How do you ensure a good ending to a bad year?

2020 has been a year like no other. With a global pandemic bringing in the world to a grinding halt, the year has been full of loss, whether that be liberty, freedom, loss of income, redundancy, bereavement, loss of social network and support systems, loss of identity, purpose, meaning and routine.  This year in particular has exposed underlying pressures, insecurities and stressors.  

I have always loved these last days of the year, clearing way for a fresh beginning.  But in 2020, the usual clearing out rituals don't seem quite sufficient, maybe because we have been spending more time at home and have less opportunity to get out there and live life to the fullest. Most people I know are looking forward to this year ending, putting it behind them and being able to move on to better times. Getting a good ending to a year matters in order to be able to move forward.  

Let me help you with some ideas about how to bring this year to a positive end. How to cleanse the negativity, frustration and fear. By clearing some emotional baggage that weighs heavy, I hope you will be open to finding joy and positivity in the year to come. 

Ask yourself some probing questions

It may feel easier to let things end without acknowledging what you’ve gained or lost, but taking time to reflect can be so helpful.

  • Name something that you discovered about yourself this year

  • What did you enjoy?

  • What did you find most challenging?

  • What 3 things had a positive impact on your life this year?

  • What bought you joy?

  • What advice would you have given to yourself this time last year?

  • What are you most looking forward to in 2021?

  • Who do you want to spend time with when COVID restrictions are lifted?

  • What key things have you learnt in 2020 that will serve you well next year?

  • Which habits do you want to instil in 2021?

  • What positive intentions do you want to set for yourself for the year ahead?

Draw a timeline of the year

Draw a line across the middle of the page, plot your year, everything above the line was positive or good, everything below the line not so good. Having a visual representation can help you see a different perspective and acknowledge both the ups as well as the downs.

Create a happy memories jar

Each time something nice happens, write a note and pop it in the jar. At the end of each year it’s a nice way of reviewing the lovely moments that you may have ordinarily forgotten about by December. I was pleasantly surprised by how many bits of paper were in my jar this year.

Have a clear out or declutter

You don’t need to Marie Kondo your whole life, just clearing out some of the old stuff in order to make space for some new opportunities or things to enter into your life. Just checking away my odd socks and bobbly vest tops this weekend made me feel good!

 Acknowledge your impact

What difference did you make this year? Did you volunteer in lockdown? Did you send a care package to someone? Did you check in on a neighbour? Did you support a small business by buying local? Did you help your child learn how to tell the time or tie their shoes in home schooling? Connections with others matter. Our personal interactions to define sense of self.

 Allow yourself to feel all the emotions

Acknowledge both the pleasures of new beginnings and the poignancy of the year that is ending. All feelings are valid.

However challenging 2020 has been for you, you will have grown this year. It’s only when we are out of our comfort zone that we can learn and develop. So maybe without even realising it, this Corona-Coaster year will have taught you some life lessons around survival, pivoting and identifying what matters most.

Happy 2021!

Nicola Strudley