20 Things to Leave Behind in 2020: Start the New Year Off With a Lighter Mind
It’s that time of year where the whole month is just full – full of events, to-dos, family, friends and festivities. However, this year might have felt a little different – a little emptier, a little less like the Holidays – just not the same. It’s okay if this is how you felt, I think it’s safe to say we all felt a little bit off come the Holiday season. Not to worry, I’m going to share with you 20 things to leave behind in 2020. This is not a hate letter to 2020, nor is it asking you to forget anything that happened, but there are some thoughts and feelings (albeit some hilarious) that we need to leave behind for a better peace of mind.
Related Post: 9 Valuable Lessons 2020 Taught Us: A Year of Tough Love
Table of Contents
Reminders & VAlidations
Before we get into the 20 things to leave behind in 2020, I want to remind and validate the thoughts and feelings you may have had throughout this year.
it’s Okay to Not Be Okay
If you’re leaving 2020 on a sad note, there is no blame or shame to be given. Rough years existed before 2020 came along, and they will continue to exist after. You’re allowed to feel down, out and upset about how this year went. It was a hard year, hands down. No matter what sense of loss you felt this year, know that it is valid, and we see you.
it’s Okay to Be Okay
If you’re leaving 2020 on an upbeat note, know that is okay to. You’re also allowed to feel happy, grateful and blessed. There is no right or wrong way to feel about a year, it is an individualized experience. Not everyone suffered this year, and that is to be expected. Take a look back on this year and enjoy the parts that made you smile the most!
The World is Yours
No matter how you feel going into 2021, know that the world is yours. Whether you’re happy, sad, thankful, upset, annoyed, elated, stressed or optimistic, that is your right as a human. Remember you get to choose how to carry on, and that if simply showing up and being there neutrally is all you can do, then so be it. Sending you all of the love, courage and encouragement to live at the capacity you’re at and start 2021 off with your best intentions in mind.
20 THINGS TO LEAVE BEHIND IN 2020
Below I’m going to share with you 20 things to leave behind in 2020. This is a collection of thoughts, feelings and things we should leave behind us so we can find peace with ourselves and the world around us in 2021. If you’re ready to enter 2021 with a lighter mind, keep reading!
1. Any Regret You Have
Just let it go. Any regret you hold for not doing things, the things you could have done, and the things you wish you did. Holding on to the ‘what ifs’ are some of the hardest thoughts to have – there is no right answer to how they could have played out. Give yourself the grace and peace of mind to let go of these thoughts and give your heart a break!
2. Blame for What You did or Did Not do During Lockdown
Listen, I’m going to share with you a little secret. We haven’t exactly ever done a lockdown before. There is no Cole’s Notes to go off of here. Whatever you did, was the best you could do. I promise you I drank too much wine and listened to too much sad country music. Whatever you needed to do to get through that time doesn’t define you as a person, nor does it define you and your future.
3. People Who No Longer Serve You
If You’re looking for my favourite of the 20 things to leave behind in 2020, this is it! Whether you unintentionally found out you and your close friends had opposing views that didn’t jive during lockdown. Or you felt like you needed a well deserved break from certain people. Or you finally got the courage to unfriend that ‘friend’ from high school who spouts off bullshit on the daily, I promise you that you did the right thing. One of the biggest and best things you can do for yourself in 2021 is leave behind the people that aren’t serving you.
4. Poor Hand Hygiene
Okay time out. If we’ve learned anything this year, it’s proper hand hygiene is key. That means wet them, soap them up, scrub the heck out of them for 30 seconds or more, rinse and dry. Pass it along to your friends – we don’t need this crap in 2021.
5. Not Having a Home that Speaks to Our Inner Person
Since we spent so much time at home this year, it’s changed our perspective on what home is. Home isn’t just a place, it’s a feeling. Your home is supposed to be your safe space, your abode, the place you come to just be. Make your next priority getting on top of your home and making it feel cozy and sanctuary like to you – whatever that means.
6. Not Believing in Yourself
Hey, it’s a new beginning, and I’m an optimist. There’s no reason you shouldn’t have believed in yourself, and there’s no reason not to now. And if you need a little extra motivation – you survived a pandemic. Enough of a reason to believe in yourself if you ask me!
