A Year Filled with Fear and Challenge
2020 has been unlike any other year in our lifetimes. Almost all aspects of society have been upended in ways unimaginable just a year before. While some people’s lives haven’t changed much, others have had to work longer and harder under incredibly demanding circumstances. Tens of millions are being pushed deeper into poverty, have lost their jobs, small businesses and/or housing.
While everyone’s experience was unique, we were all impacted. Even if your job and home life remained the same, the environment around you was filled with fear and uncertainty. How people interact and society operates shifted in unprecedented ways. The highly strange nature was enough to shake us out of the trance we usually move through life in.
Good Riddance 2020! — Not So Fast
Understandably, most folks can’t wait for 2020 to be over and eagerly anticipate returning to normal life.
But before you go running out the door as fast as you can, I think there’s great value in pausing to reflect on this poignant year.
Would it be possible to say goodbye to 2020 with gratitude for life even with all its struggles, disappointments, injustices and losses?
“Goodbye 2020” Reflection Exercise
I invite you to set aside some time to journal, meditate, take a walk, talk with a friend, or whatever works best for you. Here are a few prompts to get you rolling:
- What important things did you learn this year about yourself, other people or life in general?
- In what way(s) did you grow emotionally, intellectually, spiritually or physically?
- Is there anything you have been pushing away that you might open to or have greater acceptance of now?
- Did the extreme circumstances of this year give you anything of value? For example, maybe…
…one of your relationships transformed in a positive way.
…you became more active around causes or movements that matter to you.
…your priorities shifted, perspective changed or core values came into sharper focus.
…you realized things you previously took for granted and have newfound appreciation for them.
…you discovered new ways to come home to your body, maintain equilibrium or build resilience.
What Will Your “New Normal” Look Like?
As the pandemic recedes and the world ramps back to full speed, what do you want for yourself? Are there ways you’d like your “new normal” to be different from your previous life?
“Hello 2021” Intentions Exercise
Again, you might write, draw, dance or simply sit with questions such as:
- What do you want to take with you from 2020?
- What do you want to leave behind?
- How will you be kinder to or take better care of yourself in 2021?
- What kind of support do you need to make these things happen? How can you ask for and arrange that?
Here’s Wishing You All the Best!
I hope you find these exercises useful in making friends with 2020 and setting intentions for the year to come. May you enjoy abundant good health, happiness and peace in 2021.