2020 was hard – let’s be honest about it. You might have had a trip planned, you might have had a study abroad experience that ended up getting pushed back, a move didn’t really go as expected, or found yourself at home while in a long-distance relationship this year. This year was unexpected. Yet what this pandemic has taught me, an international enthusiast is patience – a lot of patience and also a lot of creativity and reflection. Here are some ideas that I hope give the start of 2021 a little more pizazz, inspiration, and growth.
Utilize new ways to take in some culture/travel!
If you’re anything like me, you can still learn and experience your favorite country or culture with a little bit of resource hunting, and of course a little inspiration! There are so many ways to connect that weren’t even known a year ago!
Almost every museum is online thanks to Google Arts & Culture. 2021 can be filled virtual Museums and the sites of France, Italy, Japan or even New York from your couch! Trust me, you’ll want to spend hours browsing this!
Spotify has the top 50 of almost every country – a feature that many don’t even know about, and surprisingly many hotels share their local playlists on this platform. Time to do a bit of digging, because you’re this close to being in Los Angeles, Buenos Aires, or Paris while working, cooking, or relaxing.
Be inspired!
This year of change created some incredible opportunities as many of us shifted our dreams and expectations. I recommend thinking a bit about this year and focus on all of the big and small things you were able to accomplish this year and, if you don’t know where you want to go next year, be inspired to learn more, try more, and act more!
Here are my personal reflections and reflections from some fantastic people you need to check out!
My Personal 2020 Accomplishments:
– helped launch a book: The Three Musketeers, with Odeon Livre
– I changed jobs, from working in a language and cultural non-profit to joining immigration
– I bought a house
– I published 4 articles on this blog!
– I’m working on a new project (keep your eyes open!)
My advice: Check in with yourself, support and elevate those around you, and do things that make you happy.
Tatiana Boucher
Shelby Spurlin, also known as simplyshellaby
My 2020 Accomplishments:
– made 29 YouTube videos – check out her fashion and beauty YouTube!
– earned a certificate from The Parsons School of Design for the Fashion Industry Essentials Course
– started working part-time as an online stylist
– Decided to pursue my passion and apply to Fashion programs to further educate myself
Robert Maisel
My 2020 Accomplishments:
– I started writing a book – you can get weekly updates and join his writing journey here
– I published 6 articles – check out his website, he has great motivational and intercultural tips!
– I began reading avidly and finished 14 books
– I appeared on 10 shows/podcasts/panel discussions
My advice: Be authentic. Be yourself. “The BIGGEST disservice I ever did to myself was NOT BEING myself.”
Robert Maisel
If you liked this post make sure to stayed tuned for next week’s post, or check out my other posts such as my Netflix foodie wanderlust recommendations or favorite Scandinavian teas.
Be excited about where you are going and enjoy the journey into 2021. And as they say in Germany, have a nice glide into the New Year!
