Despite the hardships 2020 brought upon many families globally, we need to enjoy the fresh slate 2021 provides us with. 2020 showed many how to deal with oneself when life gets rough. Some may have friendships that fell down the drain while others grew stronger. Many individual’s mental health struggled until they stepped in and made the best of a tough year. Though 2020 has been “the worst year”, it showed me how to love myself and my life. Let us leave the past behind you by kicking off 2021 with some resolutions suitable for a queen!

There are, of course, the typical new year resolutions. Why not change things up? Look back at your life, is there anything you’ve ever longed to try? Maybe you want to reconnect with an old friend? The possibilities are endless, once you open your heart and mind to the fear of the unknown. Take risk within reason throughout your life, because you never know, society as you know it could be taken away in a matter of a few months. That is exactly why you should live life to the fullest. Do this by making resolutions that force you to step out of your comfort zone. This year challenge yourself to make new resolutions, ones that can change you for the better.

My first resolution suggestion is to clear your life of people who don’t make you happy. Whether it’s a partner, friend, or even family member. If you don’t surround yourself with people who love and support you with everything you do, maybe they aren’t a true friend. I have learned this the hard way. A  close friend turned her back on me, and it hurt for a long time. Then I realized that it was for the better. Start off 2021 without unkind people. Surround yourself with positive people, so you can be the best version of yourself. The real question is, how do you do this? There are various methods on how to let go of toxic people in your life, while still being nice about it. You could slowly phase them out. Stop texting and calling first. This does not necessarily suggest to not contact them at all, but rather to maintain distance. Do you feel yourself holding the relationship together (one sided)? If so, maybe this is not a beneficial relationship. Consequently, if you feel confined to a friendship consider talking to a guidance counselor or therapist. Here they can give you further methods on how to let go, while working through the pain of the past. Moreover, if you feel like things could potentially change, talking through your feelings with a respected counselor and a toxic friend may be all you need. Take this advice as you will, and do what makes you happy. 

Secondly, talk to new people! COVID-19 has shown it will cut us no slack in 2021, yet don’t let this stop the potential of so many new friendships. Isolation is hard but we are blessed to live in a world filled with technology that allows us to communicate with others safely. I have recently connected with a childhood friend of mine, and she makes me a better person! I recommend you do the same, even if it is a bit awkward at first.

Next, help yourself this year. Make this your year. It is your life, and you deserve to love yourself. It’s not egotistical or selfish to work on yourself. It is actually a much needed confidence booster. Get your nails done, find your style, splurge on that new video game, and live life the way you want. Overall, this will help you find yourself and appreciate the life you were given.

Lastly, as cliche as this may sound, “be happy”. New year’s resolutions are all about improving yourself as a whole. The most important thing is your state of mind. How are you supposed to truly be you if you are always in a negative mindset. You can’t, exactly! What I want you to do this year is smile fifteen times a day. Your reaction may be laughter, but training yourself to be happy is the key to being happy. As they say, fake it until you make it. 

Sammie English has a word on what she plans to do with her New Year’s Resolution. She explains how she longs to spend more time with her family, friends, and her dog this year. She explains how hard it has been being unable to see close relatives that make her life so special. Many can relate to Sammie’s deprivation. While staying in COVID guidelines Sammie will start to see the family she’s been missed for months. Sammie’s last words for The Hoot talk about how you should never take the simple things in life for granted. 

Life is not perfect but we need to appreciate it. Life can be hard and hit you with all sorts of challenges that we have to face head on. Nevertheless, that shouldn’t stop you from doing what you love. This is your reminder to love yourself for who you are and to never change for anyone. You are loved and 2021 is your year.