It's the new year- and for 2021, these 15 ideas may help guide you through the second year of the decade.
1. Formation And Forming
If you think about it, we're always in the process of creating ourselves. Every action, every thought, and eventually, every memory is part of what essentially forms who we are.
Don't push yourself to discover who you are, but rather, explore and create who you are. That new perspective may push you to thinking on a different level. Remember that you have the power to be you, and that is a great, wonderful thing!
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2. About Time
Time is such a complex thing; one moment it flows so quickly, the next, not so fast.
This year, try to make the best of time, and decrease the amount of time that feels like a waste. Maybe things like social media and gaming could be a secondary priority (or perhaps even third).
Focus on time management; organize and split your intervals to your advantage.
3. You're Special
Don't forget that you're amazing just the way you are, and everyone is, too. Not all of us are the same, and that can be a good thing; wouldn't the world be so boring if we were the exact same?
4. Turn Into a Sponge
Sponges have the ability to take in the water and hold it; this year, turn into a sponge and soak in everything. (not quite literally, though!)
Immerse yourself in learning and having knowledge, take in your surroundings, you name it.
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5. Being Loved And Loving
“We accept the love we think we deserve.”
-Bill to Charlie, Perks of Being a Wallflower (Steven Chbosky, 1999)
This Perks of Being a Wallflower quote may hit you with a new view of seeing things.
Essentially, this means that one would take in the love that they think that they should have.
You could understand this as: one with low self-esteem would accept an unhealthy relationship, because they don't think of themselves very high. One with higher self-esteem would not accept an unhealthy relationship, because they know their value.
Perhaps, this could be a word that echoes some parallel lines to above: you can't love others before loving yourself first. Love yourself, respect yourself, and know your worth.
6. Satisfaction And Being Content
Life is something to be obsessed with- life is a miracle! Make your life something you're utterly satisfied with, and something you enjoy living.
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7. On New Directions
Sometimes, not everything is meant to be. That goes for being rejected or let go of. Let this be the new course that life will take you on.
Think of it as having a good reason for that rejection and accept that there's something else in store for you- perhaps even greater than you had originally thought.
Remember, rejection is redirection.
8. Sour to Sweet
Sometimes, not everything is perfect, and not everything goes as nicely as hoped for.
However, use this moment to know that things can get better, despite a bad situation; it can get good. Think of it as a fruit. The outer peels may be bitter and sour, but once you open it, the insides are nice and sweet.
9. Forgiveness and Grace
To err is human; to forgive, divine.
-Alexander Pope
We all make mistakes, and sometimes, it's best to let it go and forgive.
It can be tough to let go of, that we can all acknowledge. It might be difficult to process and even be painful. But in your best interest, is it worth holding a grudge that could go on to even last years?
This goes for forgiving yourself, too. You'll find that forgiveness and grace will allow you to become more free; you may even feel as though an invisible burden has been lifted from you.
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10. In The Moment
Be in the moment this year in 2021; indulge and immerse yourself, and don't be distracted.
Focus on what is happening in the present moment, pay attention to the small things and the details, and let go of any burdening emotions and thoughts.
Live in the moment, and be free!
11. Consideration And Care
Put into consideration of others' circumstances and care for others. They may be going through something that you may not know of. This goes for being polite, respecting others, putting more thought into an action before doing, being empathetic, etc.
Spread kindness, and try to have people leave happier than they came.
12. On Moving Along
Just keep swimming!
— Dory, Finding Nemo (2003)
It's okay to feel stuck at times, but just keep on going! We all feel blocks time to time, but we should not let it stop us completely.
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13. Appreciation of Everything
Especially after a year like 2020, much reflection has allowed for many people to become more appreciative of things, no matter how small they may be.
It can be anything; homemade dinner, the sound of rain, your teacher- the list goes on and on. Practicing gratitude can also be significantly supportive of a positive growth.
14. On Defining
Others don't get to define you. They are not the ones that write your story; you are the main character, and you are the author, too. (Perhaps they may be the side characters, but certainly not the main focus.)
Know that you are the one to define who you are.
15. On Inputs and Outputs:
Life is a mirror and will reflect back to the thinker what he thinks into it.
-Ernest Holmes
I've previously talked about this before in my 20 Positive Habits You Should Start Doing Everyday article- what you put in is what you get out.
Let that sink in, and let me repeat it once more: what you put in, is what you get out.
It's simple, really; it's a bit like math, where your input becomes your output. Your efforts and energy that are directed towards a certain thing can play out to how well it works out depending on your input level.
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Here We Come, 2021
Here's to the second year of the decade- happy new year!
