As the Christmas season is upon us, Jessica Griffith wrote this article to encourage and inspire you to not only enjoy this season but to reflect, grow and prepare for the next as we enter the New Year, 2021. This year has been a rollercoaster (with many unexpected dips) but nonetheless, the decision to make the most out of everything we have and achieve our dreams is always down to us. I hope you pick up some pointers that will not only help you during this season but also help carry you through this upcoming year.
Rest
“A car cannot last without fuel. Neither can we without rest.”
Jessica Griffith
Christmas is the time of year where everything in our lives can get quiet. With this, it brings the opportunity to sing about the things that matter the most to us at the top of our lungs as doors are closed, work pauses and we can enjoy some peace and quiet (for the most part). It is a time where, when done intentionally and properly, we can rest and enjoy the fruits of our labour. Considering the year we have just had, this is especially appropriate. I don’t know about you but I could definitely do with some down time!
Rest is something we don’t often get enough of – usually because we don’t think we need it or don’t value its importance. But I’m here to gently nugde you in the direction of slowing everything down, to sit back and relax. Whatever this looks like for you – sleeping, catching up with loved ones, going for a long walk round the block to see Christmas lights, watching your favourite Christmas movies or reading a classic (non work related) book – or a combination of these things – make sure you do it! Let (or make) everything quieten down so you can truly enjoy a time of rest – whatever you have done this year – you deserve it and need it.
Reflect
“The more reflective you are, the more effective you are.”
Pete Hall & Alisa Simoral
Where are you now?
2020 has been full of (often unwelcomed) surprises. But, instead of ignoring this or trying to forget some of the hardships that came with it, I encourage all of us to reflect upon all that has happened and what this means for our lives. We can argue that many things are out of our control and this often leaves us feeling overwhelmed and discouraged to do anything at all. Rather than leaving these emotions in the background of our minds/ lives and running with them into 2021, let’s endeavour to look reflect. It is through this process that we can get a good look at all of it, identify what has and hasn’t gone well, what we can and can’t control and thus what we can do to look forward to a brighter 2021 for our own lives and those around us.
Where do you want to be?
Many of us know about GOAL setting and if you haven’t already, now is a good time to start doing that! Whether you need a word document, vision board or accountability partner, do all you can to make sure that you plan what you want your 2021 year to look like and start putting that plan into action now.
As we know, it is those who plan and act who succeed. Now, this doesn’t mean there won’t be some bumps in the road (we are still in a pandemic afterall) and some things are out of or control, but trying is always better than nothing at all (nothing = nothing as we know!). Plan, take action, reflect continously, adjust and you will find yourself stepping closer and closer to achieving your goals.
Grow
“Flowers grow out of dark moments.”
Corita Kent
A key part of growth is reflection. Once you have done this, you have now given yourself the opportunity to improve your life (and others) by taking action on the lessons you have learnt. As I mentioned, there are many things we cannot control (especially in a pandemic) but let us not forget or undermine the things we can change.
Many of us have maybe given up on GOALs or are waiting until certain things happen to enjoy our lives (such as COVD-19 and every strain it brings disappearing off the face of the earth – we can all agree this would be a great start!). But, I encourage you to take up your pens, open up your laptops and try again. Why? Because we never get the time back that we have now. When time goes, its gone, and we are painfully reminded of this every year when we reflect on what we did or did not accomplish that year. Some things didn’t happen this year that you couldn’t help and that’s okay. What isn’t okay (in terms of moving forward in your life), is stopping there, not doing anything to try and make the most of our lives whilst we still have it. Am I happy with my life right now? How can I enjoy the rest of the year? What can I do now to prepare for 2021? These are some key questions to get you onto and continuing down the road to achieving your dreams, whatever they are for you.
Final thoughts
“You never fail until you give up.”
Jackie Law
As this year comes to a close, I don’t want to remain the level I am at and I’m sure you don’t either. I hope this article has encouraged you to move forward as best as you can, to take each challenge as it comes and keep pressing forward. I believe this is how we will truly enjoy our lives, no matter what the circumstances and season we are in. So go on, rest, reflect and grow. When you look back at the end of 2021, you will be happy that you kept on going and what you accomplished because of it.
Written by Jessica Griffith
Jessica is a recent master’s graduate of MSc Public Health and works as a Health Protection Practitioner for Public Health England and as an Associate Editor for the DAS Employability Blog. She has been involved in many extra-curricular activities during her years at university including Africa Week, Fashion and Health Conference, radio guest appearances and her very own event which she co-organized and co-hosted: ‘My Fro and Me’, a Black History Month Event with the Student’s Union at UWE. Over the years she has developed various skills from having undertaken leadership (co-organizer, panel chair and PAL leader) and voluntary (student ambassador, panellist, mentorship) roles. Her interests are in health improvement and beauty.
Thank you for reading!
From the editors: Now is the perfect time for a restart and this blog article is a great reminder or that. No matter how you feel about 2020 or how you are thinking towards 2021, don’t forget that there are many decisions you can make and going after your dreams and not giving up should be the ones you should be making. Stir up your resolve and start again! As always, we welcome contributions from staff, students and anyone who would like to contribute to our content about careers in the Sciences and STEM. If you are interested, get in touch via email – ScienceFutures@uwe.ac.uk. Do also connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter! We hope you enjoyed this read and look forward to seeing you in the New Year.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! 2021 is just up ahead 😀