Over the last year, we’ve all had a chance to take stock of what’s important and what we should prioritize. In some ways, it’s been an excellent opportunity to reset our norms, our values, and our activities in ways that we haven’t had a chance to do previously.
For some people, it could mean exploring a career change, prioritizing personal health, changing negative habits, and making more meaningful relationships with those people that are important to your life.
There have been so many unexpected benefits of social distancing, especially if you change your perspective on all that’s happened. Looking back, there can be a sense of common purpose, especially in hindsight as the years’ pass and we become reflective of the experiences we all survived together.
Re-examining The Past Year
From exploring cheap and free alternative ways to enjoy a day outside, saving money from restaurants, better quality time with family, in many ways, the past year was a gift rather than a burden.
For many people, the stay-at-home experience was stressful and challenging, but for others, it was a time to reset and reprioritize how we use the time we have together.
If we just take a moment to consider the positives to the experience, there are plenty of stories of people thriving during the shutdowns.
Some people learned new hobbies, found a new purpose in their lives by reconnecting with their interests and loved ones. Others were driven by the necessity to find new careers and ways of doing things.
Other people learned how much money they were wasting by little things like work-lunches, daily coffee consumption, gas to and from work, happy hour after work, dry cleaning, and other expenses adding up.
Still, others had difficulties, sure. But why focus on the negative? Understanding what may be causing you stress is healthy, but don’t put a lot of energy into that and embrace the positives that come from those things.
Family Is The Best Motivator
For me, the past was great for my daughter and me. Together we learned to make a whole lot of exciting dishes, explored our community in ways that we never were able to before, as well as learn a whole lot of do-it-yourself crafts like taco bath bombs and so much more.
By reconnecting in ways that our previously busy “normal” life didn’t have time for, we can see all the beautiful things in our lives we have to share with others. And that reprioritizing of what is essential has made me think about the what-ifs.
What if the past year becomes a new normal, or what will happen when I’m unable to help financially?
I’ve begun to think about my future and the preparations I need to make to ensure that my family is ok if I’m not here to help them. And that has me thinking about life insurance.
But if you’re like me, finding the right amount of coverage at an affordable price is challenging, so I’ve been using a term life insurance calculator to help me calculate what I may need to provide, how much to budget, and how to shop for the insurance I want.
From learning to work and learn remotely, spending more time on walks with my daughter, cooking, eating, and being present with each other, the past year has been a fantastic experience if looked at in the right way.
Don’t Turn Your Back On The Past As You Run To The Future
As you’re looking for a springboard toward societies opening back up, don’t lose sight of all the good that came from the global reset of 2020. Sure it was stressful at times, but the memories, the experiences you shared with loved ones will be ones you treasure forever.
If you take away anything, it’s this: Remember, things are not essential, but memories with loved ones are, so take advantage of the opportunity while you can and help them by planning for a future with and without you.
Sure, things were difficult the past year, but spending all your time focused on those experiences doesn’t make them any more comfortable. Instead, lighten your load, embrace all the opportunities in front of you, and make a plan for you and your family’s next adventures.
