I think we can all agree that 2020 has been a crazy year and that some norms can be thrown out the window. Typical New Year’s Resolutions simply do not apply. Sure, we all want to lose weight, especially since being home-bound and baking everything we could have possibly imagined. Most of us also still want to get in shape, declutter, organize our homes, and learn a new skill. But this year, it might be prudent to step back and take a long, hard look at what is really important. Things that add value and quality to our lives.

Exercise: If you are going to exercise, make it something you enjoy. Most of us are working out at home these days. Make it fun. Listen to your favorite music. Schedule a video workout with a friend over Zoom. Not sure what you are doing? Ask a professional. Most trainers are out of work these days. Not only would you be getting tips from an expert or great ideas, but you would be helping to feed families and keep the economy going.

Learn a new skill: Learning a new skill, maybe even a new job skill, might be something worth looking into. Whatever it is, aim for something you will enjoy. If you currently, or did, work in an office but always wanted to work with your hands, maybe explore the building trades such as carpentry or HVAC. Hate your job? Try something completely different. Though the pandemic hit the job market hard, new opportunities in IT, computers, and remote work popped up that may be of interest.

Cook: Though you may love to go to restaurants, it is going to be a while before we can comfortably go out to our favorite eateries without wearing a HAZMAT suit. Instead, learn to cook. In fact, learn how to cook great food. These days we can have virtually any ingredient delivered to our door, and with the internet, at our fingertips, there is almost no food that is “off the table” (pun intended).

Declutter: Clean your house. Clean your workstation. Clean your inbox. Clean something. Not only will you have less physical clutter, but you will have psychological clutter. I know, not necessarily one of the more fun resolutions, but if you are like me, you have been living like a hoarder. It seems like stuff is piling up everywhere, and since the cold weather has finally arrived, getting outside has been even more difficult, so it is important to keep your space comfortable.

Relationships: Last, and most important, work on your relationships. Spend time around people that make you want to be a better person. People that support you lift you up and motivate you. Life is way too short to spend your precious time around negative people. Call a friend, send a hand-written note, let the people you love know you care about them.

I say this often, but it is worth noting again, life is short. Let’s all pray that 2021 is not only a better year but a great year. Stay positive, Live Well, and pay attention to the wisdom of Kenny Chesney in his hit song, Get Along.
Get along, on down the road
We’ve got a long, long way to go
Scared to live, scared to die
We ain’t perfect but we try
Get along while we can
Always give love the upper hand
Paint a wall, learn to dance
Call your mom, buy a boat
Drink a beer, sing a song
Make a friend, can’t we all get along