I think I can speak for more than myself when I say this year has been a tough one. If anything, it seems like any plan we’ve made has been uprooted by the pandemic; between COVID, online college, the election, social turmoil, and so many other things, I’ve been feeling stretched to the point of breaking. Some weeks are decent, while other bad weeks have me wishing there was something to look forward to. Everyone is struggling right now, as the future is so unpredictable and everything seems to hang in the balance.
I’ve always considered myself to be quite the optimist. Yet there have been multiple times during this last year when I’ve found myself focusing on the bad. Toxic positivity is not a solution either, but I also think that if we try to look for the small glimmers of light out there, we’ll find ourselves better prepared to face the many pitfalls and also help our loved ones through them too.
In an effort to find these little glimmers of light, I thought I’d share some good things that I’m looking forward to in the next few weeks or months. I hope this inspires some of you as well.
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Being home to experience the holiday season!
a. Christmas is my favorite time of year. Yet over the last few years, I haven’t really been able to fully enjoy it because of the need to focus on SATs, college apps, finals, or just surviving the rest of the fall semester. My school’s early finals season means that I’ll be finished with the semester by the first week of December, meaning I can be home to enjoy cookie baking, tree-decorating, Hallmark movies with my mom… I might even set a record for hot chocolate consumption. For once, the holiday season might not fly by this year, and I’ll actually be able to focus on buying gifts and spending precious time with my sisters and parents.
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Reading lots of books!
a. As an English major, reading is a way of life for me; however, it can be really difficult to focus on reading regularly (for pleasure) during the semester. In the next few weeks, I’m looking forward to finishing strong and having the time to set aside for devoted, active reading. I have so many books on my list, and I can’t wait to curl up in my armchair with a cup of coffee and get lost in the pages.
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Having time to exercise consistently, and maybe explore some new fitness options!
a. I’ve always been a runner, but sometimes, life just gets so busy with school that the last thing I really want to do is go run a few miles. Yet I’m really looking forward to having a bit more time to focus on my physical health and fitness; additionally, I would love to set aside some time to focus on other types of exercise, such as weight lifting and yoga.
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My mother’s cooking!
a. While I’m thankful for a meal plan, dining hall food is very rarely “it.” I am ECSTATIC for homemade soup, bread, roasts, etc… you name it. If someone at home cooks it, I’m super excited to eat it. I also really want to take time to get into baking and cooking myself, since I’ll have the time.
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Seeing friends from home!
a. I still have quite a few close friends from high school, so I’m looking forward to spending time with them in a safe, socially-distanced manner. We have so much catching up to do!
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Getting back into music…
a. I’ve been a classical pianist for most of my life, so practicing is something that’s a form of therapy for me. Yet I really haven’t had much time this semester. I’m super stoked to be able to sit down for a few hours and just feel the music. Also, I’m hoping to find some new artists/songs on Spotify to listen to!
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Journaling and writing!
a. Writing is definitely a passion of mine, but it seems like I never have the time to develop it during the semester. I plan on devoting more time to that over break and also spending more time with my thoughts, reflecting on my mental health, etc (this is so important!). It’ll be really nice to have the time and flexibility to do that.
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Snuggling with my pets…
a. The pandemic hasn’t really been a source of joy, but at least it has forced my family to acquire two adorable kittens. To say that I’m ecstatic to snuggle with those cute furballs would be, well, a gross understatement.
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Practicing simultaneous “chill” and “productivity”…
a. I plan on using my break to start looking for internships and ways to advance my goals, even though everything is so unpredictable at the moment. It’ll be really nice to have the time to focus on that, but also not feel super stressed about it because of schoolwork, etc. I really hope to also practice relaxation and self-care, since I tend to work myself really hard and forget that it’s ok to take a break!
These are just a few things, but as I sit here writing this article, in the midst of every chaotic, painful thing going on right now, I can feel myself start to smile. I hope this list makes you smile too, and that it inspires you to reflect on some little glimmers of light in the upcoming months.