A New Outlook on the New Year • jenn patrice

I have complicated feelings about New Year’s in general. On the one hand, I love new beginnings and the idea of a fresh start. On the other, I hate resolutions and think New Year’s Eve is completely overrated. I’ve always felt this perceived pressure to go out to a large NYE party with bottles popping, glittering outfits and midnight kisses or face intense feelings of FOMO. But when I did go, I usually ended up spending money I didn’t want to while wishing I was home in my pajamas and waking up feeling like crap. Thanks, but no thanks.

The last few years, my NYE plans have been a scaled back version of parties past. I’ve chosen to spend it with family or a small group of close friends, hanging out in someone’s living room playing games over appetizers and going to bed shortly after the ball dropped. Last year was no different although we did take advantage of the incoming decade with a Roaring 20’s pajama party. We donned our sequined headbands, silk robes and faux fur stoles while sipping cocktails out of extravagant glassware.

2019 was not an easy year for me so as much as I welcomed 2020, my decision to attend the party was a last minute one. Yet, as we rang in the new year, I found myself hopeful that it would be “my year”.

While I can say with certainty, few people would likely call “2020” their year, it was one we won’t soon forget. As I look back on the past year, it was filled with euphoric highs, devastating lows and events that will make history. I began the year celebrating five years of being cancer free only to have my cancer return in the fall. I gained a brand new niece and lost a job. I attended my first NBA All Star Weekend and had the NBA season suspended 48 hours before I was to sit courtside for my birthday. I had a 3 hour outpatient surgery wearing a mask (yes, I was awake for the duration) while my mom waited in the parking lot.

Loved ones lost friends and family members. Healthcare workers were overwhelmed as Covid ran rampant. Minneapolis mourned for George Floyd and the world marched for justice. Election night lasted a week and Senate seats still await results of a runoff. Like so many, I couldn’t wait to wake up today with 2020 behind me. But things won’t magically be better with a flip of a calendar page.

I’m heading into 2021 with a lot of hope but also intention. If nothing else, this past year taught me what’s really important and what things I’ve been holding on to that no longer serve me. I’ve never been much for resolutions because they mean nothing without a commitment behind them that can only come from within, not a date on the calendar.

Things I’m committed to: