We’re all more than ready to say goodbye to 2020, but was it really all that bad? How can we have a better 2021?

I was up at 3am the other morning contemplating these questions while laying wide awake in bed.

There’s no other way to say it – 2020 has royally sucked. Millions lost their jobs, thousands were sick, thousands died, and just as many were fighting mental struggles in the middle of the pandemic that took over the whole year. In fact, we’re probably still going to see some mask wearing and precautions in 2021. I’m just hoping that it doesn’t take over another year of our lives.

While 2020 may not have been fabulous, it wasn’t a total wash – a new administration is on the horizon for Americans, and vaccines were rolled out across the country this week. We also took a closer look at our own racial bias thanks to Black Lives Matter.

I’m beginning to have hope for a better 2021, and I hope you are too.

I think there’s 21 things that we can hope for this coming year. What do you think of this list?

1. A physically healthier year: As I mentioned, the vaccines give me some hope here.
2. A mentally healthier year: With vaccines on the horizon, I’m hoping that by next summer or fall, we’ll begin to live without restrictions again. I’m so ready to work out in a gym, and see loved ones again.
3. The return of concerts: It could be later in 2021, but I’m thinking concerts will slowly start to come back perhaps next fall or winter.
4. Better racial relations: Black Lives Matter forced us to acknowledge our own racial biases and confront them. It’s my hope that we’ll continue to “do the work” and accept all different cultures.
5. The return of kindness: We haven’t been the nicest to each other this year. We haven’t been as compassionate as we’d (hopefully) like to be. With the pandemic entering our rearview, I’m hoping that less stress would equal the return of some kindness.
6. More new music: Taylor Swift, Megan Thee Stallion and Miley Cyrus killed it this year when it came to albums and bangers released in the middle of a pandemic, but I’m thinking it’ll be even easier for artists to create in 2021, with less restrictions.
7. A balanced diet: Don’t get me wrong, eating takeout is fun, but man am I ready to have a nice balance of that with eating at home and restaurants next year.
8. A tech friendly vibe: If we weren’t “techie” before, we were forced to learn how to use technology this year! I don’t think that’s the worst thing in the world. Society is learning toward a more tech and digitally heavy world, and I think we can only benefit from learning how to use it.
9. A focus on small business: We didn’t like seeing small businesses hurt this year. Ironically, I think the loss of some of them reminded us how important they really are.
10. The return of gyms: Okay, we certainly don’t need gyms to be active, but visiting them sure does help keep a workout routine consistent! I’ll be happy to have them back. I think we may get them back in 2021.
11. A busier downtown area: My city has certainly felt like a ghost town when it comes to its downtown area. Other than Mayo Clinic’s campus, it really hasn’t been that busy. I’m sure you’re seeing a decline in yours too. I am so ready to see a bustling downtown when things open up again!
12. Wearing fabulous clothes again: This is where I’m going to write a little love note to Instagram and say, “thank you for being the only place that allows me to show off my fun clothes right now!” In 2021, I’m sure hoping we’ll get to go out and show off our cute outfits again.
13. A “normal” holiday season: Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eve – none of them are the same this year. It’s my hope that in 2021, we’ll get to celebrate with our loved ones again.
14. A better work/life balance: While I understand that there were many of us who lost jobs this year (and that is sooooo unfortunate and wrong. It makes me angry!), for those of us working it wasn’t all that fun either. I felt confined to my job. My life in 2020 was literally shuttling between work and home with no other “fun” activity or interaction to balance it out. I am so hoping for a better work/life balance in 2021.
15. The return of motivation and inspiration: I’ll own the fact that I took some breaks with Val In Vogue this year and wasn’t consistent when it came to content creation. Depression is a bitch, and hopefully 2021 will kick its ass and put all of us in a better spot to stay motivated and inspired to conquer whatever we want to next year.
16. A travel bug bite: The second that we’re able to travel without restrictions, I’m hoping to travel again. Are you?
17. Taking less things for granted: Who knew we were taking being with friends and loved ones for granted!? I didn’t until this year.
18. A new political vibe: Yep, I’m going to say it – goodbye Mr. Trump! Politicians are politicians, but it’s sure going to be nice to have one in office that doesn’t promote hate and embarrass us on a world stage.
19. Better social media content: We’re seeing a lot more substance on social media, lately, I think, and I hope that this continues.
20. An expanded conversation on mental health: Some of us are just realizing that we struggle with our mental health now, because 2020 held a mirror to it. Let’s hope that this keeps the conversation about it going!
21. Pets getting their homes back: Fido needs to sleep without interruption, darn it!

What are you hopeful for in 2021?