2020 was the first year I chose a Word of the Year (WOTY). It seems funny when I think back to why I chose it, especially since there’s no way I could have predicted what the year would bring. But adapt was the perfect word. And it’s so perfect, I’m going to keep it for 2021. There’s still more adapting to do!!
I primarily chose Adapt as my word for 2020 because of my husband’s upcoming retirement. How I wish that was all I had to adapt to!! Read here for a more detailed account of how I chose it. It’s interesting that I did say something could easily blindside us. How prophetic!!
How did I do?
That’s a good question. I survived the year, so I must have adapted reasonably well. Did I feel like screaming at times? You bet. Did I cry a lot? More than usual. Did I want to escape? Most definitely. But you know, we all manage and move forward, don’t we? Because what else can you do? You adapt.
Tim had three surgeries in 2020. He worked for about three months throughout the year, before he retired in October. So, he was home most of the year. I didn’t have time to prepare; I had to adapt quickly. And it hasn’t been bad at all. But it’s a little difficult to assess, since most of the year was spent in our own little world due to the pandemic. How can you judge how anything worked in 2020?
The most challenging adaptation was an overnight change, having to instantly take responsibility for my parents. One day, things were fine, the next day my mom was in the ICU and there’s no way we wanted my dad living alone. February 2020 was a very difficult month. I instantly became the accountant for my parents, paying all the bills and getting things in order for filing taxes. There were so many decisions to make and I’m thankful I had my sister to share the burden. Tim also provided great support, even just by making sure I had something to eat after a long day at the hospital.
I FaceTime with my dad every day. It hasn’t been an issue but I wonder how it will go when the pandemic is over. At this point, I’m home all the time so it’s not keeping me from anything. And I’m hoping when things are better, he will be able to do more on his own, such as see the friends he hasn’t seen for a year. Maybe he won’t need us as much. (My sister calls him every day too.)
More adapting to do in 2021
My 2020 life is now in the past and we’ll see what happens in 2021.
This year will mean adapting back to something resembling normal. At least I hope so.
When will we stop watching the COVID numbers every day? When will we travel again? What will our holidays be like, especially now that my mom’s gone? How many things that started during the pandemic will continue?
Tim’s retirement could mean more change, as he’ll want to do more outside the house when it’s safe. I won’t mind; I miss a lot of that too. But I know it will affect the time I have at home to “do my thing”. Will I like that? I might, once I adapt to it.
A year ago, I expected to spend 2020 planning for two winter months in Florida in 2021. Well, that didn’t happen. But we do have a condo booked for 2022. At this point, I’m assuming we’ll go.
Tim’s been buying seawater fishing equipment so he’s already thinking ahead. Since I won’t be able to take my studio with me, I will be limited as to what I can do down there. I will have to not only think about what I can and can’t take, but what I’ll need to do before the end of the year that I would normally do in January through March.
I’ll have to plan how we’ll handle my dad’s financial stuff. Fortunately, there’s so much I can do online. But my sister may have to take on more.
Maybe I should choose a different word for this year? I’m just not ready to, though. We’ll see how much I can adapt to whatever 2021 brings.
After all, if I could make it through 2020, can this year be any more difficult? (Hope I didn’t just jinx myself.)
I was introduced to the WOTY concept by Ally Bean & love it. My word last year was Act! (the exclamation point being a crucial part) and this year is Productive, with a secondary supportive word of Dare.
I’m new to your blog, but even a brief read makes it clear you’ve had a lot to Adapt to & that you done a great job of it. I hope your WOTY helps you navigate 2021 too, with more joy & less worry.
Thanks for following. I’m glad you found me!! Good luck with your WOTY. “Dare” sounds intriguing.
I wish I could say I feel as positive as you about how 2021 will go for me. I think I’ve reached a low point right now. But on the positive side, I was contacted today about signing up for the vaccine and I have my appointment set for a week from today!!
I think I recall you’re Florida plans were close to me… you might want to check out https://www.beachartcenter.org/ to get an idea of art stuff for your trip (since you can’t bring your studio). I haven’t been, but heard good things about it and its on my post-pandemic list to check out.
As far as WOTY, yes, you had a lot to adapt to this past year! (And I think its’s fine to stay with a word if it still inspires you in what you need.) I hope you continue to adapt with the positivity you’ve shown!
Yes, we will be in Indian Shores. Thanks for the tip!!
I hope I‘ve shown positivity. Sometimes I feel like such a whiner. I don’t know how I would do it if I were still working. So thankful to be retired. 🙏
This made me smile. I did the same thing as you. I re-purposed my 2020 WOTY to use it for 2021. For me the word was/is *simplify* which, like adapt, can be interpreted differently as need be.
Simplify is a great word. Sometimes I think I make my life more complicated than it needs to be!! Good luck with it.
As I was reading your summation of 2020 I kept shaking my head as if to say, “Oh yeah, I remember that.” So much went on for you last year, wow. Congrats on getting through it!
Here’s to a more calm 2021 for sure.
Thanks Marty. I think we’re all due for a better 2021. And calm would be good. 😌
I like the idea of a WOTY. Will have to give it some thought. Adapt and Patience are both great.
Check out my post from a year ago for a link that might help you determine what your word should be. Good luck coming up with something!!
WOTY for 2020
I’ve never had a WOTY, but I believe it is a grand idea for 2021. My WOTY is patience. I want everything to hurry up, then I remember my mom telling me, “Don’t wish your life away!” She’s right. I have some big changes coming up, but I have to let everything fall into place instead of pushing it. “All in good time.” or “Good things come to those who wait.” Even “Patience is a virtue.” is something I need to remember these days. So, I will wait patiently to see what life has in store for me in the future.
Good luck with your WOTY. You took on a tsunami of things last year. I have every confidence that you will do just fine in 2021!
You do have some big changes coming up. I hope everything goes smoothly so you can find the perfect place to call home. I’m just sorry we were only able to stay at the Hoff Hotel one time!! Patience can definitely be tough especially now that we’re hopefully starting to see a light at the end of the COVID tunnel. I hope we can all get together this summer. 🤞
Adapt seems like the perfect word! You have had so many changes to date. I think everyone is looking forward to warmer weather with lots of sunshine. Take care and blessings to you and your family.
Thanks Karen. I think the warmer weather (someday) will provide welcome relief. Let’s hope it doesn’t take too long to get here!!
Adapt is the perfect word – both for 2020 and 2021! Funny how you had a completely different idea about what you’d be adapting to when you first came up with your WOTY. It sounds like you’ve done great and I have no doubt that you will continue to adapt to whatever life throws at you (let’s hope more flowers and sunshine in 2021).
I think we’re all hoping for more flowers and sunshine!! I’d settle for going places without a mask!! Thanks Janis.