Well. Now that was not the first week of 2021 I had hoped for.
I knew it was going to be a crazy week. As most weeks back to work are when you have taken nearly two weeks off. And, I had two new employees starting – which is thrilling! – but requires time and effort to help them onboard into a fast-paced start-up.
But I started off Monday with vigorous energy. Nailed one resolution – get up early and make the most of my morning – by setting my alarm for 6:15am. I enjoyed a quiet cup of coffee and then did an hour long core power yoga work-out in my basement. I got ready for the day (properly – no ponytail! – even wore perfume to work from home) in plenty of time to help my daughter get ready for the day. All before my work day starts at 9am when my nanny arrives. Helloooo 2021!
I wrote a blog – about gratitude! Prepared dinner and nailed another resolution – no wine on a school night! I was killing 2021 on January 4.
And then the rest of the week happened. I had a few terrible nights of sleep so didn’t get up early as planned. But the real kicker was the pure madness that happened at the US Capitol on Wednesday, January 6. What in the ever-loving heck?
Supporters of President Donald Trump broke into the Capitol building and gained access to lawmakers’ offices and the Senate chamber, leaving damage and destruction in their wake.
Rather than condemn the rioters’ actions, Trump told them in a video that was later removed by Twitter: “We had an election that was stolen from us. It was a landslide election, and everyone knows it.”
This madness – led by a guy dressed like Chewbacca in a bikini and the Duck Dynasty crew, carrying Trump flags, left four people dead. For the first time in our country since 1812, the action was described as an “insurrection” – defined by the Oxford Languages dictionary as “a violent uprising against an authority or government” – spurred on by “sedition” – defined as “conduct or speech inciting people to rebel against the authority of a state or monarch.”
It was terrifyingly sad. Unbelievable that it was happening in our country. And not the 2021 most of us wanted. Add on record-setting deaths due to COVID-19 and….UGH.
So, those silly little New Year’s resolutions went out the window. I only got up early on Monday. Enjoyed a glass of wine at night the rest of the week. Only worked out three times.
This picture makes me laugh. It was from Wednesday night. I had asked my oldest daughter (who is 18) to be my accountability partner and remind me not to drink a glass of wine on weeknights. I brought this little number up to watch a show with her and she says, “MOM! You are breaking your resolution. And that is a healthy pour!”
She was right. And it was funny. I used it as a moment to tell her sometimes resolutions just need to break.
But alright. Can we say do-over? Happy New Year!
I’m starting 2021 over. I do not want this year to be defined by actions and circumstances I can’t control. So I’m reminded that it’s up to me to make the most of this year. Even when surrounded by sadness. Anxiety. Or utter madness in our country.
The best part about a new week is you get the opportunity to start a fresh page. There really isn’t anything magical about January 1. So this year, I’m celebrating January 10 as my fresh start.
I have nailed it so far. Good time with my family. An hour long yoga class. Lots of quiet time reading a good book (Three Women by Lisa Taddeo). Prepared a yummy bison chili for dinner, awaiting us in the Crock-Pot. Ready to relax and enjoy a new binge-worthy show on Amazon (The Wild’s).
Here’s to 2021 – may it only get better from here!
The Redefining 