2021 — The Resolution For A Better Future.
Tags: Consumerism, Resolution, 2021, Mentalhealth, Globalwarming

Out with the old and in with the new.

Image Credit: Pineapples Supply Co

New Years Resolutions. Self-Improvement Books. Taking a chance with someone whos not your type. Dropping the ball in Times Square while a song usually from the genre of bubblegum pop played in the background and although you weren’t a fan — still enjoyed because its the New Year!

You awoke the next morning feeling hyped putting on your usual morning jazz while getting ready for a brunch appointment. You then proceed to pick out an outfit that you don’t usually wear because — New Year, New You.

We were so optimistic, so full of hope.

How do we move forward? Do we stick to our usual ways — Setting a financial, ambitious and body goal for 2021? Albert Einstein once said that the definition of Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

The road ahead is steep and is filled with unfamiliar territory centered around climate change, consumerism, work-life balance and mental health.

2021 is about laying the foundation for a better future for everyone.

1. Climate Change

Climate change is real. We’ve seen so much evidence over the past few years from natural disasters like tsunamis, bush fires, hurricanes and earthquakes. There’s been so much death, sadness and mourning — We’ve been through too much. So, how can we pivot to a more sustainable way of living?

(1) Reduce your carbon footprint — Walk wherever you can and consider carpooling with your colleagues.

(2) Avoid plastic.

(3) Vote for politicians that champion for sustainable policies.

(4) Avoid flying.

(5) Cook with Gas.

2. The Smart Consumer

Buying an excessive amount of food, clothing, jewelry, paper and other goods is first, unhealthy, second, wasteful and third, impacting the planet’s climate. Any consumer culture that advocates for “more is better” is simply, not sustainable. There’s also a much more convenient way of shopping now — retailers have gone online. Fun fact: Did you know consumers you shop online tend to buy more than traditional retail customers? I’ve been there — I’ve seen a cute dress in H&M or Forever21 and was compelled to consume, sometimes I did, other times I didn’t. So, where do we start?

(1) Portion size — only eat what you can.

(2) Avoid indulging.

(3) Save > Spend.

(4) Practice moderation.

(5) Purchase goods from corporations that support the sustainable development agenda.

3. Work-Life Balance and Mental Health

So, you work around the clock, All-Day, Err-Day. You do this because you’re scared of becoming one of those millions of people who’ve just lost their jobs. What was a passion for your work has not turned into a labor intensive mind-numbing task. You do this because you have commitments, a house, a car, student loans, that one time you took out a personal loan for your new business but it didn’t quite work out.

With each passing day, all you want to do is scream on top of your lungs at your impossible manager for setting unreasonable KPIs to meet in this climate. There needs to be a new technique to life, don’t you think. You deserve to be happy, to be at peace. Here are a couple ways that you can do it for yourself.

(1) Stay Connected to Your Loved Ones.

(2) Download a Fitness App to Get Physical.

(3) Only Listen To The News Twice A Day.

(4) Keep Busy — Try A New Hobby. I would recommend adult coloring books.

(5) Breathe.

As much as scientists, politicians and doctors say that they have an understanding Covid-19, they don’t. No one does. They might know more now than they did before but they aren’t close to the finishing line — even with a vaccine. As citizens of this gentle planet, it is our duty to serve and protect this planet and everything it has provided us with all this years.

We shall continue our path of optimism and hope. For we are creatures of emotion. For we are comforted with knowing. New tides are upon us, do we perish or do we move forward?