Happy New Year!
It’s time to pull out your new calendar or planner and say “hello” to 2021! Then raise your champagne glass and toast to a fresh start and new beginning. May this next year be full of joy, growth, and happy memory making. And, may we see less masks, cancelled plans, and no gatherings.
As we start 2021, perhaps you have listed some goals or created some New Year’s resolutions. Or maybe this is not your thing. Either way, I encourage you to ask two simple questions to focus your decision making in the new year. I’ll show you how I am answering them to give you an example.
Question One: What can I say “no” to this year?
With much trepidation, I am taking a break from sending cards. I send birthday and anniversary cards to many friends and family. In 2021, I am saying “no” to this and taking this off my task list. Though I love writing to friends, choosing cards to buy, writing notes, and mailing them all take time. (Then there is the cost associated with it too.) So this year, I will make birthday phone calls and send texts wishing my loved ones a happy celebration. This probably won’t be a forever “no.” But, sometimes you need to quit something to make room for something new. What can you say “no” to?
Question Two: What can I say “yes” to this year?
This question is so important, for a “yes” to one thing is a thousand “no’s” to everything else.* This year, I am going to say “yes” to volunteering at Hope’s Place. This pregnancy support center is dear to my heart and I have been doing some volunteer writing for them from my home. I also went to training this summer to be a volunteer. Then, I became ill in my first trimester of pregnancy and busy with other responsibilities . In 2021, I want to walk into Hope’s Place building each week and help wherever needed. What can you say “yes” to?
You can come up with as many answers as you like to these two questions. Or, you can make it easy and think of one answer for each question. Let’s be purposeful this year about what we choose to say “yes” and “no” to.
Again, a very Happy New Year to you!
-Kassie Joy
*James Clear says something like this.
