Goodbye, 2020; hello, 2021! I’m sure I’m not alone in bein’ happy to see 2020 in the rearview mirror. It was an incredibly trying time for people around the world, and I know many of y’all have had a hard time, whether with physical health, mental health, or financially.
The silver lining of such a stormy year is that it really helped us to find what matters most for each of us. For some, it was their physical health. For others, financial stability became a priority. For me, that would be my family and my friends. In that spirit, I’ve decided on two resolutions in 2021 that will help me to keep my focus where it belongs.
First, I’ve decided to embrace minimalism—or at least my version of it. In October of 2020, Michael and I sold our home, Riverbend. As we got older and slowed down a bit, we realized it just didn’t match our lifestyle anymore. It was too much house filled with too much stuff and too many distractions from good conversations with good people. So we are in the process of finishin’ up some renovations to the first house Michael and I built together—our beautiful Dogwood home. It’s smaller, cozier, and just feels like home. And I know many of you will recall this house, as it’s where I filmed my shows for years.
During that hectic move, I realized that I just didn’t have a need for many of the material items that filled my closets, shelves, and garages, so I took that opportunity to get rid of countless pots, pans, dishes, old appliances, clothes, shoes, trinkets—you name it. While I may never be a true minimalist, I can at least work towards it by keeping just those items that I really need and that really make me happy.
My second resolution, though, is my most important resolution of all—in 2021, I’m resolvin’ to be a better friend and relative. I’m promising to be more present, to be a better listener, and to truly be there when folks need me. I like to think I do all these things already, but who among us can’t be better at them?
While my business keeps me hoppin’, I never want to forget to put my family and friends above everything else. After all, I can’t take my business with me when I go, but I sure can take the memories I’ve shared with those I love.
Now, I’d love to hear from all my friends out there. What are your resolutions for 2021? Share with me in the comments section, won’t you? I promise I’m listenin’!
Happy New Year!
Paula
