Turning A New Leaf

2021 is the breath of fresh air we have not just been waiting for, but hoping for. Here’s a guide on how to turn a new leaf and not look back.

Story by Gloria Akinnibosun

Illustrations by Isabella Droz

It is no doubt that 2020 felt like a cyclical whirlwind of disappointment, letdown dreams, and determination to never repeat such a time. Unlike anything we have ever experienced, we were all forced to accept a life unbeknownst to us, all while trying to accept a pandemic that molded itself into our new lives. From political, racial, and emotional unrest, the turmoil of 2020 will forever be a historic turning point for us all. As we continue to face a world that changes daily before us, we can use this time to decide amongst ourselves what we wish to grasp out of this year by doing one thing: turning a new leaf.

SETTING NEW INTENTIONS

Setting new goals is typically the perfect way to ring in the new year. What can be challenging is doing so with intention. In everyday life, we are more accustomed to setting goals because they enable us to progress in ways that increase our productivity. However, true leaders realistically achieve impactful results by first beginning with intentions. If you need guidance on how to set intentions for the new year, follow this short yet helpful walkthrough.

STOP WAITING TO EXHALE

Many of us go our entire lives without achieving some degree of genuine satisfaction; that is, to breathe. Society tends to put unrealistic pressures on how we’re supposed to show up every day in the world, whether it be in school, at work, in our side commitments, in our relationships, and more. But what happens when we’ve held our breath for too long and have yet to give ourselves a chance to exhale? This year, be more intentional about carving out that time to exhale. Try waking up early and drinking a glass of water before your day starts, gifting yourself with naps as needed, moving your body whenever you can, and simply making yourself a priority.

STAYING MOTIVATED

If 2020 taught me anything, it’s that there is no “right time” to do anything. If you hold out on taking a leap in life towards your dreams, waiting for that “perfect” moment free of error, you’ll be waiting forever. Truth is, life will never stop throwing bricks and detours. That in itself is the motive to continue trying, no matter how scary it may seem. Use last year as your ultimate motivator for never resting on your laurels and never settling due to fear of the odds. You made it this far! You are the odds. Let’s take a bet on ourselves this year.

STARTING SOMETHING NEW

Picking up a new hobby or craft is always exciting. Unleashing a version of yourself that you never knew existed is not only uplifting for yourself but inspiring for others. Perhaps you wanted to learn how to knit? Bake pies like your grandma used to make? Ever wanted to learn how to ice skate? Try a new look to release a new degree of self-confidence? Make 2021 your year of firsts.

SUMMONING THE COURAGE TO LET GO

Lastly, let go of any expectations and timelines. Letting go can be such a hard task because it requires you to voluntarily release all you have known and consciously open yourself to the unknown. Many of us had specific agendas for every month of 2020 and we had expectations on where we planned to intern, work, or travel. We knew exactly what we wanted and how we wanted to get there. In 2021, let’s summon the courage to let go of expectations and live in the direction the wind blows.