20/20 Vision

Originally published January 8, 2020

“A five, fo’, a three, two, here comes the one
A new year has begun, P-Funk, spark another one.” -Andre 3000

I’m not that big on resolutions these days. I used to make all kinds of unrealistic promises to myself. I used to swear I’d work out daily and read a book a week…all classics. In the past, I have resolved many times to complete writing projects and I haven’t. I have resolved to stop drinking irresponsibly and, thankfully, over time I have. I recently read through some journals I kept as a teenager. A common resolution I noted back then was “to be more outgoing.” Teenage Nikki was delusional.

It feels more natural for me to think of new beginnings at the Spring Equinox. Or on my birthday. But since I follow the Gregorian calendar as well, I have given some thought to how I’d like to grow as a person in 2020. Some friends of mine come up with words or themes around which they frame their year. I have decided that my word for 2020 is freedom.

Financial Freedom

I saved more money in 2019 than I have saved in one year before. That money has given me a (small) taste of the freedom that comes with a (small) financial cushion. I was able to travel and attend important family events. I was able to indulge in my potentially expensive plant obsession. Currently, I have the freedom to choose a suitable replacement for my vehicle as it nears retirement. It has been said that “Money can’t buy happiness.” True, I suppose. But money can certainly buy freedom and opportunities. And I want more of both.

The money I save, and how I choose to spend it, can also provide or take away opportunities for others. I wanted to commit to not shopping at places that use prison/slave labor or places with poor labor practices. Unfortunately, I’d have to be off-grid, unplugged, and a lot more self-sufficient to exclude all companies with questionable labor practices. I have decided, however, to shop from Black, Indigenous, People of Color (POC), Queer, local, and employee-owned companies as much as possible. And I will not be shopping at Walmart, Target, or Amazon this year.

Freedom To Do Less

I loved the Shonda Rhimes book, Year of Yes. It’s great. Inspirational. Just the thing you want to read if you’d like to challenge yourself to take risks and try new things. 2019 was all about challenges and risks. I’m tired. This year I’m giving myself permission to do a little less. The freedom to do nothing some days.

Freedom Freedom

White supremacist capitalist patriarchy is the bane of freedom’s existence. This year, I will increase my knowledge of community engagement, voting strategies, lessons from elders, and hexes to bring that shit down. Perhaps, I won’t be doing less this year after all.

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