Photo by Judith Marilyn
So…how’s it going?
Small talk is just the worst; pleasantries used to fill the space wherever there is silence. I recognize that small talk is an art, one that I have yet to master. But this year…this year, even the smallest of talks feels rife with meaning.
Are you looking forward to school? How’s the family? Any upcoming plans? These questions are usually met with nervous laughter, a “You’re serious?” face, or an outright “Yeah, no” response. Rightfully so.
2020 has been a year. Part of me is desperate to find the meaning and recognize the growth of this year. To find a silver lining in the shitstorm.
2020 was not the year anyone wanted.
Ok. So, let’s move forward. 2021 here we come.
New year, new you. Light at the end of the tunnel. All those positive mantras, right?!
While the future is never certain, I’ve now got the benefit of hindsight. This is why it was so hard to adjust to this “new normal” (since we are starting fresh in 2021, can we PLEASE retire this phrase?!) this spring; collectively, we had NO IDEA what was going on and how to move forward. We now benefit from 101 days (who’s counting!?) of new rules and social norms to plan accordingly.
2021 is going to be different. 2021 is going to be fun. 2021 is the year I make and keep plans. I’m going to attend that wedding (maybe virtually, but I’m still going to rent a fabulous dress). I’m going to take that trip (following local and state regulations, of course), and I’m going to plan that weekend with friends (outside and six feet away). I’m going to look forward to doing things again.
So, make those plans. But maybe pencil them in.
Plans can change, but you still can look forward to them.
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Kate is the founder of Wit & Delight. She is currently learning how to play tennis and is forever testing the boundaries of her creative muscle. Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.
BY Kate Arends - September 22, 2020
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Thank you for being here. For being open to enjoying life’s simple pleasures and looking inward to understand yourself, your neighbors, and your fellow humans! I’m looking forward to chatting with you.
Hi, I'm Kate. Welcome to my happy place.
Oh do I have plans! Things that I couldn’t do in 2020 plus new things for variety. Keeping my fingers crossed!!
I am too, Connie! Here’s hoping… Thanks for your comment!
Definitely need to do this! It makes such a difference in mood, motivation and productivity when you have something to look forward to!
My thoughts exactly!
I love this outlook! Make plans, but pencil them in. That’s perfect!
I’m so glad it resonated, Michelle!
I am looking forward to using this. Any advice on the difference between some of the planning categories in the planner? (ie Goals, Priorities, Main Focus, Hopes)
Hi, Faye! So glad to hear that. Here’s some more info to help guide you through each of the categories: Hope for the month: This is where I like to set an overarching intention for the month that’s broader than the other categories. Main focus items: These are the key areas I want to focus on each month, whether it’s financial organization, honing in on my daily workflow, my sleep schedule…whatever it may be! Top attainable goals: This is where I get specific and write out goals that are measurable (like doing something X amount of times per week). These… Read more »