How to Make the Most of 2020
I’ve decided most people are thinking that the minute the clock strikes midnight on January 1st, 2021, everything is going to reset like Groundhog Day. We would’ve made it through the pandemic and huzzah! How great for us. Unfortunately, I don’t think I’m prophetic. I’d love to rock a robe and a staff, and hang out on rock outcroppings over populous areas yelling at people to do things, but I have zero authority. I’ve been told numerous times.
Most likely, things will continue on in ebbs and flows, highs and lows, starts and fits and every other cliché you can think of. It’s not going to feel any different and somehow, that’s going to be even more of a let-down. We won’t admit it, yet even as you read this, I bet you’re also sensing the mental acrobatics your brain is doing, trying to prepare you for the disappointment of this coming anti-climax, poise you mentally for the reset you may not practically feel like you’re getting, while still maintaining some level of expectation for what’s just around the corner.
We’ve got weeks left, Christmas is fast approaching, summer is beckoning over the stormy horizon and we’re thinking that we don’t want these last few weeks to feel like a total write-off. So, how do we go out of this year well? I think it’s pretty simple.
1. Be thankful.
Figure out what you’re thankful for. List them. Write them out. Pour over a super reflective journal entry. Ruminate on it with a friend. Crochet it with the leftovers of your attempts to start a hobby circa mid-April. Tell the bird that you thought would be a good companion for an empty apartment. Scream it at your husband who has not been helpful, watching golf on a 24-hour loop for the past 6 months. If you can read this, then you have the gift of sight! If it’s being read to you, you have someone who’s willing to do that for you. We always have more in our lives than we think. Walk towards the New Year with that mentality washing over you. Be the Andie McDowell of Groundhog Day: get a perm and be thankful.
2. Look outwards
With the pockets of time or money you have, do something gracious with it. Donate it. Set up a really nice lunch or dinner or breakfast or coffee date or outing or whatever it may be with someone or someones you want to honour. Make something. Sew something. Write something. Do the opposite of what your stingy friends have been telling you since you bought that kiln or elliptical machine you swore you’d use all the time, and be willing to sacrifice something so that you can magnify the joy of those around you. Set up a viewing party to watch Groundhog Day and know why it’s such a great anchoring reference for the year we’ve been having.
3. Something small.
Decide to change/ add/ take away one thing that can make the remainder of this year feel special. Why do resolutions need to start in 2 months? Think about saving money on one of your daily coffees, then figuring out what to do with that $200-odd in 2021. Buy the dress or shoes or bag or stylish moo-moo you’ve been eying to wear that’ll make you feel lighter and prettier and that little bit more lovely. Hunt down a VHS copy of Groundhog Day (you’ll probably also need to hunt down a VHS, just as an aside) and watch it while you figure out what on earth a mother yeast is, setting the precedent of having 1 hour every week completely and utterly to yourself.
I’m not looking to change lives here – remember I’m no prophet – but it’s the small things that will make a difference. How are you going to get the most out of the rest of 2020? Honestly, I think it’s up to you.