We’re two weeks into 2021…and if we’re honest, it sure doesn’t look much different from 2020. There’s still a global health crisis, political upheaval, and loudly abrasive opinions on just about everything. Travel is limited, stores are closed, and it isn’t easy to connect with others. For most of us, 2020 was a year of isolation and sadness, a year we never want to repeat again.
We learn from the history of the past. We know what didn’t work in 2020, and how to make 2021 different. This year doesn’t have to be a repeat of last year. Here’s 20 ways to intentionally find connection and joy:
- Start an online book club. Choose a book, use a video conferencing platform, set a time, and ask your friends to join you weekly! Recently, I had the privilege to join a virtual book club who were going through “Dear You”. It was so much fun—if you start a book club using my book, I’d love to join in for a visit too!
- See if your neighbors could use a hand. Offer your time to your neighbors—especially elderly neighbors. Could you pick something up for them at the store? Do they need help shoveling their driveway? If you have leftovers, would they be blessed by them?
- Talk to people in line at the store. The world can seem like an unfriendly place, especially in these times. Instead of escaping to your phone as a way of retreat, engage in cheerful conversation to those standing in line with you.
- Have a prayer schedule. Make a list of people you want to pray for, and create a schedule that will help you be intentional in prayer. Maybe you pray for a certain person on a certain day, or you set an alarm as a reminder to pray for something specific every hour.
- Make a phone call. Go beyond technology and make an old-fashioned connection! A phone call can brighten someone’s day…including your own.
- Set up a virtual coffee date. Coffee shops may be closed where you live, but it doesn’t mean you can’t socialize over caffeine—you just have to be creative! Set up a video call with friends, each with your own mug of something sweet and warm from the comfort of your home.
- Start a new project. What new project or hobby have you been wanting to pursue? Let go of any excuses—and do it! Find others who could help teach you or give you insight.
- Text a blessing. Write out a prayer and text it to a loved one. We all could use a reminder of God’s love during these times.
- Pay for someone’s coffee order in the drive-thru. Doing something for someone else brings a connection to your heart. Be a blessing, and brighten someone else’s day!
- Memorize Scripture. Fill your mind with the Word of God to stay focused on Truth.
- Have a walking buddy. Meet a neighbor or friend at a park and get some exercise together.
- Send a letter. 52 cents is all it takes to surprise someone in the best way!
- Put together a package. Do you have a friend who has a birthday coming up? Put together a special package—you could mail it, or drop it off on their porch for a surprise!
- Assemble blessing bags for the homeless. So many people are going hungry and are in need of help. Put together blessing bags to distribute to people who are in need in your community.
- Start an accountability thread. Put together a group text thread with friends to keep each other accountable on attaining goals.
- Journal. Keep a record of what’s happening —both in your heart, and in your world. One day you’ll want to look back at this time and remember how God provided and the things He taught you!
- Pass out flowers. Buy a bouquet of flowers…and pass stems out in the parking lot.
- Host a virtual game night. Use a video conferencing platform to host a game night—trivia, pictionary, and scavenger hunts are three easy ones to play with a group.
- Look for ways to celebrate. Don’t pass up the small opportunities to celebrate! National donut day, national butterfly day, national tea day…just do a quick search online, and plan something fun!
- Be intentional with your family. With social activities limited, be intentional with your family. Enjoy each others’ company, watch a movie together, go for a winter drive. Cherish these days as opportunities for lasting memories!
The “good days” aren’t far away…they’re just waiting to be discovered, right here, today. Let’s make 2021 the best, most meaningful, intentionally connected year yet!
With Love from Victoria 