Six Ways to Close Out 2020 on a Positive Note
Imagine how history is going to look back on 2020. Will it be like the Great Depression where the event is taught in schools and our grandchildren ask us to tell them stories? Most likely. Yet for now, we have to stay in survival mode, be as positive as we can, and make the most of the continuing Covid-related circumstances.
Hopefully you have found some silver linings among the challenges. 2020 vision has a whole new meaning now. With luck you have awakened in some ways and have found new enlightened perspectives.
No matter what kind of year you have had, make it a goal to end it with a bang.
Here are six ideas for making the most of 2020 and ending this crazy year on a positive note.
Reframe Your Reality
Your challenges have surely been many. Your struggles are real and deserve recognition. However, take some time to reframe your story from a positive perspective. How can you recap with a focus on lessons learned and perspectives gained? Perhaps your priorities have shifted. Maybe you finally committed to taking better care of your health. Maybe you and your family ate dinner together more often, played games or even just hung out and talked. Perhaps you found yourself checking in with friends even more than before. Maybe you feel closer and more connected to others despite the distance and quarantine guidelines.
And with luck on your side, you realized that you already have everything you need right there in your comfy cozy home. There’s always so much to be grateful for even during an unprecedented pandemic.
Let Frustration and Any Perceived Failures Go
No doubt you are feeling frustrated; like you should have accomplished more or handled things differently. Give yourself a break and a lot of grace. If you’re disappointed that you didn’t clean those closets or read lots of books, stop beating yourself up. This was a year like no other. None of us did everything right. None of us totally failed. You did amazingly well if you took care of yourself, were kinds to others and handled your basic responsibilities with some resilience.
Let your pandemic stress go! If you are healthy with a home, food, family and friends, celebrate 2020 as something you survived well. Time to focus on the future.
Savor Your Blessings
So much is written about the importance of having a gratitude attitude. Yet the notion of savoring your blessings takes this to an all new level. Savoring is simply taking the time to feel deep appreciation and satisfaction for what you have – especially the little things. Really stop and reflect on how lucky it is to be able to make the perfect cup of coffee at home. How charming your neighborhood is and how sweet your pet’s constant presence has been. Look how beautiful your family is even though they likely annoyed you at times.
To savor your blessings, Just stop, smile and stare for a while. Your little life is truly pretty amazing.
Plan Something to Look Forward To
You probably had to cancel an amazing vacation and visits with families this year. Spend some time researching where you want to go next year. Where will you stay, what sights will you see, and who might you invite to meet you there?
In additional to travel, maybe there is a course you want to sign up for or a new gym you want to join. Spend some time dreaming and planning. 2021 and a whole new year of possibilities await.
Give Generously with lots of Glee
How can you make this holiday season special for someone else? Are you able to donate food to a Food Bank or adopt a family and provide some gifts? Perhaps you can take a plant or some homemade treats to your neighbors. Or, how about leave snacks for your delivery essential workers and buy lunch for a health worker.
The idea that giving is better than receiving is not just an old-fashioned saying or childhood life lesson. It’s true! Nothing makes us happier than to make someone else’s day a bit brighter. What can you give to others this holiday to end your year and theirs’ on a happy positive note? Go be generous and spread your glee around like glitter.
Indulge in Some Luxurious Self Care
Don’t forget to be generous to yourself as well. You have earned some special holiday indulgence. Maybe you can order in a meal from your favorite restaurant. How about some online shopping just for you? Or even just take a mental health day to do all the things you love—a long walk, a Netflix binge, an at home spa night……whatever feels incredibly over-the-top decadent. Enjoy.
You earned something extra special this holiday season. Indulge guilt-free!
In Summary…. be merry and bright.
Tis the season so enjoy this very special time of year. Reflect on the lessons and all that was good. Give to others and be extra kind to yourself. Keep hope in your heart and a new beginnings action plan dancing in your head. Get inspired to continue creating positive change in your life.
Do whatever it takes to end 2020 on a high note. Prepare to welcome a new year and set the stage for success. 2021 is sure to be a better year for one and all.