Looking Forward To 2021

​by Deb Toering, LPC, NCC, BCPCC

​Deb Toering is a Board Certified Professional Christian Counselor (BCPCC) in private practice at Trinity Family Counseling Center. In addition to working with a wide range of client populations and presenting issues, Deb is also an engaging public speaker. She has spoken in front of various groups across a range of topics including marriage, bullying, ADHD/ADD, and teen leadership.

We all have hopes that Christmas 2021 will look much different than 2020.
 
What are your hopes for the new year?
 
No longer needing to wear a mask?  More Hugs? Dating? Dining out? Going to the theater and concerts? Travel? Seeing your loved ones without worry?
 
So much is uncertain. Although the vaccine has arrived, so has a new strain of the virus. Our nation is raging. Will life ever get back to normal? And if not, what will the “new normal” look like?
 
As 2020 taught us, there are many things outside our control. Focusing on what we can control can bring just as much satisfaction, if not more than a nice dinner out with a concert to follow.
 
Being intentional about connecting with family and friends can deepen those relationships. Reading brings new ideas and can transport us to new places. A new hobby could reveal a hidden passion. Are there skills that could be honed?   Strengthening our bodies has a powerful effect on our minds and spirits. Thinking about purpose and growing spiritually is what makes life rich and meaningful. 
 
One thing that all of us have control over is our thoughts. We can choose to be thankful. Choose to see the good. Choose to think about the truth.
 
No matter what 2021 brings, we can end the year with deeper relationships, stronger minds and bodies and a greater faith in the One who holds the whole world in His hands. Yes, even when it is shaking.