Wow, How is it 2021 already? It seems like just yesterday I was writing Carrie Sage, Grade 4, Room 301 on all my checks. [Thanks, Tina Fey for the awesome and appropriate opening line — that, rest assured, I will continue to use for every New Year’s blog until the end of time].
If you’ve followed OG @BankSmartCarrie, you might remember my 2016 New Year’s Blog of predictions posted on LinkedIn [Top 5 Predictions for @BankSmartCarrie in 2016]. I remember writing this post like it was yesterday. Ahhh, so young! So hopeful! No doubt, a distinct combination of pent up creativity and energy drinks.
The beginning of a new year used to be filled with such hope and magic. Our social feeds were bursting with resolutions, predictions and vows to be better and more inspired in the new year. Then, out of nowhere 2020 shook us and the world shifted. We only had one goal in 2020: to make it through the other end with our family and friends in tow.
Say what we will about 2020, but it was a year of growth and reflection for many of us. Life felt a little quieter and empty of all the unnecessary busyness that we create. As the calendar flipped to January 1st, 2021; the shift continued. Where are all the predictions? All the resolutions? Our social feeds felt absent of all the usual fanfare. What will be trending in the new year? How many pounds will we lose? How much money will we save? Not once has a #NewYearNewMe post graced my feed, and for that I am thankful.
Instead our feeds are filled with intentions: our plans for a more mindful and present new year. We’re learning to appreciate and cherish what is around us and be thankful for continuous progress, no matter how small.
But aren’t resolutions and intentions the same thing? Not exactly. Resolutions are more something you have to do – I have to work out every day. I’m going to read 4 books a month. They are more focused on the end result vs. enjoying the ride and leave little room for error. Resolutions start with the assumption that you are not enough and feel riddled with guilt and shame.
Intentions are an optimistic goal, and aim or a plan. They start from a place of worthiness and being “enough”, while focusing more on they journey than the final outcome. Setting intentions for the new year feels like a positive call to action and something we want to do vs. something we feel that we have to accomplish. I want to appreciate all that I have. I plan to be present. I aim to feel comfortable in my body.
The pressure of totally reinventing ourselves every January 1st has been lifted. Instead, let’s continue to cherish each moment and focus on growth of all kinds.
So, here we go. My Top 3 Intentions for @BankSmartCarrie in 2021:
3) Be more intentional in my spending – I find comfort in shopping. Spending money has been a great anxiety reducer and brought me comfort through some challenging times. Even in small dollar amounts, it gives me a much needed high. I’m sure many of you can relate. Something about it just feels good. As I simultaneously start my budgeting journey, I have begun to declutter my house (which, is a whole other topic in itself). I saw a post on Facebook the other day that said: Look around. All the things you surround yourself with was once money. And, that money was once time.
That really hit deep. Was that bowl from Target really worth two hours of my day? Did I have to have that extra piece of furniture? It nearly cost me a week! Going into 2021, I look forward to being more mindful of how I use my money, and in turn, my time.
2) Start from a place of abundance – Scarcity has always been a concern of mine. I save things “just in case” or because I might be able to repurpose it. I buy extra at the store because it’s a “good deal” or with the thought that I might need it later. There’s something about winter in New England that instills the ultimate fear: we simply cannot survive without a 5 day ration of bread and milk.
Having lived a semi-comfortable life, with plenty of bread and milk, I do not actually know what it’s like to go without. And, what will forever be known as The Great Toilet Paper Shortage of 2020, only intensified these feelings of scarcity. Nearly a year later, I am still buying toilet paper every time I see it at the store, just in case.
The items I accrue feel like a constant reminder of poor spending and bring their own bag of anxiety. Maybe I paid good money (or time) for it. Maybe I will need it in the future. Maybe it just feels wasteful. Instead of holding onto the guilt and shame of past purchases, I will focus on making better decisions with my money. I am going into 2021 with the intention that I have enough. This will also help me be more mindful with my spending.
1) Work on using my tools – Being a new mom has brought about all the feels. It’s been a journey of highs and lows to say the least. This year has allowed me the time to put in the work to make sense of these feelings and how they affect other areas of my life. One thing I have learned is that I have an overwhelming urge to be in control and do everything myself. If you’ve met me, this is probably not a surprise to you. But, it was to me.
Over the course of 2020, I learned techniques to identify and de-escalate these feelings. I’ve explored letting myself depend on others and asking for help. I’ve worked on letting go of the belief that I can fix everything, nor is it my job to. I’ve found that I can still show up for others without having it consume me.
This intention also carries through to my 2021 finances. I am learning that there is not one right way to budget. There is no perfect number of dollars to save. I will let go of these expectations and focus on using my tools. These tools will come in a variety of ways: working with friends to budget and motivate each other, participating in online challenges and educating myself with continued learning.
Alright, Smarties! Are you with me?
Let’s end by acknowledging that we made it through 2020, which in itself is an accomplishment. We survived the year with high hopes and low expectations. We slowed down. We learned. We grew.
Now we move into 2021 without a laundry list of resolutions and the burden of having to reinvent ourselves every 365 days. Let’s take the lessons from 2020 and carry them into 2021 by allowing ourselves to be more mindful and present in the new year.
Are you making resolutions or intentions? Share your focus for the new year, below!
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