TacoTalks

Keywords for 2021

Happy New Year everyone! On paper/computer screens it seems like we’ve left 2020 behind but in real life, not much has. Singapore entered Phase 3 (groups of up to eight!) a few days ago and we’re likely to continue that for a while.

This year, apart from continuing my two 2020 keywords to consume thoughtfully and create intentionally, I want to add one more word:

Rest

It has occurred to me that I’m pretty bad at taking a break. I need to have something going on all the time, whether it’s a podcast playing, a book to read (sometimes I even feel guilty about taking the time to read instead of squeezing it into little pockets of free time!), or playing a game on the phone. If I’m not doing something, even a time waster, then the time feels very wasted.

This isn’t really sustainable. I’ve started a stretch routine at night, which has helped me sleep a lot better (if you thinking that sleeping more deeply is sleeping better) and made me realise that I’ve basically been running on tea and the emotional high from books. And all the sugar from the stuff I baked.

So this year, I want to make time (and remember to make time) to learn how to just be still. It may mean having to read less or write less, which will probably be very hard for me, but I think it’s going to be important in the long run.

And now, we will return to regular programming tomorrow.

10 thoughts on “Keywords for 2021

  1. All the best on your keyword goals for the year. Rest is very important and, despite the lock downs, I don’t think many of us have been getting good rest either because we’re worried or trying to distract ourselves from being too worried about what’s going on.
    I made one-word goals for the year and for 2021 it’s to be more Intentional when pursuing my goals to fully commit to them.

  2. Happy new year! I really love your concept of using keywords! I do a similar thing by making up a “theme” for the year 😅. Resting properly can be very tricky and I’m not the greatest at it too haha, but I hope you’re able to find some peace in being still somehow (despite the sugar and caffeine 😂).

  3. Rest was my unofficial word last year and it clearly wasn’t meant to be. I thought I had been stretched to my limits before, but I quickly learned otherwise when the lockdowns set in and suddenly I had to take on many roles at once. That likely won’t change anytime soon. But at least I have kind of found a rhythm of sorts now. I can really appreciate the value in stillness and taking time for yourself. I am trying to do that for myself in small ways. Even if it’s just standing outside for five minutes or making sure I get in a little reading time during my lunch break at work (whether I’m working from home or in the office).

    I wish you the best with your goals this year. Have a Happy New Year, Eustacia.

  4. The idea of having keyword goals for the year is fascinating! It gives room for expansion while having a solid main idea… *thinks of trying it out too* The things that have happened in the last year and which are still ongoing makes the life and the world before them seem unreachable, which isn’t the best of thoughts. It’s too true that oftentimes we tend to forget that we are constantly thinking and moving and working so we don’t end up wasting time when really, there’s no harm in slowing down, dreaming, and letting the mind wander. I hope you’ll be able to rest and do just that. All the best with your goals!

What do you think?