As I had mentioned in my previous Instagram post – The one with the toilet roll and the hand sanitiser? Yep, that’s the one! We’ve definitely changed as a nation. How can we have not? Whether that change is to become more appreciative for the things we often fail to see in life, and can appear to be (more often than not) right in front of our very eyes. Or to simply to be more aware of our lives and as such treat each day as though it is our last – As let’s be honest, in these “unprecedented times” we don’t know when that time may be.
However, if this year has taught us something to take with us into the new year; Anything is possible.
So, with that being said, this isn’t going to be the usual “Here are my goals for the new year ahead” but is instead going to be more (hopefully) situational and relatable content that we can all stand by, focusing on the existing world that we are currently living in, and what we can still be thankful/grateful for.
So here it is; New Year, New Beginnings For 2021
Appreciate everything – This one obviously goes without saying. But if 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that anything, at any time, can be taken away from us. So it’s incredibly important while we still have our freedom of choice to love those in our lives, that we do. And we make them know this by one simple act of random kindness at a time, in any form you wish.
Owning a house– There are still people out there currently struggling to get even just one toe, let alone a foot on the property ladder. In this economy, it’s been an incredibly hard time for them. Being confined to our own personal spaces has seen a mass of homebuyers bumping up the property market through their own desire to move out of their familiar walls – When given the chance!
I remember buying our first home, it was immensely complicated. However, nowhere near as brain-wracking as it is nowadays.
We would use mortgage calculators; Which not only allowed us the luxury, and flexibility in the choosing of our mortgage but also show what loans would be available to us. We could easily work out just how much our monthly payments would be in order to pay for the houses that we liked, and suited us. However, if you find yourself still struggling, or just newly finding that “metaphorical” ladder, then I would highly recommend using a Mortgage Calculator. It doesn’t just do the hard work for you, but it also helps gain some resemblance of control back in a time where you may already be feeling a little out of your depth, or unsure when it comes to adulting, therefore handling those money affairs for you, and letting you know exactly what you would be paying for a house, and over what amount of time.
Having a Home – You don’t have to go far to see that not everyone is as fortunate you. There are those people out there STILL living in limited, rough conditions, even homeless. Though you can always help these people by buying them a few of their necessities (food and warm drinks), it’s only ever a fraction of help (though it does help!) and it’s practically impossible to change their situation. They would give anything to live in your luxury 4-walled house, with sealed windows, a roof and most importantly, warmth.
So do them a favour, and when you’re feeling a little doubtful about your current situation, just take a look around and try to see the beauty in the simplest of things. After all, you get to also slide into a cosy warm bed every night. Don’t take it for granted.
Show gratitude where needed and necessary – Sometimes it’s very easy to just get stuck in the hustle and bustle, and to just ‘go about our lives’, heads down, so focussed ‘at the moment’ that we sometimes forget that if we just slowed down, or just lifted our heads up for a second, that we have everything that we need standing right in front of us. Whether it’s family, friends or your loved ones, don’t let them feel depreciated for being there for you when you need them. If somebody does you a kindness, and you don’t know how to react, or how to take it. Repay it with your own, try doing something for them which tells them that you appreciate them and shows it in a way that only you can.
Having the time – Yes, the Lockdowns did come at a rather unusual time. Yes, it was never something you could really anticipate or expect. But if we’re being a glass-half-full person (and we are!). Then this additional, allotted amount of time that we’ve all been allowed to have at ‘some point or another’ has helped us focus on our intimate relations, and certainly what matters; our families, friends, furry babies and loved ones. If 2020 hasn’t already been a memorable year (for all the wrong reasons) then however you chose/choose to spend it will also be remembered for years to come. As they are memories that nobody can take away, and also you can’t get back.
So although we’re (most likely) screaming at the man on the screen with the rather daft haircut every time he makes a statement or an announcement which affects our lives in one way or another, you can’t help but smile at the fact that we’ve got each other and we HAVE and CAN do this!
Having money – Whether you’ve had a lavish Christmas, or an intimate one, in one way or another you will have made someone’s day by either just being a part of their day, or buying something they really, really wanted for Christmas. Having those few extra pennies will have helped, and can easily make you appear a rich person in someone’s eyes. It doesn’t cost a lot to make a difference.
I hope this has helped those of you with your journey into 2021. So dance on those tables, pop the fizz (whichever day you please) and embrace it, and take all that we’ve learnt from 2020 into the new year in a conducive and productive way so that we may get the best from it! From my family to yours – Have a wonderful 2021!
