A series of New Year’s Resolutions that are perfect for the “unique” world we’re living in
We made it! We survived one of the worst years in living memory, and are now officially in 2021. Life can only go up from here (right?). I will admit, 2021 is off to a “bumpy” start. First, we had an American insurrection incited by a sitting president, and then the second impeachment of said president. Meanwhile, COVID-19 proved it has no plans of quitting anytime soon with record high case numbers in Ontario and more contagious variants popping up in South Africa and the United Kingdom. All of this culminated in a second provincial emergency with a stay-at-home order in effect. And it’s not even February.
That being said, it is the start of a new year which means setting New Year’s resolutions! Yes, the age-old tradition of people committing themselves to self-improvement at the start of each year, only to see these resolutions slowly evaporate after about a month. But you know what? We’ve been through a harsh year and 2021 seems like it will also be quite tough. So this year, why not choose some easy resolutions that are perfectly attainable given the strenuating circumstances? Even if you find yourself struggling to live up to these commitments, that’s totally fine. We are in a pandemic after all, no one will judge you.
- Don’t get COVID: you may not be able to control this one given that no one chooses to get COVID, but if you manage to make it through the year without a positive test, I think that deserves a pat on the back.
- Get vaccinated: once again, this is not really something you can control, which makes it the best resolution! All you have to do is sit back, abide by the public health guidelines, and wait until your time comes. Easy-peasy.
- Wash your masks for the first time: given the stay-at-home order, you probably won’t need your masks quite so often right now. It’s the perfect time to finally get around to washing your months-old fabric face coverings, we know you’ve been meaning to do it for ages but just never got around to it.
- Go outside: we’ve all been there. You wake up, log-on to Zoom School, and remain in front of your computer for the next eight hours, sitting through countless classes, meetings, and TikToks. Next thing you know, the sun has set and it’s time for bed and you never even left the house! This year, I think we can all commit to stepping outside for a quick jaunt around the block at least once during 2021. Soak up some of that Vitamin D and fill those lungs with some fresh air. Alternatively, in the era of Zoom School, I’d say it’s a win if you just leave your room for more than bathroom breaks and food.
- Don’t kill your plant: in the era of COVID, it seems like people have taken to plant ownership as a way to occupy the time and spruce up their living space. Speaking from experience, for some people plantcare is a huge undertaking and perhaps the hardest resolution on this list. But, I believe in you! Try to go through the whole year without killing that succulent on your desk. If you can manage this, then I’d say you’ve officially won 2021.
- Keep on keeping on: New Year’s Resolutions can be a stressful pressure to stay “productive” and “improve yourself.” But we’re still in a pandemic, and waking up every day ready to take on life is enough of an accomplishment given the circumstances. We have all done remarkably well and the end is (hopefully) in sight. Hang in there. I have the utmost faith that we will all make it through to the end.
