New Years

Let's talk New Year. Especially this year, a day that's usually hyped up but is known to be quite a let down. Expensive nights out, jam packed dance floors, barely being able to move or get to the bar, double tariff on taxis, arguments from being too drunk and then you wake up not remembering any of it... I know that's not the case for everyone but I'm sure you've all had at least one new year where you've experienced a similar scenario. I haven't gone 'out out' or done anything majorly exciting in years, it's always quiet and I like that. Some years I've even gone to bed before midnight, not because I'm miserable, but we'll get to that soon...

This year I don't even need an excuse to stay home, it's kind of what we all need to do; besides, nothing is open. That then naturally flows into New Years resolutions, which I'm not a big fan of, because they generally never last, because if you really wanted to do something or stop doing something you don't need to wait for new year, don't set yourself up for failure. While all this may seem quite cynical so far, that's definitely not my intention here. Keep reading..

I'm sure we can all agree this year has not by any means, been great, or as I keep reading people describe it as a 'shit show' of a year, I agree, it has, for many many reasons and obviously covid being the biggest culprit. Right now everyone is desperate for 2020 to end, things like "I can't wait for this year to be over" "can't wait to start a fresh" - and here's where I'm going to be real, when the clock strikes midnight on the 31st December, a magic wand is (unfortunately) not going to be waved, there will be no fairy godmother, January 1st is going to look pretty similar to the day before. What I'm getting at is more of a heads up, that things aren't going to suddenly change and be better, we will have to keep up with the current measures and sacrifices we face now. The sooner we can accept this, then a week into 2021 we won't be left feeling depleted or cheated of our 'new start'. All we can do is our best, take each day as it comes, keep ourselves safe and those around us safe, things will get better eventually, so let's not set ourselves up to feeling unsatisfied from day one. If we can get through this year, we can get through the next, have hope, have patience, lean into what you already have and show gratitude there, focus on the now, try and turn those negatives into positives, be mindful of what you're consuming, does it align with your values or make you feel good? Do the people you communicate with make you feel good or do they drain your energy, life is short, make the changes you need to, to live a fulfilled and happy life.

Instead of looking back on this year pulling out all the bad bits, all the bits that have gone wrong or made you unhappy. Instead, can you look back on all the moments you made great choices, what made you smile, what you're most proud of yourself for this year, what have you learnt, what have you learnt about yourself? What do you want to do more of in the coming year that brought you joy this year, what coping mechanisms have you used or learnt that you can take forward? Make a list, journal, these are just some examples, but you'll surprise yourself at just how many things might have actually gone right.

Give it a go 

A healthy, safe and happy 2021 is all I can ask for, what about you?

Sylv x