something akin to the stages of grief when it came to the pandemic. One of the best parts of living in New York City is experiencing the city. So when COVID-19 confined us to our homes and completely changed our lifestyles, I did grieve the life I was missing, but I also adapted to accepting the reality.
Believe me, it wasn’t without its challenges. The few times we left the house for essentials in April and May, I cried pretty much every time. Seeing my city closed down, no signs of life— it felt post-apocalyptic. But as with any time I am met with adversity and challenge, it’s not in me to dwell on things I cannot change, but rather to do my best to make the best out of my circumstances. In the grand scheme of what was possible, I tried to keep perspective. I was rather lucky: I had a job, a roof over my head, and got to spend so much extra time with the person I love most. Flexibility was so key for me getting through last year, and it’s a characteristic that I want to carry with me into this one.
The end of 2020. Do I feel different to how I did when it started? In some ways - yes. In other ways - no. Do I want to change who I am? Absolutely not. In some ways I am clearer than ever before on who I am. There is no ‘New Year, New Me’, only the person that I enjoy being and the person I am becoming.
Each year, I make a list of the things that I want to accomplish, quit, continue, or try during the year. I am quite a goal-oriented person, and lists are something that keep my ideas organized. Interestingly, last year I did not make one of these lists at the start of the year, but I don’t really need a new year for this habit—I still had plenty of lists throughout the year. The key for me is to mix goals that I already do or ones that easily fit with my lifestyle with those goals that are more challenging. It’s like when you make a list for your day and you still put “shower” and “get dressed” on the list. No? Just me? Lol.
If you don’t want to change anything—wonderful! But if you want to leave 2020 behind, I understand that too. Start this year however the hell you want to (unless it’s storming the capital in coup, then BYE). And if it’s May 16 and you decide you want to make a change then, that’s great too. Every minute, every hour, every day is a chance to live the life you want to live.
And just in case you are wondering— what are my resolutions? As per usual, I did make my yearly list. As with every year I make this list, none of these are pressured. Lists help me keep focus when I don’t know what project to start next or what to work on.
Post a YouTube video once per week
Start a free blog
Deep clean out: #1 closet, #2 bathroom, #3 nightstand, #4 craft supplies
Work on my handmade wardrobe
Go to France with Andrew (if it is safe)
Continue improving my photography and taking great project photos for Instagram
Quit biting my nails!!!
Read everyday
Move my body everyday
Work on flexibility: do the splits
Lots of garden cookouts
Go meatless at least one day a week
Hold my politicians accountable
Continue meal planning habits
Figure out the living room accessorizing
Take better care of my skin
What’s on your list? I would love to hear all about what you’re planning for this year. Happy New Year!