With 2020 behind us and the roller coaster of feelings and events that came with it, January 2021 brings new hope of possibilities and new beginnings. As we start the new year, instead of thinking about resolutions, starting over, or placing restrictions on ourselves, why not think about some of the ways we’ve grown through the last 12 months and what we’ve learned? Instead of adding to our plate, what are some things you’d like to let go of as we turn the page?
Here are five things we can let go of as we move into the new year:
Expectations
We quickly learned in 2020 that things don’t always work the way we expect. Expectations are often unrealistic because often they are not grounded in reality. Some expectations are positive and helps drive us toward our goals. However, when things don’t work out the way we want them to it often turns out in disappointment or frustration.
Once you are aware of any feelings you have regarding your unrealized expectations, acknowledge those feelings. Once you are aware and accept those feelings, the more able you’ll be to adapt to change and be flexible to the situation.
Be present in the moment, release any resentment you have, and be grateful for those positive experiences you do have. Letting go of any expectations you’ve had and learning to be more flexible can help you live a happier and more satisfied life.
The Need to Be Busy
If this year has taught us anything, it is that we will survive if we aren’t constantly busy. This last year the world collectively was forced to take a big deep breath. People canceled plans, stay inside, spent more time with family, and managed their time a bit differently. The pressure to feel busy from social expectations was eased, and people were taking self-care more seriously and the physical and emotional health of themselves and their family to heart.
In 2021, let’s let go of the need to be busy, even after the mandated lock downs cease. We don’t “need” to be busy. We need to take care of ourselves and prioritize our health and our well being. Being busy for busyness sake is a societal norm that needs to be let go.
Resentments
Who are you hurting by holding onto resentment? Certainly the person you hold the resentment toward doesn’t even know it’s eating at you. And that is exactly what it is doing…eating at you, not them. Since you are only holding yourself back when you cling to resentments, letting them go is the best option as we move into 2021. Sometimes you can reach out to that person to find clarity and seek closure, or other times it’s simply best to let go and move on. You can find happiness in letting go of resentments!
Being Too Serious
Life is too short. This last year there has been a lot of tragedy. This year let go of your need to be too serious. It is hard to make the choice to be happy in all circumstances but try to find the joy in everything. There is joy all around us. Make opportunities for laughter! When we laugh, we release endorphins in our body that can offer natural pain relief. Laughter also reduces stress and boosts our immune system. Volunteer – doing good for others has a positive effect on our mental health. Find something meaningful to be grateful for every day. Dance more, love without abandon, reconnect with nature, be silly! Let go of being too serious this year – instead, have fun and be joyful.
The Need for Perfection
Perfectionism is unattainable. We live in a time where people only post their best on social media and we all, at one time or another, have fallen into the trap of comparison. We should strive for excellence in our own lives instead of comparing our lives with others or trying to be perfect. We will never achieve perfection because it isn’t possible. In 2021, let’s let go of calling other people perfect, refuse to accept a label of perfection, and stop comparing ourselves with others. Instead, let’s embrace flaws, accept that we will make mistakes, and give grace to others that make mistakes as well; we are all perfectly flawed.
Here is to new beginnings!
Hey, if you are going to drink, you might as well have this antioxidant-loaded sparkler to help fight off those pesky free radicals. Fresh pomegranates are some of the best super foods available so let’s drink to that!
Skinny Pomegranate Bellini
Ingredients
- crushed ice
- 1/4 cup Grand Marnier (orange flavored liqueur)
- 1 cup pomegranate juice
- 20 oz champagne
- 8 thin orange slices
- fresh pomegranate arils (seeds)
Directions
- Fill martini shaker halfway with crushed ice.
- Add Grand Marnier and pomegranate juice; shake well to chill.
- Strain into 8 glass flutes.
- Add 5 tablespoons Champagne per glass
- Garnish with orange slices and a few pomegranate arils (seeds) and serve immediately.
- Serves 8 (Serving size about ½ cup.)
Nutrition Facts per serving: 93 cals. Serving size = 1 drink
The New Decade Diva Detox Shot
It’s not for the faint of heart but this detox shot is loaded with all-natural, potent super food detoxing nutrients to get rid of the toxins of 2020 and get you started on a healthy 2021.
Ingredients
- 1 Beet, Roasted
- 1/4 cup Cilantro
- 1 Medium Tomato
- 1 handful Broccoli Florets
- 1 handful Spinach Leaves
- 1 handful Dandelion Leaves
- 1/4 cup Green Onion
- 1 cup Skinny Chicks Detox Tea
Directions
- To roast beet: Preheat oven to 375.
- Wash and wrap beet tightly in foil.
- Place on a foil lined baking sheet and roast for 1 hour or until tender enough to poke through easily with a knife.
- Blend all ingredients in a blender.
- Chill for 1 hour to overnight. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Nutrition Facts per shot: 21 cals., 1 gm protein, 5 gm carbohydrates, 0 gm fat, ALL-NATURAL DETOXING POWER: FULLY LOADED. Serving size: 1 shot
“Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering, ‘It will be happier.'” – Alfred Tennyson, poet
Happy New Year!
Christine