I’m still in denial about it being a new decade, but here we are. To be honest, I fell asleep before the countdowns even began on NYE. I knew that this new year would make demands on me – my energy, my time, my resolve, my self-worth. I’m still a little overwhelmed for what’s ahead.
Now I’m here for 2020.
I’m starting the new year off with a purge. I keep all of my old electronics in a box in my closet “just in case.” I’m not sure of what. Now, I’m trading them in. And I’m MariKondo-ing my desk, my closets, my garage. I’m done with all the extra things that weigh me down. Besides, I’m going to need the extra space in my life for this year. It feels right to do this.
Some of you who follow me on IG might have noticed I’m politically active. I’ve been protesting things my whole adult life (even when it was not so popular—has anyone heard of East Timor, or know much about the first Gulf War? Yeah, I protested those.)
The last few years I’ve been especially concerned. I know that a lot of us feel this way – scared about where we are headed as a country. Do we want to be divisive and fearful no matter the cost, or do we want peace, unity, and a working democracy? As it turns out, half of the country is OK with being divided. So, there’s a lot of work to do to bring people together, to give every person who has felt overlooked or invisible a chance to be heard. We need more voices at the table, not less.
The new year brings with it our need to speak out, to bring attention to challenges and problems we all face.
Politics isn’t something you can “stay out of” – it’s something that you are part of, that affects every aspect of your life. We don’t have much time in our daily lives, but this is important to remember in the new decade.
And then there are the normal demands of life coming in 2020 – work, family, time for pursuing the things I want. Yes, I’m trying to be organized and allow time for everything, but that’s another hurdle. There isn’t time for everything.
Most of the time, we have to choose what’s a priority. Even if it means neglecting something else.
I have some professional goals I don’t want to put off any longer. I’ve worked hard the past few years, and I don’t want it to be for nothing. So I’m making myself a priority. I don’t want to feel I’m wasting more time – I already feel like I’ve been wasting a lot of it on stupid stuff – like Twitter threads, IG scrolling, and wanting those likes and followers.
So as I enter 2020, I’m realistic about resolutions and that most of the time, we forget about them after a month. This time it feels important to make certain things a habit in my life, to the point where I just do and don’t think:
- Meditation
- 30 minutes creative writing
- 1-2 days/ month – volunteering with 2020 races
- weekly electronics cleanse – no social media, emails, etc.
Those are my goals for 2020. I will probably fail, but I’m going to try and make them a habit. What are you changing this year?
XO,
Kelly
About Kelly Seal
Kelly is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles, CA. She blogs about dating, relationships, personal growth and what "healthy living" means to her. You can follow her on Google+, Twitter @kellyseal or through her website www.kellyseal.com.
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