As I was going through a messaging exercise for one of my clients along the New Years’ resolutions theme, I realized, this new year will be about more than diet and workouts. I think the next step in our quest for understanding what 2020 meant for us to learn, is humanity. Despite the division, the hatred, the nastiness, the virus, and all that came with the atrocious year, one thing I think we’ve all learned is that we’ve had enough. You can’t be stuck in this cycle forever. There has to be a light at the end of this turmoil tunnel.
My prediction is 2021 will be about humanity. Healing. How do we come out of 2020 and learn to be humans again? We put aside the nastiness and reflect on the good that has come out of our lives – and we expand upon that. We reach out to a lonely neighbor. We donate more, money and time. We stop to help, and teach. We put aside the technology that kept us so connected in 2020 and actually interact more on a personal level. Yes, I realize technology has facilitated this, but more often than not, it’s been a major distraction. Maybe it’s a child, or an elderly person in your life who needs a lifeline. It could be a friend you’ve slacked on keeping in touch. And hopefully, with the help of a vaccine, we can make this happen more frequently.
So do I plan to get on the diet and exercise train? Maybe. But I’ll tell you, I will most likely apply my experiences from the last year and add the humanity back into my life, personally and professionally. Move on from the divisive bickering, use that energy to volunteer, donate, take that minute to give someone the attention they deserve (or need). Be better. Do better. I always tell my kids, the secret to life is making someone feel special. Now you know it too.