2021 Goals and My Word of the Year

New here? Check out my intro post.

I took a break from goal setting in 2020. In hindsight, that was a good thing in many ways; in chronological order: 1. pandemic 2. moving 3. new baby. Little time was left for goals and that was just fine with me. 2020 was a tough year for many of us and I think we have all grown in ways we couldn’t have previously imagined.

When I was thinking about 2021, a few priorities came to mind. First of all, experiencing the pandemic and lockdowns in 2020 amplified the importance of home. It was no longer just the place we return to after a long day for restoration before venturing out again the next day, it has become so much more. Where we cook and eat (and CLEAN) 3 meals a day. Where we entertain our children. Where we watch movies. Where we video chat with family separated by many miles. Where we keep up with the grim news. Where we learn, play, and grow together.

Word of the Year

All of this combined with moving into a new house was my motivation for my word of the year for 2021: nest. Just like a pregnant mother goes through “nesting” instincts as a sign the baby is near, I would like to take this year to focus on creating a cozy spot for my family. I’m using my PowerSheets from Cultivate What Matters (highly recommend!) to keep track of my goals this year.

2021 Goals

1. Make our house into a cozy space

This most closely relates to my Word of the Year.

2. Save money

A “nest egg” if you will (pun intended 😄) I won’t be sharing it publicly but we do have specific savings goals written down.

3. Add more movement and plants

This is my physical wellness goal. Although I am the heaviest I have ever been after having 2 babies in 2 years, I’m giving my body space as I breastfeed L and taking time to allow it to find it’s happy spot. Rather than trying to change my appearance, I’m focusing on adding more movement and eating more plants as a way to feel the best I can in my skin. More on this and postpartum body image to come in future posts.

4. Play and create

Play is how kids learn, and it’s important for adults too. I have quite a few hobbies (music/piano, paper planning, watercolors, embroidery, etc) and it’s wonderful just to feel like a kid again and allow myself an opportunity to create. And yes, it’s a goal for 2021. With a full time job and 2 small kids, it will never happen if I don’t schedule it in. Goals can be small, and they can be fun.

5. Rest in silence and space to restore

This one came from Glennon Doyle’s book Untamed. She talks about sitting in silence for 10 minutes a day to find “the knowing.” That deepest part of yourself, your gut truth. I love these three words she uses to describe the process: “Breathe, turn inward, sink.“

And also, kids are LOUD. I need a few minutes a day in silence to process and recharge.

6. Cultivate relationships

This is one of my perpetual goals. Of course the pandemic made it that much harder to connect with friends and family. It takes that much more effort to connect with others virtually.

The Plan

I’ll be posting at the beginning and end of each month to share my goals and report my progress. Stay tuned! Leave me a comment below, what’s one goal you’re working on this month?