It’s no secret that 2020 is the year that changed us all. Regardless of who you are, or where it’s led you, many of us feel distant from the person we were when this year began. On top of witnessing some of the most beautiful, and ugliest traits of humanity, a lot of us were also able to do some self-reflection.  And as a result, we’re eager to apply what we’ve learned in 2021. 

But as we prepare for the next chapter in our lives, it’s important we let go of the past. That as we declutter our spaces, we also declutter ourselves from the things that are holding us back. 

Because, while I know many of us are yearning for the normal we all knew before everything hit the fan, it’s through the process of releasing control that allows us to truly make room for a fresh start. 

So in honor of leaving this year behind, here are 3 things to do to get ready for 2021:

1. Declutter Your Space

One of the best and most immediate ways to clear your mind is to organize the space around you. Having been home for most of the year, I know that a lot of us have either acquired a lot of things we don’t need, or have held onto things from the past for the sake of comfort. 

But there comes a point where we must remove the things that are no longer serving a purpose. Both in our space, and in our lives. 

So, before the year ends, take a day or so to go through your space, and discard the things that are no longer functional, or bringing you joy. 
Not only will you feel better and more inspired in a cleaner, less cluttered space, but I’ve found that when I address the space around me, I give myself the space to address what’s inside of me.

2. Reflect and let go

Which brings me to my next point. As the new year approaches, a lot of us are going to want to reflect on everything that’s happened this year; the good and the bad. 

And you should! Unpacking the events of everything that’s gone down is crucial to the process of healing from this year. 

However, as you do, I encourage you to not be so hard on yourself. Don’t dwell on the negative, or beat yourself up for what you didn’t accomplish. 

Instead, whether you suffered internally, or experienced the horrors of covid yourself, allow this year to serve as the year that taught you so much about yourself and the world around you. 
It showed you how strong you truly are, both mentally and physically, and if not anything else, that alone is productive.

So, feel all your feelings for as long as you need to, trust that everything that was meant to happen, happened, and then simply let it go.

3. Set intentions for the new year 

Finally, as you discard the past, and reflect on what you’ve learned, think about what you want for yourself moving forward. Ask yourself what this year has taught you about what you will, or will no longer accept for yourself, and then set your intentions accordingly. 

For me, this looks like no longer adhering to self-doubt or being afraid to go after what I truly want. Because, as cliche as it might sound, if I’ve learned anything at all in 2020, it’s that life is short, and that anything is possible. 
So, as you move forward, create those big goals for yourself, but also remember to trust the process. Because as 2020 has shown us, while we can’t predict the future, there is so much beauty and surprise in releasing control.

2020 is the year that changed everything as we knew it, and because of it, we may never actually be the same. While the “new normal” has disrupted the structures we were all used to, it also showed us what we were capable of as both humans, and individuals. 
So whatever the case, be proud of yourself for having gotten through one of the worst years in history. Focus on the positive, take from it what you love, and make room for a fresh start.

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