7. Being Rude to Retail Workers, Health Care Professionals and Anyone else, Period.
First of all, this was never a thing, second of all – it should continue to not be a thing. If you’re having a bad day, be kind. If you see someone else going off on a retail worker, step in or grab another employee – as someone else who has worked retail and healthcare, it’s never okay to verbally or physically abuse someone else. Step in, speak up, or go back home until you’re ready to go out and not take it out on any kind of staff (or anyone at all, period).
8. The Idea of PErfectionism
This year definitely shook up everything – our plans, life as we know it, and the ability to plan in the foreseeable future. With lockdowns looming, restrictions loosening and then tightening back up, and numbers changing daily, there’s no way we could have called for half of the stuff we saw in 2020. Perfectionism doesn’t exist, and neither does our ability to truly control the future. Learn to let go, be a little more lax, and realize that plans can change!
9. Not Supporting Your Local Small Business Friends
Supporting local doesn’t have to cost you money! It takes two seconds to like and save your local business’s latest Instagram post, or tell a friend about the amazing service you received. Open your mind to the idea that supporting local doesn’t have to require spending money, and that small businesses need us now more than ever!
READ: 10 Powerful Ways You Can Support Local Businesses All Year Round
10. Being ‘Busy’
I’m sure 2020 already taught you this, but being busy can be detrimental to our health, wellbeing and mindset. Being busy is a something we do, say and feel to distract ourselves from what really matters – personal connections, time with loved ones, and dealing with our own problems. I’m hoping one thing you carry on to 2021 is the ability to relax and find time to restore and preserve your mental health and wellbeing!
11. Improper Mask Wearing
This is just a no. I don’t want to see your nose. Mask covering chin, mouth and nose please! (source)
12. More Importantly, Leaving Used Masks and Rubber Gloves for Other People to Clean Up
I shouldn’t even have to add this here, but please, please PLEASE dispose of your masks and gloves properly. It’s truly not fair to the people who have to clean up your mess after (because remember, someone else does). Do your part and throw them out (not on the ground).
13. Being Too Scared to Live the Life You Want
This is by far the most daring of the 20 things to leave behind in 2020. I’m sure at least once (correct me if I’m wrong), at least once throughout this year you’ve uttered a thought along the lines of “I wish I had done xyz”. If this pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that we should take nothing for granted – including pursuing our dreams. If there’s something you’ve been thinking about non-stop throughout this whole year, maybe that’s a sign you need to take a leap and pursue it.
14. Not Appreciating the Small Things
This year has taught us so much about appreciating the small things, especially since some days that was all we had. Start to make time for appreciating the small things each and every day come 2021, I promise you won’t run out of things to be grateful for.
15. Not Voting
This is self explanatory. You have a right to vote, and it should always be exercised!
16. Still Being in Denial that Carole Baskin Killed her Husband
If you didn’t watch Tiger King, you need to start (it’s really not that long!). And if you have and are still claiming Carole is a saint, I suggest you re-watch and then we can talk!
17. Waiting for the ‘Right’ Moment
Sometimes, waiting for the right moment means it will pass you by. Bringing it back to the whole you never know what can happen and being too scared to live the life you want, sometimes there is no right moment – you just have to jump. Try taking more of a leap in 2021 and doing things without waiting for the ‘perfect’ moment!
18. Not Spending Time with Loved Ones
Spending time with the people we love has always been important, but now so more than ever. Spending time with our loved ones is one of the most sacred things we can do, especially after the past year. Make the time to connect with your loved ones and enjoy every minute of it!
19. CHoosing Fear of Failure over Trying
Again, back with the inspirational bit. I’m a big fan of stepping outside of your comfort zone and making the most of anything! One thing to leave behind in 2020 is choosing fear of failure over actually trying. We’re going to make 2021 the year you decide to go for it all and step outside of your comfort zone!
20. Not cutting Yourself ENough Slack
Ah yes, my favourite on the list because it’s the most important! Cutting yourself slack is something you need to do regularly, regardless of whether there’s a pandemic or not. You need to give yourself grace – life gets in the way, people get in the way – make sure you make time for you and your needs (the rest can wait).
REminders
2020 was a rough one for the most of us, and it’s 100% natural to have these feelings. Whether you feel strong going into 2021 or maybe not as strong, just know all of these feelings have room for improvement. Wherever you’re at, you will find your place in the new year whenever you’re ready!
