I just reread my 2020 list of Hopes, Dreams, and Wishes to find that many came true, some I'm still working on, and others turned out differently than I expected. Now I'm ready to create my 2021 list.
Family focused
2021 will be a year focused on family, and as part of that focus, I have the following priorities:
- College success for my son in college. I want to do what I can to support his success with his studies and extracurricular activities. He has done a great job sustaining his college investment throughout the pandemic even though college life as he expected it changed dramatically. Rather than a great junior year on a division one sports team, he was relegated to working out at a private gym. Rather than living on campus and learning in person, he lived in an apartment and learned online. Rather than the typical, awesome college social life--he filled his time with more intimate gatherings and outdoor excursions. Nothing was as he expected, but he prevailed, and I want to support him well in the year ahead.
- Professional/relational success for all my sons and future daughter-in-law. Pandemic days have been tough for young people who are used to robust social lives. It has also been tough for professional life as work place expectations and obligations have changed a lot. I want to be there for my sons and future daughter-in-law as they build good relationships and work for professional respect and success. I want to support their professional growth and positive relationships in any way I can.
- Family/Friend Care. Now retired, I have more time to focus on care for extended family members and friends. I truly love being able to help others out when possible. So I'll focus my time on that aim as much as possible in the year ahead.
Warm, welcoming home
I remain committed to creating and nurturing a warm, welcoming home. In the year ahead, I'll continue this quest by staying committed to the many updates and organization that needs to happen here. As I've been working on for the past five years or so, it's my aim to reduce my home to the fewest number of objects possible, keeping only those objects that really matter. We won't make any big changes this year, but we'll continue to focus on composting, gardening, simple/warm spaces, and getting rid of all that doesn't matter anymore (giving away anything that's of value to someone else).
Writing, research, reflection, publishing
I love to think, research, reflect, write, and publish. It's a daily passion and habit that I'll continue and see where it takes me. Though secondary to my family/friend focus, I will continue this pursuit.
Contribution
I like to be generous, yet we're not people of great means. I'll look for ways to be generous as much as possible in the year ahead. I'll likely focus on this more when the college payments are done in a couple of years.
Health
Like too many busy teachers, I have some health concerns to play catch up with. It's very difficult for teachers with too-busy schedules to keep up with doctor's appointments and other health concerns. Now retired, I have some catch-up to do in this area and this will be a focus for 2021.
Politics
I am relieved that Trump lost the election, and I love seeing his name dwindle on social media threads and in the news. He has been a gut-wrenching heartache for so many of us. As for the Biden Presidency, I have confidence in them and will likely turn my attention to shoring up efforts close to home and eventually getting involved in more local concerns and positive efforts.
Summary
2021 will be a year of solidifying a lot of undone priorities. It will be a frugal year in many ways as we endure the final months of the pandemic, pay for my son's college education, and prepare for a family wedding in the fall. To me, that's a good aim. It will be interesting to see what truly happens this year when I reflect again a year from now, but for now, it's time to get a headstart on this 2021 list. Onward.