Happy New Year

 

Here we are, it’s finally a new year!  Several times last year I told my kids, you are living history. Honestly, all of 2020 seems so unbelievable. It challenged me in so many ways. Even if our circumstances don’t change in 2021 much which I don’t think they will, I am ready, so ready for a new year.

We had all three kids here for two weeks. Gosh, it was fun. After lamenting for a day adjusting again to an empty nest, I have spent the last few days thinking about 2021.  I have become so content being home. We have not worked this week so I have feel like I have had a glimpse of what being retired will feel like and it is nice. Going to bed without setting an alarm, exercising later, breakfast later and then doing whatever I please. Yesterday, I made candles and chocolate cake.  

I have set goals in the past.  I find slips of paper with them listed out.  I also keep all my journals but lately I have been thinking about throwing them out, maybe burning them even.  Do you keep your old journals?  I often think about people reading them after I die (morbid, I know).  I also feel like my life has changed so much (for the good) that I am ready to let the past go. I am sensing a theme here. Let it all go. Begin again. 

I am certain this new year will bring some new twists and turns.  While I have intentions and goals, I want to remain open to whatever the new year brings. I am craving steady and routine but I know I need to be also flexible and willing to adjust as needed.  

I have thought a lot about 2021 and what is possible.  Not New Years resolutions or even intentions but maybe guideposts.  I like that concept.  Here it goes:

• Read a minimum of 30 books.  I know, not lofty but yet also doable.  I will set aside a time everyday to read likely in the afternoon or right before bed.  
• Maintain my daily 10 minute meditation practice.  I do this first thing in the morning using the Calm app.  I didn't use to meditate with an app but after a month or so using it I notice the benefit.  We got a HUGE discount on the app through work. 
  
• Pay $10,000 towards college loan.  I feel a little vulnerable putting this one out there.  I  took on the college costs for my kids.  Setting this big goal will require me to have discipline in all my spending.  It's a win/win.  I was able to pay off my car in 2020 so I know what is possible. 
  
• Toss junk.  Literally, all the little stuff that one day I would not want to pack up and move.  You know what I mean, the random little things that accumulate.  Of course, donate the big things.  
• Send out five cards a month.  This is something I started in 2020 and enjoyed doing so.
• Give generously.  As I thought about this goal, I really was thinking about tipping.  My husband is a generous tipper and I am learning from him.  However, I am reminded that I can also give generously with my time. My first inclination is to spend an afternoon a week visiting my parents. Once doable, taking my mom out for coffee or other outings. I need to make this a priority.  
• Write here more and stick to this outlet and VSCO.  I teetered (too many times) with Instagram in 2020 only to keep deleting it.  This is my version of digital minimalism. 
• Create some new routines. Yet, see above - be open, flexible, willing to adjust.
  

I could add things like - get outside everyday, exercise, practice yoga, eat lots of veggies, travel and explore but those are things that are ingrained in me. I like who I have become.   

Well, it here it goes.  Day One.  I am thinking about working on a few of these today even.  I am hopeful this is going to be a good year. Prospective is everything.