Long Live 2020- For Real, Sort Of…

2020 is over! Last year’s mess had some things to teach us, and as much as we all complained about what a rotten year it was, there were some really good things that came out of 2020.  We need to identify those things and carry them on into our future. 

So, with that in mind, here’s a variation on the New Year’s resolution.  Instead of resolving to do something new, let’s resolve to keep doing some of the good things we did, learned or discovered last year, like these:

1. Waking Up To Injustice

It was another ugly year for racial justice in America, but the silver lining might be that more people started to wake up and realize that, all these years after slavery, we still really do have a problem.  A big one.  Admitting the issue is the first step in solving it, so I hope we’ll transform last year’s growing awareness into this year’s firm resolve and do something about it. 

2. Thinking Big-  Whole World Big

Covid forced us to get on the same page and work together against the pandemic.  People around the world stopped on a dime and changed their daily routines, at least for a while.  Scientists planet-wide focused on the goal of creating a vaccine- and they did it in less than a year!  There is now a precedent for working together as a globe for the common good.  Covid certainly isn’t over yet, but we’re on our way. Next, let’s tackle climate change, racism and poverty.  For real.

3. De-cluttering Our Mind, Our House, And Our Calendar

I got a lot done during last year’s quarantine.  Besides watching every episode of Parks & Rec and most of New Girl, I also started the Five O’Clock Shadow blog, wrote and recorded a song, cleaned up the house, and even did a few small remodeling projects. Even more importantly, I had time to reflect on how I really want to spend my time.  I discovered that some of the things I was doing, while enjoyable, weren’t lined up with what I really valued.  I made some changes.  Many of us had the same experience.  And it was a good one!  Let’s continue with the practice of getting rid of that which doesn’t serve us, whether it’s in our mind, in our house, or on our calendar.

4. Spending More Time Outside

Quarantine aside, the pandemic forced us to get out of the house more, especially if we wanted to see other people.  Many of us got more exercise, fresh air, and a better appreciation for our surroundings just because being outside is more Covid-safe than being inside.  This practice should continue.  The human body is built to adapt and thrive in a wide range of temperatures, not just room temperature.  Nothing rejuvenates the mind, body and soul as well as nature time. So get out!

5. Zooming Through Meetings

Meetings got a lot more tolerable last year because not only could you attend while sitting at home, you could wear sweatpants doing it!  The ability to be “in the meeting” without being seen onscreen or heard was also a major plus in my book.  Long, drawn out meetings still sucked, but not quite as bad.  Although it doesn’t work for everybody, working from home was a godsend for some, increasing both leisure time and work efficiency.  All those in favor of continuing to make meetings virtual whenever possible, respond by saying “aye”.  So moved!

Subscribe to Five O’Clock Shadow for free and receive all new posts via email. You can also follow Five O’Clock Shadow on Facebook and Twitter.