Letting Go and Looking Ahead: Reflections on the New Year

One thing I think we can all agree upon: everyone is ready to say goodbye to 2020. It’s a year that has brought many difficult lessons. Though there has been sweetness too, there has been a great deal of sorrow.

I have to remind myself that a magic wand will not wave at midnight. Experts say that, even with a vaccine, we may not return to “normal” until late next year. All of the trials we have faced in 2020 will not suddenly disappear at the start of the new year. But we can embrace New Year’s Eve as an opportunity to reflect and recalibrate.

I’ve been thinking lately about what we will carry with us into 2021. What lessons do we want to take from this year? What do we want to leave behind? Since we will be unable to celebrate and grieve as a group, consider doing some small ritual to mark the day. This could be as simple as writing down the things you are ready to leave behind, then tearing that list and throwing it away, physically letting go of it. You can also make a list of your wishes for 2021, and in this way welcome clarity about your hopes for the year to come. Or maybe you could take some time on New Year’s Eve to list all of the things you’re grateful for, all that 2020 taught you.

When the clock strikes midnight, remind yourself that there is plenty of reason to be cheerful. We’re still here. I encourage you to ring in the new year focused on hope. These hard days will be behind us soon. I look forward to better days for all of us—together.