Every day or so, it is common to hear the phrase the “new normal” thrown around in conversation. The “new normal” is like this mythological creature of the future filled with uncertainty and imagination. We are starting to see the implementation of rules worldwide that may constitute what the “new normal” looks like, but still it is hard to say, given that we are still mid-pandemic.

Embracing your own “new normal” versus the collective “new normal” as dictated by society is pivotal to your mental health. Caution against using others comparatively as a measure for who you are supposed to be, or where you are supposed to be right now. It is great to have dreams and aspire to achieve amazing things, the world needs more of that… but, recognize where you are at and love yourself at that stage. That is the first step to getting anywhere.

We all measure success differently. And right now we have to accept where are at as a global community. We are in the midst of what history will look back upon as a dark time in our past, not just because of what we have been through in 2020 with our global physical health, but also our mental health. As President of The United States, Donald Trump wreaked havoc on the minds and emotions of global citizens and anyone who cares about the state of the world. The position of POTUS is supposed to be one of the most respected seats in international politics, and yet Trump essentially slandered the name of the office with his inability to uphold the position successfully. With that being said, Joe Biden is now next in line for the role of President and while we can all take a deep breath, the fight does not stop there.

The mere fact that Donald Trump was able to be elected and continuously fail at arguably one of the most important jobs on the planet is evidence of where we are at. However, the fact that Joe Biden won the election is also evidence of where we are at. The election results indicated that while yes, the US voted in favor of Biden, the United States should more appropriately be called “The Divided States” until further notice. The election was close enough, and that in and of itself is a problem. The racism that takes place, hatred, and prejudice has got to stop. It seemed like the weeks leading up to the election, everything was heightened. Or perhaps it just was for me because I was online an inordinate amount doing my part to support Joe Biden as much as I could from Canada. To me, another 4 years of Donald Trump was a notion that was too unbearable, and I know I am not alone in that sentiment.

I bring this to your attention now because we have an opportunity and a responsibility to edit the way we function as a society in order to survive collectively. Personal evolution is where the real revolution takes place, so edit your own lifestyle. If you don’t like a habit in your life, actively work to eliminate it from your life. If you can’t do it on your own, seek assistance. Learning how to alter your patterns and use the resources at your disposal are lifelong skill sets you will be grateful to have.

Transition is difficult and can be challenging, however, it can also be fun. If you lean into the discomfort, you can often discover where the fear lies in the situation. If you can identify the source of the fear, then you can look it in its eye and move forward without hesitation or doubt. Remember, courage is not the absence of fear but being scared and doing whatever needs to be done anyways. 2020 has presented us with challenges unprecedented in majority of our lifetimes. 2020 has touched on a lot of our fears. 2020 has seen a lot of beauty. 2020 has experienced a lot of loss. 2020 has had a lot of kindness. 2020 has had some major victories. 2020 has been a year most of us will never forget.

I want to remember 2020 as the year I recognized that I had finally come back to myself. I want to remember 2020 as the year that no matter what any given day looked like I didn’t give up on myself or my dreams. I want to remember 2020 as the year that I worked on myself and came out better because of it. I want to remember 2020 as the year that I deepened my relationship with self and enriched my life in the process.

But more than anything, I want to remember 2020 as the year we turned shit around. I want to remember 2020 as the time the world got serious about all of our negative habits and began a global process of self-awareness. I want to remember 2020 as a year of change. But… Since today is December 8th, and there are only a few weeks left in the year, I will say this:

In the future, I want to remember 2021 as the year we turned shit around. I want to remember 2021 as the time the world got serious about all of our negative habits and began a global process of self-awareness. I want to remember 2021 as a year of change. And… Since January 20th is at the beginning of the year when Biden gets inaugurated, I’d say we have a shot.

Trump has been an impediment to world progress over the course of the last 4 years. With his term coming to an end and Joe Biden and Kamala Harris stepping into office soon, change is coming whether people like it or not. The thing is, one of the greatest lessons that we have to learn from The Donald is this: citizen involvement is necessary all year round, not just during election time. The greatest check and balance for a properly functioning government is an involved citizenry.

And so as we look forward towards 2021 with hopeful eyes, I hope that we maintain our focus and do not forget the issues at hand. This year has affected everyone in various ways. Remember that while designing your “new normal” you should project forward towards your personal goals for self growth. And then, once you know your destination, create a plan, set it in motion and baby step until you crawl, walk, and finally run.