Blog #11: Transform Your 2020 - How to Make it a More Positive New Year
From WWIII trending on Twitter in the first couple of days of the New Year, to the loss of one of the greatest athletes of all-time (especially of our generation), as well as the outbreak and international fear of the deadly Coronavirus, along with a plethora of other not so positive news, it’s been a whirlwind start to 2020.
Despite the chaos that has occurred in popular news, with February now in full force and what I consider still the start of the New Year, I’d like to use this latest blog as a reminder of the positives that surround us, and ways to truly uplift your spirit to combat the negatives and push forward.
I can find myself in the glass half empty perspective, but I do try my best to steer away to more of a half full outlook. I mean, come on, it can be a pretty gloomy, gut-wrenching space if you constantly look on the downside. So, here’s just a few ways to think more positively, and turn 2020 into a brighter year.
1) Put down your phone and step away
Remove your eyes from the headlines, stop getting lost down the rabbit hole of breaking news, avoid reading the social media comments, and relax. It’s good to stay informed, in my point-of-view it’s essential. You don’t have to be a current events expert, but you should have a handle on what’s going on and how this can effect you and your community. But, there’s one thing staying informed. There’s another getting caught up in the negatives. I’m definitely someone who is easily emotionally invested in my surroundings and what I read. If you’re like me, take breaks. Stifle yourself from reading endless commentary, and more importantly focus that time on yourself. Self care is a necessity, and you owe it to your mental health to relax and take care of your well-being.
2) Don’t be scared, take risks
You’ve put your phone down, now what? Instead of sticking to the typical routine, do things that you have always wanted to do. You have to admit the year, “2020” just sounds cool. We’re in the Twenties, when looking back at history our 20s predecessor of the 1920s was known as the Roaring Twenties - with the cultural and artistic boom of the Harlem Renaissance movement, iconic fashionista flappers, and the popularity of speakeasies in response to Prohibition. I’m not saying do some crazy things that can get you in a lot of trouble, but what I am saying is do things for your creative spirit that sparks internal excitement. Whether you believe in New Years resolutions or not, step out of your norm and take pride in something you’ve always wanted to do. Make those what ifs a reality. When you look back on it, you can say you did that thing you’ve always wanted to do in the year 2020.
3) Embrace the Mamba Mentality
On January 26, we lost Kobe Bryant, a man who honestly needs no introduction. To make things more tragic, that day we also lost his daughter, Mambacita, talented, young athlete Gianna Bryant, along with other members and family members and friends of Team Mamba, John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Alyssa Altobelli, Sarah Chester, Payton Chester, Christa Mauser, and Ara Zobayan. One motto that Kobe taught many folks of our generation is the mantra of the Mamba Mentality. There’s hella ways to define it, but it essentially encompasses the themes of practice, dominance, perseverance, and constantly striving to be your best self in your career, passions. No matter what you pursue this year, whether you fail - get back up, you succeed - keep mastering your craft and don’t get complacent, you experience loss - recoup, grieve, pray, meditate, and try your best to carry on. Make the most of your life, because it’s truly your one chance to live it to your fullest.
4) Check in on friends and family - stay connected (to what matters)
It’s easy to get lost in your day-to-day life, relying on social media to fulfill your time, worrying about this or that and getting swept up in your own narrative. But, one thing that could really fuel you is reconnecting and checking in on your loved ones. One thing I admired about Kobe, seeing all his old friends and loved ones share screenshots of him checking in on them and making sure they’re alright. Sometimes I’m terrible at texting back, answering calls, even returning those voicemails. One way to get out of your head and your problems as well as make your day even better is making those real life connections. You have to admit, you’d appreciate a message from an old friend. Finding time on each other’s calendar to meet in person and go down memory lane. There’s nothing more filling in life than human connection. Prioritize the people around you, and I guarantee your inner self will feel even more replenished and smiley on the inside.
5) Next stop, get out(doors!)
There’s something about being outdoors, whether you deem yourself an outdoorsy person or not. It’s thrilling to disconnect and physically put yourself in a relaxing setting. Whether that’s the greenery of a forest and camping in a tent, or opting for a day at the beach, even taking a walk in the park you’re able to get out of the hustle and bustle or life’s chaos. Rest your eyes from the computer screen, get some good cardio walking and exploring your natural surroundings and soak in that sun. Make your year and setting more dynamic, diversify your days and take on the adventures of 2020.