It’s here! 2021.
We have crossed the line and arrived at the much anticipated destination.
Everyone has a plan out there. New Year’s resolutions. Things you learned from 2020 to take with you. I am raising my hand over here. Right there with you.
But can I simplify things a bit?
It may shock you.
Take a deep breath.
Here goes.
Giving needs to continue into January. What?!
I realize the finances took a hit in December. Right?
However, I am not talking monetary. I’m talking ways to LOVE others. Ways to give simply. Acts of kindness. But seriously, NOW is when people need to feel loved and connected. Extravagantly. Generously. With care. Sweet expressions of gentle remembrance. Not high-priced gifts. Simple, thoughtful reminders of those who need your care.
There’s so much lavish giving in December that often we are so totally done until Valentine’s Day beckons us to come out of hibernation.
My new beginning for you today is this: GIVE. Invest in others. Spend time. Give of yourself in small ways. Even to family. Be grateful for them.
Perhaps this means running an errand. Making a delivery. Fixing or repairing something. A surprise.
Even in the middle of clearing out closets and organizing that always happens in January—give away all that can be enjoyed by others. Donate. Look for those who need the abundance of what you have. A win/win for you both.
Perhaps it’s a note. Or a text when someone comes to mind. Or a phone call. Or a Facetime. Or, heavens, even a Zoom call if you’re not able to join someone in person.
Let me help. I had a friend who expressed that her day was not going the best. Cupcake delivery ensued. Shocked? Yep. She was. But so worth it.
And I always love the person in front of me in a drive-thru who pays it forward…which prompts me to do the same. Don’t you?
For me, cooking is my outlet. Last year, I found myself baking bread. Cookies. Cinnamon rolls. The list goes on. There were flowers from my yard and herbs. And randomly delivering them to those who needed a bit of encouragement. Love. Cheer. Joy. I could do that. Cheerfully and happily do that. That does not need to stop, friend.
January is hard. Possibly the darkest and coldest of the year, in many ways.
So, this is my plan to combat that. Spread joy in the new year. Provide comfort to those who need it most.
If feet can not yet be under my table, I will take my table to them in deliveries.
And if you aren’t one who needs that outlet, why not deliver a coffee? Support a local restaurant and send a meal. Or share it, social distanced at the park.
See? Get creative. Get thoughtful. Get out of yourselves for just a bit.
But don’t forget to make self-care decisions for yourself in the middle of it all.
Give yourself time for joy. Be optimistic.
Change routines that may solve problems. Live bravely.
Simplify order and routines in your life.
Find something that brings you joy.
For me, a new plant that represents new life and new beginnings is in order. When life is not bursting with green, bringing green and citrus into the house brightens my mood. Try it. It may work for you, too.
That’s my plan for the new year. A do-over for 2020.
New beginnings. Making the world a better place.
How about you?
Leslie Watkins is a blogger and owner of feetundermytable.com, a blog that celebrates life, home, and those you love.
She is a lover of home, hospitality, and gathering of family and friends around her kitchen table. Of new beginnings and restoration of people, buildings, and things. Of good food prepared with love and laughter. Making life and home simply the best place to be.
She is a wife; a mom to two incredible sons and their amazing wives; a “CC” to four grandchildren; an aunt and great aunt to many wonderful nieces and nephews; a sister; and a former teacher to many in our community.
