So I’ve spent the first week (in my case, also back-to-work week) of January envisioning how I want my 2021 to look like.

Aware of how unpredictable last year has turned out to be, I allowed for these lessons to shape my NY wishes. I’m not really into the concept of NY goals – I like fulfilling my wishes because they are more fun than goals. They can be as small as getting my favourite pastry or as big as finally enrolling on a Dutch course.

What I’ve learned last year is that we’re all in a constant state of flux and it’s more graceful to adapt than to swim against the stream.

Another useful trick I’ve picked up thanks to 2020 is not to beat myself up about the things I didn’t get around to doing. I took up a course on Coursera in December and I allowed it to slip into the background throughout the winter holidays. Come the first week of Jan, I just picked up where I left off. No need for feeling bad for not pushing through everything and ending up not enjoying the process.

Due to my love of learning new things, I’ve been keeping a notebook where I write down some quick notes on what I’ve heard, read, or accidentally discovered. There’s a lot of inspiration here I can simply look up whenever I’m feeling unmotivated. Also, a lot of silly things that make me smile. The point is I always have somewhere to turn to when nothing makes sense, and because I’ve taken the time to work on this material, I know I’ve got my own back, as cheesy as it may sound. 😊

I’m thankful for having established routines, the little daily things that preserved my sanity, motivation, and most of all, creativity. I learned to be creative with (how to best use) my resources. I got to work with what I’ve got, and, in the process, I’ve realised I’ve got a lot.

Planning The Unplannable

With all of this in mind, I wanted some assistance with the actual integration and mapping out my desired trajectory for 2021. That’s why I’ve used the wonderful layout Teatime provided (for free!) on her website.

I took some time (an hour or so) out of my day, my favourite playlist, and lots of colourful pens and set down to plan.

The first part of it was all about last year and celebrating my little victories. I went through my old planner to see what’s in there. A lot of things seemed to have happened, even with all the restrictions 2020 had put us through.

The practical bit is also included here, which allowed me to understand that my efforts can be seen in the real world. Lots of gratitude came through here.

My biggest takeaways from 2020:

• Nothing’s set in stone.
• I can only control myself, my emotions, thoughts, reactions, wellbeing.
• There isn’t such a thing as ‘too much love’.

I then focused on how I want to feel (like) in 2021. This little brainstorm session turned into a whole theme I’d like to nurture this year. It’s centered around the concept of self-trust; having such a deep connection with myself that all the decisions that I make are coming from a real, intuitive place.

Next, I set out to figure out my top 3 wishes for the New Year.

For example, one of them is to travel. At the moment, it’s pretty unrealistic, as the Netherlands is in lockdown, like most of Europe. But that doesn’t stop me from dreaming, planning, and doing some stuff now so I can hopefully spend the latter part of it, you’ve guessed it, travelling.

My biggest wish for this year is to write professionally. I’m expanding my knowledge and practicing by writing at least a little bit every day. I’ve loved writing ever since I can remember so I’m sitting down with myself to sharpen this skill. If you have projects that need some writing done, consider me for the role!

 I’ve set up some smaller weekly writing goals, which I then review each Sunday. (Again, thank you Tea for this great idea!) It makes the whole thing seem less scary, and more easily digestible.

The loveliest part of starting a new year is participating in YWA’s 30-day yoga challenge. ‘Breath’ is the fourth one I’m doing, and probably the best one yet. I fell in love with at-home yoga thanks to this Youtube channel. What’s especially nice is feeling the connection with all the people practicing the same practice with me – I always hit the refresh button after I’m done with the video so I can see how the view numbers have gone up. It keeps me motivated even on days when I don’t feel like getting on my mat.

I know it’s still early but I’m feeling hopeful about this year. There’s no going back and we’re all in it together. Although we can’t control the outside world, it doesn’t mean we have to be out of control ourselves.

Signing off with a sweet quote:

“May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you’re wonderful, and don’t forget to make some art — write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself.”

Neil Gaiman