Most people aren’t sad to see the end of 2020. It’s been a challenging, if not difficult year for everyone. As we look forward to a new year and new possibilities, here are a few things you might want to keep in mind. Read on for some great tips as you embrace a new year.
New Year’s Resolutions for 2021
Do you like to make resolutions for yourself? If you do make resolutions, do you struggle with keeping them? It’s okay if you do! Maybe for 2021, you might consider taking a different approach. Bliss Welch is Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee 2013, a Quantum® brand ambassador and Stretto power wheelchair user. She also struggles with keeping new year’s resolutions. So, for 2021, Bliss is doing monthly resolutions instead! Instead of trying to keep three or four big resolutions all year long, she is challenging herself to stick to smaller resolutions for 30 days.
Resolution Ideas
If monthly resolutions aren’t your thing, consider these great resolution ideas from Stephanie Woodward! As a Quantum brand ambassador advisor and power wheelchair user, Stephanie has a lot of great advice to give on many topics, such as accessibility, disability rights or just basic motorized wheelchair know-how. So, when it comes to new year’s resolutions, we feel confident that you’ll like some of her suggestions. From giving one compliment a day to reading more books, Stephanie has developed a list of resolutions that she was able to stick with for an entire year.
COVID-19 isn’t Going Away
As much as we wish it had, COVID-19 didn’t disappear when the clock hit midnight on December 31, 2020. So, even though it’s a new year, we need to continue to stay safe to protect ourselves and our loved ones. People with disabilities and individuals who use power wheelchairs are susceptible to the coronavirus. As much as we want to spend time with our friends, eat out at restaurants and attend concerts and festivals, it’s just too soon. And even though the vaccine distribution has begun and many Americans have received it, we still need to practice these good habits:
- Wash your hands often
- Wear a mask when leaving your home
- Work remotely if you can
- Avoid large gatherings
- Stay home as much as possible
Each of us has a responsibility to ourselves and our loves ones to make good choices in the coming months. As awful as 2020 has been, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Let’s continue to stay safe.
Be Kind to Yourself and Others
Something else to consider as we enter 2021 is to strive to be kind. The year 2020 was hard on all of us and there probably remains a lot of frustration, anger and negativity. Instead of taking this out on others, let’s be kind! Consider starting your own kindness campaign and spread kindness to others. Pay for a stranger’s coffee. Hold a door open for someone. And remember, we also need to be kind to ourselves. Q Roll Model Izzie Bullock said it best in a recent blog.
“I truly believe that nobody is harder on the disability community than those with disabilities.”
No matter who you are or where you come from, whether you have a disability or use an electric wheelchair, you do not need to prove yourself to anyone! In the new year, make time for yourself and give yourself some grace as you continue to navigate the challenges that life throws your way.
