Soo what a 2020 we had, right! No one was ever ready for it but hey if you reading this, we both survived. With all the new lockdowns going on across the world (although we all hoped 2021 would be better), we can’t be caught in limbo. If we aren’t careful, it’s easy to slip back into the “it’s such a bad year” or “we can’t do anything with this pandemic going on”. Let’s break the cycle and embrace our best life pandemic or not.

1. What’s important to you?

Like really? Have you ever sat down and thought about what makes you tick? No one ever knows how much time we have left in this life and surely this pandemic has made this clear, so what is it you are doing with your time? Are you sure you are not wasting it on useless endeavors? Think about it. What really matters to you the most?

2. Experience life.

We take for granted how easily we can get distracted. Have you ever had those, “I should have said more to this person” or “I should have let myself enjoy such and such when I was there” moments? If you have then this one is for you. We tend to go through the motions of life but never take a step back and try to enjoy every cry, laugh or moment as we experience it. This is a proven and simple way to be happier. Don’t wonder where the day went, experience it as it happens!

3. Do now!

Be grateful for something specific everyday. Savour the moment you are in now. Be mindful of your surroundings, this magnificent world the Lord has made. It could be the way the sun feels good on your skin or the beautiful view from your office. Being aware of what we do in the now and being able to experience life as mentioned in #2 is a guaranteed way to improve your mental heath and overall satisfaction with life.

4. Empathy is a thing.

Living your best life involves a lot of things. One being the relationships we have. Listening empathetically and being present in conversations is a great place to start when it comes to transforming relationships. We all experience life differently and might never know why the people we love behave in the way they do at times. Listening attentively gives our loved ones a sense of safety and shows that we really care. It also opens us to understanding others in a much better way and, be better suited to helping them.

5. Flow

To experience positive emotions, we have to be actively mindful of what we do. Being aware and actively so. You may know this as ‘getting in the zone’. When everything else ceases to exist except this one thing you are currently doing. We mostly experience this when we write, paint, crotchet, read or play a sport. Pick a hobby this year that will teach you flow and make you a happier person.

6. Reset, reset, reset!

When we talk about curveballs, 2020 was in a league of its own! The important part is getting back to our core – to center and reprioritise to our goals. The good thing about the year that was, is that it taught us that we can get throught anything. Things like stretching, breathing excercises or jotting down your intentions are great ways to re-center. So when life throws you off course and you find yourself in a pit, imagine hitting a pause button, do one or all of these excercises and remember to RESET, RESET, RESET! Resetting is great when going through major life changes or small distractions.

Ps. This is a two part series to help us realign with positivity and good vibes after the year we have had. We will live our best life in 2021 and beyond. Cheers to 2021 and beyond. Cheers to the best life!