by Jess Smith, LCPC

2020. Yuck.

I think it’s safe to say we’re all ready for 2020 to be over, and it can be incredibly helpful to create some new goals for the new year as they can provide hope and excitement for things to come. Over the next few weeks, we’ll aim to wrap up 2020 and provide some useful tips on how to successfully transition into 2021. We’ve all heard of new years resolutions and even the catch phrase, “New year, new you,” but somehow it just seems harder this year after everything that’s gone down!

Let’s First Pause

Before we say goodbye to 2020, let’s take some time to reflect on how hard it’s been! We don’t want to dwell in the misery any longer, but it’s also important to bring to light all of those hardships we’ve suffered. Here at Wellness & Co., we love to hold space for those tough times and feelings. After all, naming the struggles (rather than ignoring them or “sweeping them under the rug”) gives us more power over them!

It goes without saying that 2020 has been a tough year. COVID created more chaos and trauma than we could have ever imagined. You may have experienced COVID yourself or lost a loved one to the illness. You may have also lost your job. Then there’s the face masks and the devastating effects of social distancing. Small businesses suffering. Virtual learning. Questioning whether to get the vaccine. Sheer fear and anxiety about contracting the illness every minute of every day. The list goes on and on.

And then…

On top of COVID, we also had a tough political climate this year! The whole country was in quite an uproar over the election, wouldn’t you say? These two major events this year certainly created a new, collective baseline level of anxiety that has been unbearable for many.

Looking Forward

With all that being said, 2020 is coming to an end. Let’s be honest, COVID isn’t quite over and the results of the election will obviously impact 2021. So how do we actually move forward?

Let’s first remember that this year has also brought us some blessings. Never before have we seen so much collaboration, innovation, and community to make it through such unprecedented times. And through this positive insight we can realize how resilient we are.

We DO have the ability to bounce back!

While some may feel stuck, others, you included, may be excited for the challenge of 2021 and the ability to FINALLY tackle some of the goals you’ve been putting on the back burner! So, we’ve decided to launch a series of blogs and Instagram posts intended to help you figure out how to make, organize, and work toward your 2021 goals! In January, we’ll discuss common New Years Resolutions, and in February we’ll introduce lots of helpful info on goal setting. There will also be a few Instagram Live sessions (including one we did this past Monday – go check it out) along the way, so stay tuned friends!