It’s a new year. A new decade. A new century. But, the same us.
For most communities, 2020 had more difficult moments than hopeful moments, and I know none of us want to relive 2020. How can we improve ourselves while staying true to our core personalities and morals? Read on for how I make change my only constant. This is not to say that who you are at your core needs working on. I challenge you to try new things; to strive to be the person you needed when you were a child; to be inspired by your own aspirations and the creations of those around you. Who you are is already stellar. Who you want to be is what lays ahead of you.
Now that we are settled into the new year a bit (21 days to be exact)….today on 1/21/21, I am proposing 21 Beaconisms for a Happy & Healthy 2021:
- Read
Reading is a great way to start the day, unwind, educate your brain, or just have fun. Take some time every day to read for at least 15 minutes. You’ll be surprised how you’ll want to keep going….you might even read a book a week. - Check in on your friends and family
Send out “just checking in” texts. Plan a FaceTime call at least once a week to connect with those you love. Maybe even pick up the phone and make a call to a friend you miss 🙂 - Be more intentional with your time
Start the day with an intention. Be present during meetings, phone calls, conversations, and family members. - Support local businesses
Treat yourself and order take out once a week. Tasty food and no cleaning?! Win, win. - Stretch
Morning and night stretches are great for releasing tension and unwinding your mind/body. - Drink water
Lots of it! Aim for 8-10 glasses a day. Your body will thank you. - Perform random acts of kindness
Send a friend food. Give a “just because” gift. Buy a stranger coffee. Sometimes the smallest gesture can change someone’s day. - Schedule time to reset
In order to keep functioning at a high level, you have to recharge and relax. Find what works for you and put an appointment in your calendar to do so. - Clear out your closets
What are you no longer wearing? What is just collecting dust? What can be donated? - Try a new look
Have fun and try out a new trend. Be a little bold even if it’s just at home or over a zoom call. - Make a gratitude list
Write down all of the things that you are thankful for. You can do this every morning, once a week, or just when you feel like it. On days when you are feeling down, go look at all of the wonderful things you have to be grateful for. - Get creative
Start a quarterly craft project or learn a new creative skill. Embrace your inner child and enjoy using a different side of your brain. - Curate special music playlists
Music is good for our souls. Make a few lists that you can use for different moods: focusing, working, working out, chilling, showering, cooking, dancing, meditating, etc. - Educate your mind
Take an online class or add some ClubHouse Rooms to your calendar. - Move your body
Walk, run, hike, bike, swim, yoga, pilates….you name it. Try to build up to doing so for 20 minutes a day. - Dance
Like no one is watching. - Work on your financial plan
What are your goals for retirement, real estate, career, traveling, etc? Talk to your CPA or a financial advisor to make sure you are on track for your age/ income. - Volunteer/ Donate
Seek out ways to help in your community. You may do this in any way that you are comfortable by donating your time, belongings, or money. - Make efforts to live a more sustainable life
Learn more about how you can up-cycle, create less waste, and make a smaller carbon footprint on this earth. We all have a responsibility to do so. - Smile
Smiling releases endorphins. And we all need more of that right now. - Be kind
To everyone around you (and that includes yourself).
The quote, “same storm, different boats” really resonated with me last year, as it reminded me that there is a community beyond the Zuzek household who faces the same struggles and victories as I do. I continue to challenge you to stay positive and help to keep those around you in the right mindset.
XOXO,
Michelle
