Be Well

Jan 31, 20214 min read

21 Things I am Looking Forward to in 2021

Updated: Feb 1, 2021

Here are 21 things I am looking forward to in 2021.

I think we can all agree that 2020 was a mess of a year. There are certainly many things that we are happy to leave behind, but it also feels like many of these which are coming with us into the new year.

Despite this, I am looking forward to 2021. January hasn't been the best of starts due to the Covid-19 pandemic and record number of cases, but there is a part of me that is still hopeful.

It can be good for our wellbeing to think positively about the future and not to overthink what might or might not happen. Thinking about the things we are looking forward to or grateful for is a good way to do this.

So, this is my account of the 21 things I am looking forward to in 2021 (Covid-19 permitted). I am sure yours will be very different but we may also share some things.

Why not try making your own list of things you are looking forward to? It doesn't have to be 21 things, it could be just 1!

1. IMPROVING MY ICT SKILLS

I never really caught onto those zoom calls during the first lockdown. But now I am working at a school,, my communication with the students and colleagues is on MS Teams, so I am forced into understanding it all. And I am excited about this, as ICT skills, especially communication via ICT, is an invaluable skills that I will need in for my career.

2. COMPLETING MY COACH TO 10K

I am writing this with a sprained ankle in bed, so my coach to 10k programme is paused with 9 weeks to go. BUT I am determined to complete it this year, even if it's near the end!

3. TRUMP OUT

Not to get political or anything... I don't think there is much needed to say here.

4. MY JOUNEY TOWARDS A PLANT BASED DIET

I have already cut out beef, lamb and dairy products from my diet and have placed more emphasis on foods from plants. Living at home with my family has made it difficult to cut out all meat products (they LOVE meat and I have already made them stop eating red meat), but I am proud of my compromise. Towards the end of the year I aim to lead a fully plant based diet.

5.THE VACCINE

It would be amazing to see the world to return to some sense of normality, for those who are high risk to feel safe and for everyone to see their loved ones again.

6. HUGGING MY FRIENDS

I miss them all so much!

7. MY JOURNEY TOWARDS A PLASTIC FREE LIFESTYLE

I spent the end of 2020 making some reusable swaps, such as silicone ear buds, reusable period products and a cotton shopping bag. These small changes have made a positive impact on the amount of waste I use. I aim to continue these changes this year and become as close to plastic free as possible.

8. BEING REUNITED WITH MY PARTNER

I am sure we all miss our loved ones!

9. COMPLETING MY COUNSELLING STUDIES COURSE

After all my hard work and training this year it would be great accomplishment when I complete this course - marking a milestone towards my career.

10. NEW CLIMATE POLICIES

The EU has confirmed plans to reduce carbon emissions and to invest billions into clean energy alternatives. China has pledged to go carbon neutral by 2060. Donald Trump is not the USA president anymore. It's a start and fingers crossed for more action!

11. MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN MY CURRENT ROLE

I really love my job and I am hoping to make a positive impact during the rest of my time there.

12. APPRECIATING MY LAST FEW MONTHS LIVING AT HOME

It has been interesting moving back into my family home during the pandemic. It has taught me many thing: how much I need my independence, how I have changed a lot, but most importantly, how I missed my family all very much. So, I want make the most out of lockdown and my last time living at home.

13. GOING ABROAD TO SEE FAMILY

With no family in this country apart from my immediate family, the pandemic has made it especially hard when it comes to seeing family. I am hoping that by summer it will be possible.

14. FESTIVALS, HOLIDAYS, PRIDE, CLUBS

It feels like forever since I have danced to live music. I miss the sense of community.

16. GETTING MY INDEPENDENCE

I am moving out of my family home and in with my partner. I am craving my independence and this new life stage!

17. MOVING TO A NEW CITY

There is nothing that intrigues me more than exploring a new city and finding all the parts that I love and will become my own.

18. MAKING NEW FRIENDS

Moving out also comes with having to make new friends. I only know a handful of people in the city I am moving to and this makes me scared but also excited.

19. STARTING MY MASTERS DEGREE

One of the reasons I am moving to a new city is to start a Psychotherapy and Counselling MA - the next step towards my career as a psychotherapist.

20. COMPLETING A HALF MARATHON

If I manage to complete the coach to 10k my next challenge would be the coach to a half marathon. Right now the thought of it is frightening, but 1 year ago I couldn't run a mile so I believe in myself.

21. COMPLETING MY 30 BOOKS CHALLENGE

Reading is one of my favourite past-times and this year I have set myself a challenge of 30. It will be a challenge for me as my workload has picked up during this lockdown, but the challenge is accepted.

So, this is my account of the 21 things I am looking forward to in 2021. I am sure yours will be very different but we may also share some things.