2021 – Word of the Year

The word for 2021 is BALANCE.  

Here’s why: 

It’s a cliché to say that we are all living in ‘challenging times.’ The entire world turned upside down last March. And as my home province of Ontario begins the New Year with a month-long lockdown, it’s fair to say that although COVID-19 vaccines provide a light at the end of the tunnel, it will take a while until life returns to anything like normal.  

If 2020 taught me anything, it’s that I have a lot to be grateful for. I have a beautiful home. My parents are healthy and live down the road. I actually like my teenager. And my business (although it took a big hit in March and April) is fairly recession-proof.  

But trying to run a freelance copywriting business with a kid who is either learning remotely, or in the classroom for just 10 to 12 hours per week, has been a massive juggling act. And judging by the number of clients who joined me in shutting their office for the last half of December, I know I’m not the only person feeling the strain. 

I spent much of the past two weeks thinking about how I can reduce the stress caused by the ongoing COVID-chaos. It’s clear that the ability to adapt to our ever-changing reality is key to maintaining any sense of calm and control. And that’s where the word balance comes in. 

I’ve taken several courses that cover time management over the years. And I’ve identified strategies that seem to work for me. But somehow life happens, and time management goes out the window. 

 

This year, I’m making a commitment to myself: I’m going to integrate those strategies into my work life so that I can strike a better balance between keeping clients happy, keeping my son on track during the global pandemic, and keeping my sanity.  

Because as we’ve also learned during 2020, life is short. And we need to take – and make – time to enjoy it. 

Here’s to a healthy, joyful, and prosperous 2021!