I’m not one to make a big deal about a new year. I absolutely don’t set resolutions. However, I did get to thinking, what if I could wave a magic wand and leave some things behind in 2021. What would they be? After these last few years, I admit that it was a challenge to keep the list short. But like Ted Lasso said, “takin’ on a challenge is a lot like riding a horse. If you’re comfortable while you’re doin’ it, you’re probably doin’ it wrong.”
So here’s my abbreviated version.

1. RACISTS AND HOMOPHOBES

The 1950s called, and even they don’t want you back.

2. BEING “A YES”

Because sometimes the answer needs to be absofuckinlutely no.

3. POLITICIANS WHO ENCOURAGED AN INSURRECTION AND CONTINUE TO SPREAD THE “BIG LIE”

On January 6, 2021, there was an attack on our democracy. Those who incited the attack on our Capitol continue to spread lies and promote violence. Polls have shown that they have convinced about two-thirds of Republicans that Biden was not legitimately elected. These lies are dangerous. They need to be held accountable, or they will do it again.

I highly recommend this article from AP News: ‘Slow-motion insurrection’: How GOP seizes election power.

4. CREEPY OLD WHITE MEN WHO PASS LAWS RESTRICTING A WOMAN’S AUTONOMY OVER HER OWN BODY

Self-explanatory. 

5. JEANS WITH STRETCH

Why? Seriously, why? These should’ve been left behind years ago. And while I am at it, let’s add skinny jeans to the list. Don’t get me wrong, I believe that we should all wear what we like and feel comfortable in (fuck trends), but let’s agree that if they look like leggings, they are NOT jeans. You have not fully lived until you purchase a pair of raw selvedge denim Levi’s and break them in yourself. There’s nothing quite like witnessing the slow fade and wearing in that happens over time. 

6. DOING “YOUR OWN RESEARCH”

What research is not:

• Reading your Facebook newsfeed
• Listening to a podcast
• Watching YouTube videos or reading a blog post

What research is: “the systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions.”

7. BOOK BANS

Many of the same people crying about cancel culture are banning books (and words). I will leave it at that.

8. CLIMATE CHANGE DENIERS, ANIT-VAXXERS, AND ALL SCIENCE DENIERS IN GENERAL

The “flat earthers” called, and they offered y’all a free membership.

and a few things to bring along:

OUR DEMOCRACY

Our democracy is not guaranteed. Our next elections will not be about voting Democrat v. Republican. This is not “politics as usual” or “both sides are just as bad.” We will be choosing whether we are pro-democracy or pro-autocracy.

Another article I highly recommend reading from The Atlantic: Trump’s Next Coup Has Already Begun.

SPEAKING OUT AND STANDING UP

In yoga philosophy, Ahimsa (non-harming) is the first of our ethical principles. When we don’t speak out about injustices or stand up when we see wrongs done to others, that is a form of harm, and we become part of the problem. Let’s try to be part of the solution and choose what’s right and not what’s always easy.

BE A GOLDFISH

Those who know, know. If you don’t know, the first thing you need to put on your 2022 to-do list is binge-watching Ted Lasso. In a world that’s pretty much gone to crap these last few years, this show brings laughter, heartfelt messages, and just downright good old-fashioned joy. 

And maybe if we all tried to do what Ted Lasso said when he quoted Walt Whitman, “be more curious and less judgmental,” the world would be a little bit better of a place.

BE LESS SELF-CENTERED AND MORE OTHER-CENTERED

Because after all, we are all in this together.

A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!