Finish Strong
In this end-of-the-year series, we’re asking what it means to close out 2020 on our terms, what we’re grateful for, and what’s on the horizon for 2021.
Janel Broderick
Berlin, MD
owner, wreath + robe
We’re closing in on the final days of 2020, any unfinished business you’re trying to tackle before the calendar flips?
My daily schedule; how I order the hours in my day. I’m in the process of testing out a couple variants and tweaking as I recognize what does, and doesn’t, work.
A couple weeks ago, I sat down and crafted a life plan which forced me to establish supporting 1-year, 5-year, and 10-year goals. Once broken down into those chunks, it became clear that if I wanted to achieve them, I needed to get more serious about how I prioritized my days. Time’s like a budget, right? If I’m deliberate about investing the hours in my day, I’ll be less likely to fritter those moments away. And hopefully, they’ll pay dividends.
In spite of everything that’s unfolded in the past several months, what will you be most grateful for in 2020?
Am I allowed to say “my health” without someone throwing a tomato at my head? It feels trite for that to be my response during a global pandemic, but it’s true. 2020 brought some of the same challenges for my family as it did others, but we’re ending the year healthy. Both of my parents both recovered from their bout with COVID. We feel very fortunate.
What’s one buzz word (or phrase) you wish would die with 2020?
“Yaaaaaasssss Queeeeennnnn.”
Any favorite shows you’re watching this season?
We just finished the Netflix documentary about the Challenger Space Shuttle. (Challenger: The Final Flight.) It was fantastic.
If you could choose one word or phrase to guide 2021 what would it be?
All Things New. I consider hope to be a most effective medicine for the soul.
Go back to New Year’s Eve, 2019. If you could travel back in time, what advice would you give yourself?
“Dear 2019 Janelly, this year, won’t be like the others. You’re going to be overwhelmed by what you see around you. You’ll be sad that your plans don’t work out. You’ll be disappointed that your jeans don’t fit. You’ll feel tension over current events and watch it cause friction within your circles. But, if you’ll let it, this year will teach you resilience and unearth a greater well of creativity and compassion. Have a grateful heart. Allow redirected plans and forced business shifts give you an opportunity to write new chapters in your story. You won’t be able to control how things unfold, but you can resolve not to become undone by every twist in the road.”
Fast forward one year. What’s one thing you would have liked to achieve?
There are a few, but one simple, measurable achievement would be to continue my yoga practice and master my handstand. At the close of 2021, I want to be able to do a handstand. Not a sloppy one, a pretty one.
If you could sum up 2020 in either a song or movie title, what would it be?
“This joke isn’t funny anymore,” by the Smiths. Followed by “Here Comes the Sun,” by the Beatles.
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You can find Janel at: Instagram @wreathandrobe @janelbroderick
