If you feel 2020 has been the longest year ever, you’re not alone. The combination of constantly changing pandemic restrictions, various levels of quarantine, adjusting to different work rhythms while juggling virtual meetings, and for some, children at home 24/7 has all of us wishing for an end to this strange year.
Despite the desire to zoom forward, we still have a month left. Following are some suggestions to make December 2020 count:
Redeem Time
The craziness of this year has made it tempting to escape, and many have done this by binge watching movies or television and spending lots of time on social media. It’s been easy to reason it takes too much brain power to accomplish anything, so we’ve opted for doing nothing. However, you can redeem time by setting some reasonable goals and seeing them through to completion.
Employ the “eat the elephant” approach, breaking up tasks into manageable chunks. Use a timer to help you stay on task, taking a short respite between 45- or 50-minute work segments. The sense of satisfaction you gain from redeeming time will fuel your resolve to keep going.
Regain Momentum
What have you backed off on this year? Exercise? Interaction with others? Goals? I confess, I slacked off in several areas after meeting a book deadline.
While we can blame closures and quarantine for some slowdowns, there are workarounds. A closed gym can be circumvented by a brisk walk down the street or at-home exercises. A phone call, snail mail note, or virtual visit helps to dispel hermit-itis. Think about projects you had in mind for this year, but put on hold, and commit to do at least part of what you planned to do this year in December.
Many of the parties and programs that usually fill December calendars won’t happen this year, so use this unscheduled time to regain momentum.
Remember the Good
If you ask people their opinion of 2020, they tend to point out all the negatives, but despite the minuses of this year, plenty of blessings, even miracles, can go in the plus column.
Personally, Jim and I spent more time together than we have for years because he was working from home. The same can be said for many families who were “forced” to spend time together because of canceled activities, quarantine, or virtual schooling. Many discovered retro forms of entertainment and disconnected from technology in the evenings because they were weary from virtual everything all day.
We learned we can do with less shopping, dashing around, and eating out. We learned the value of family time and gained appreciation for much that we take for granted. In this year that is often cast in a negative light, don’t forget to highlight the good.
Refocus Ahead
I’m a big proponent of looking ahead instead of getting mired in muck of the past that can’t be changed. Looking back most often gives you a crick in the neck rather than inspiring anything productive and positive.
In this last month of 2020, a year that tended to cloud vision rather than clear it, decide to refocus on the future. Regain forward motion by looking with expectancy, rather than fear, to what lies ahead. Remain hopeful and prayerful and trust a brighter year is on the horizon.
Reignite Spiritually
When we encounter times in our lives when things don’t go as we’d planned or hoped, it’s easy to blame God and distance ourselves spiritually. But sometimes God allows difficult seasons to draw us closer to him, help us realize he is our source of strength, and reignite a desire to grow and go deeper. spiritually. Don’t waste this last month of 2020. Seek God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. He will meet you and bless your efforts.
Make the most of every moment and every encounter. Colossians 4:5b VOICE
©CandyArrington
Candy Arrington is a writer, blogger, speaker, and freelance editor. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving beyond difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotionals published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House) and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).
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2 Comments
Amen. Although this has been a tough year, there have been good things, too. I pray we remember His love and blessings are with us always.
Hard year, but big blessings!