What I’m Committing to Doing Differently in 2022

I think we’re all in the same place right now. The pandemic we thought would last a few weeks; maybe a month keeps coming back. We’re all tired, and it’s hard to stay motivated. I feel like every week, I hear about a new cluster of outbreaks. I hear friends arguing about masks and vaccines; it makes me want to quarantine just to get away from it all.

I used to get excited about zoom meetings – it was fun seeing everyone at home. But now, these meetings are exhausting. Video calls used to be a fun luxury, and now looking at my week ahead, I have at least one every day.?

Everyone is tired. Everyone wants this to be over. We, unfortunately, have a long way to go.

So, here’s what I’m committing to doing differently in 2022:

• I’m treating COVID conversations the same I do politics and religion. I’m avoiding the conversation as much as possible and agreeing to disagree. I’ve sat in on too many arguments debating either side of the vaccine conversation. I recently attended a social event where the host banned all COVID discussions. We all agreed to check our views at the door.?
• I’m starting video calls with my camera off, giving other attendees the option of sharing their camera or not. We all like our privacy, and sometimes we’re taking calls with a child on our lap or chaos around us. We all need a break.
• I’m reducing my screen time and reading more. Over the last couple of years, I’ve spent too much time binge-watching shows. I need to stop and pick up a book—something I religiously did pre-pandemic. Share any book recommendations below; I’d need a new novel!
• I’m going to express gratitude more often to those around me - from family and friends to the cashier at the grocery store. It’s a gift that only takes a moment to give.
• I’m going to pick up the phone to call friends and family more and text less frequently. At the beginning of the pandemic, I called everyone all the time. Then I stopped. It was nice, and I miss friendly voices!
• I’m going to cut back on discretionary spending and maybe see the Amazon delivery person less! I got into a bad habit of shopping online when I was bored. In fact, recently, I removed my credit card from my phone to make it a little harder to make online impulse purchases.?
• I’m going to get laser-focused on my goals. Too many projects I was really excited about got pushed to the back burner “because of the pandemic.” It’s time to move forward! I actually worked on my vision board last Friday night and created milestones to get myself closer to my dreams. The next step is to share my vision board with my good friend - love her! She keeps me accountable, checking in with me from time to time. We all need a friend like that!
• Lastly, I’m going to find more reasons to celebrate. And maybe the reason is no reason.?

What are you committing to doing differently in 2022? What goals have been sitting on your vision board for a little too long? We’d love to hear about them!