Written by D’Lee Daleo & Jamie McCalman, Switch Fitness
Not too many people will argue against the idea that 2020 was a complete disaster. Lives lost and jobs lost… combined they are two of the most stressful events that can happen in a person’s life. Mix in an election (that highlighted the division in our country) that sadly—in some cases—eroded our most important and cherished relationships. Regardless of where you stand politically, or how the pandemic has impacted your life… this is one of the rare times in history where our entire nation has been forced to pay attention and to some degree unite under one idea, “The year 2020 sucked”.
If you’re going through hell keep going – Winston Churchill
If wishing the New Year in as soon as possible is the light at the end of the tunnel that you need to focus on right now — then do that if it makes you feel better. At this point do whatever you need to do to feel better about yourself, and everything swirling around you. Focus on 2021, and new beginnings but be realistic in your optimism. In other words, don’t set yourself up for disappointment, the pandemic is not going away on December 31st 2020; and the two major political parties are not going to pinky swear to get along, or to tell the truth and always do what’s right for the people they were voted in to represent.
At one second past midnight (on January 1) the day will change from Thursday to Friday, usually a transition of significance only because it’s the last day of the work week. But, somehow this change—which will end one year and begin the next, is different. This unique tick of the clock (or trick of the clock) has always prompted us to reflect, celebrate, and resolve to do better. This year, the celebration might be a little different with social distancing. Honestly, it might be a little soon for some of us to be looking back on 2020; but the one thing we should all be able to agree on is we need to do better. For most of us doing better doesn’t mean drastic change, it just means better.
Crack open your copy of the great book, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, by Robert Fulghum. It’s time for us to read this book again! Maybe we could all pick one thing from it to be our guide of what “better” would mean in 2021. I thought we could share a few quotes from the book, just in case yours is packed away in the attic. The words from this book are just as relevant today as they were when the book was published, over 30 years ago.
“Play fair.”
“Don’t hit people.”
“Don’t take things that aren’t yours.”
“Wash your hands before you eat.”
“There are those who depend on us, watch us, learn from us, take from us…and we never know. Don’t sell yourself short. You may never have proof of your importance but you are more important than you think.”
“Think what a better world it would be if we all - the whole world – had cookies and milk about three o’clock every afternoon and then lay down with our blankies for a nap.”
“Peace is not something you wish for; it’s something you make, something you do, something you are, and something you give away!”
“Live a balanced life – learn some and think some, draw and paint, sing and dance, play and work…every day some.”
“Play,” it’s important to kids, in fact it’s prioritized over most things in their lives. We as adults know this, but we sometimes forget how important it is for us to play or be active.
Happiness is a state of activity – Aristotle
Moving or being active is synonymous with the physical effect of life. Active can be defined as engaged in action or motion. It showers you in self-gratification. The thought of overcoming physical limitations or seeing incremental results from an active lifestyle, goes a long way in boosting your confidence and overall self-appreciation. Being mobile is fun, enjoyable and full of lighthearted pleasures. By absorbing all the delights that an active lifestyle can offer, you tap into utilizing all of your senses and reward your health by doing something that makes you feel young again.
Being active improves the connection between body and soul. The better connected we are with ourselves, the better connected we can be with others. The “better” we can be in 2021. Here’s to a “better 2021”.
Switch Fitness - (916) 883-BFIT -
9632 Emerald Oak Dr. Suite K, Elk Grove
Authors
Jamie McCalman
Switch Fitness Owner and Mom to Braden, Kyla and Lea. Some Moms can juggle a lot, Jamie can literally juggle her three kids; yeah, she’s that strong.
D’Lee Daleo
Switch Fitness Owner with a passion for life, family, friends, and fitness. She's never met a stranger, loves the movie Elf and is living proof that fitness can be fun.
This story first appeared in the Ardent
for Life Holiday 2020 issue.
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