This year my only goal is to show up everyday. And yours?
I published this article a couple of months ago for one of Vocal Media‘s writing challenges. However, I think many of the things I shared are still relevant today (already three months into 2021!). This is a space for honest writing and personal growth, so I really wanted to share these thoughts (if they can help one person, then it’s all worth it)….
From the beginning of 2021, I released all expectations about the year. I’m not hoping for anything in particular to happen. Well, except maybe for one thing: recovering my health. If I had to choose something that I want to do this year is “taking it one day at a time”. Just focusing on getting through the day. Every day.
So, if like me, getting through the day is your only goal this year… guess what? That’s totally okay!
From last April until today, my challenge (on top of dealing with a global pandemic, of course!) has been dealing with a sort of immune reaction in my body. While it’s not yet clear exactly what it is, it feels like every day it’s affecting my joints, muscles and organs. Some days it’s better, some days it’s worse. The most difficult part about it is that it came out of nowhere, all of a sudden, without any hint as to when it plans to go away (much like Covid, if you ask me!).
Before living for almost a year with constant pain, I took my health for granted. Not intentionally, but I did. I subjected myself to tons of stress while over-working intensively for three years and doing the same while completing a master’s degree at a highly competitive institution. Having something that I took for granted taken away (temporarily, I hope!), has made me realize all the things that I have to be grateful for in my life. Along with being in lockdown, my situation has also helped me think about the things that matter! Spoiler: it’s not the material stuff.
Some days are harder. That’s normal. So, I don’t expect myself to be happy, motivated or productive all the time. I just try to show up every day. Without ever giving up! I’m just allowing myself to go with my own flow, and not trapping myself in “what I should be doing during these times”.
That is why, instead of resolutions, what I am taking into 2021 are LOTS of lessons from 2020 (and, to be fair, a few years before). I try to leave by them every day, without beating myself up if I fail or have a ‘down’ day. I want to share these with you. I hope they help!
Here are the main lessons from 2020, which I’m bringing into 2021…
Appreciating the little things
2020 reminded me to appreciate the amazing things that I DO have in my life. For example, some days my back hurts, my arms and joints feel stiff, my stomach is bloated and my knees feel weak. And yet… I can wake up every morning next to the person I love, I can see the sky outside my window when I open my eyes, I can walk, I have clean water to shower and drink, I can sing, and so SO many other things! There are so many blessings that I don’t take for granted, especially now.
Read the full article here…
The (Ok)ay Life Project 