If 2020 could be a word, it would be “unprecedented.” It was a difficult year in about every way imaginable. Life as we knew it got turned upside down, leaving so many worse off and leading us to wonder when (or if) normal life would ever return.

But with the turn of a new year comes newfound hope. Though 2021 may still be gloomy at first, promise lies ahead. If you’re ready to move on but unsure how to approach a fresh start given the many uncertainties that surround us, here are some tips to guide you.

1. Set resolutions wisely.

This applies to the start of every new year, but if you are one to set resolutions for self-improvement, it’s important to set those resolutions up for success. Avoid sweeping statements that don’t include parameters. If your resolution is to spend less time on your phone, then define that more specifically. Perhaps the initial goal should be to set a time limit or not allow yourself to get distracted on your phone while around friends and family. If your resolution is to eat healthy, break it down into what that looks like on a daily basis. Maybe it means eating vegetables for two meals each day or limiting junk food to just a few days per week. Accountability is an important part of goal setting, so tell someone about your resolution early on and ask him or her to check in on your progress.

2. Forgive those who have wronged you.

Starting fresh means giving second chances to those around us. First, identify any unresolved issues with friends and family, then acknowledge that it’s time to make peace and move forward. The turn of a new year is a great time to check in with yourself and heal any relationships that may have been damaged over the past year.

3. Forgive yourself.

The easiest way to drag the past year into the future is to dwell on things you regret. Don’t allow that regret to follow you into the new year. You deserve forgiveness for anything you might have done to wrong yourself or anyone else. You deserve to move forward with a weight lifted so you can start fresh.

4. Let your friends and family know you care.

Some of us may have handled the woes of this year better than others, but you should take the time to acknowledge how much you care about everyone close to you, in case someone needs to hear it. This kind of support will empower your loved ones to tackle the new year confidently and will help you to do the same in turn. Not only will it make people feel good, but it will help strengthen relationships entering a new year.

5. Be of service.

If you feel lucky about how you made it through this year, find a way to give back to those who were not as fortunate. There are so many ways to donate your time or money to help improve the lives of those in need, both in your local area and far away. A little quick research will help you decide what causes you care most about and find ways you can provide assistance in the new year. You will not regret any time you spend helping others.

6. Don’t take anything in life for granted.

If we learned anything from 2020, it’s that everything can be taken from us in an instant. All the things we used to consider part of everyday life became a privilege – practically overnight. Now that we’ve gotten a few of these things back for 2021, be sure to cherish them. Don’t take any day for granted. Don’t take human interaction for granted. Think of the small things you miss most about everyday life and be sure to acknowledge how lucky you are when you get them back.

7. Do something you’ve wanted to do.

We’ve put many of our dreams on hold for a while, and for good reason. When it’s safe to do so, cross something big off your bucket list. We learned this year that nothing is guaranteed, so don’t put off something you want to do – and can do – now.

8. Prioritize yourself in the new year.

This past year was tough for everyone, so don’t get caught up comparing your struggles and feeling undeserving of self-care. Regardless of how 2020 looked for you, it’s important to take the time you need to emerge stronger in the new year. Self-care strategies look different for everyone, so identify what it takes for you to be at your best and strive to give yourself what you need.

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Everyone we know has been impacted in some way by the woes of 2020. Though it’s an easy time to get caught up wishing the remainder of the year away, it’s important to reflect on everything positive that surrounds us and all the good that happened even during a devastating year. This Thanksgiving is sure to look different than Thanksgivings past, but despite the hardship, try your best to focus on what (and who) you have in your life to be grateful for. Here are some ways you can show that gratitude and make the most of this season.

1. Send a text message or a handwritten note.

We can’t all be together this holiday season like we may be used to.  But that doesn’t mean we can’t still show someone we care. Think of those who have helped make the most of the year despite the challenges, and let them know you’re grateful for them. Maybe it’s your trainer, who has had to pivot due to a lack of horse shows this year. It may be the groom at your barn who has had to take on more responsibility to help those who can’t be at the barn taking care of their horses as often. Think, also, of your relatives or family friends who may have to spend the holidays alone. A phone call or Zoom would be even better for those with who you really want to connect this holiday. Let them know you’re thinking of them and make them feel appreciated, even from a distance.

2. Donate to a cause you care about.

So many people (and animals) are experiencing harder times than we are at the moment. So there has never been a better time to support those in need. Choose a cause you’re particularly passionate about, or a cause with which you feel you could really have an impact, and make a donation. It doesn’t have to be monetary; even donating your time is helpful, as long as it’s safe to do so. Donating to those in need helps us recognize how fortunate we truly are. And it always helps those who need support in a difficult time.

3. Write down what you’re grateful for.

This seems trivial, but studies show that writing down a few things you’re grateful for, for your eyes only, can lead you to more happiness and appreciation for the things around you. It takes only a minute each day to jot down between one and five things in your life you appreciate. It can be in a small journal or just on a notepad. Looking back over the things you wrote down after the end of a month or year can be an excellent reminder of all the good that happened.

4. Surprise someone with kindness.

This doesn’t require a grand gesture. Just helping with simple chores that would alleviate someone else’s load is plenty. Leaving flowers at your loved one’s doorstep, cooking food for someone with a busy schedule, or grocery shopping for an elderly relative or neighbor would mean so much to the recipient and would not take much on your part to accomplish. Try to think of what those around you truly need right now, and how you can be of the most help, without being overbearing.

5. Smile (through your mask) and say thank you.

Though our interactions with others are limited at the moment, it never hurts to make the most of every human encounter by being polite and making another person feel appreciated. Maybe you’re at a horse show and have to make a request at the in-gate. Do so with a smile (people can still tell you’re smiling through a mask). And always say thank you, regardless of the answer. Thank anyone who works at the facility. And definitely thank your trainer, groom, vet, and anyone else who may interact with you and your horse at the show or the barn. Smile and thank every cashier, every Uber driver, and anyone who holds a door for you. A small thank-you can go such a long way.

We’re in the midst of the spookiest season of the year (hopefully not for our horses) and, despite the challenges of 2020, there are still ways you can celebrate Halloween and all the fun it has to offer while maintaining social distancing and staying safe. Try out some of these ideas if you’re struggling with what to do this “Halloweekend.”

1. Dress up your horse for a photoshoot.

You’re probably seeing horse and rider costumes all over your social media channels this week. Join in on the fun by coming up with a costume for you and your horse and pose for some photos together! There are endless options for costumes, so do a quick Google search and you may already own everything you need to pull together something creative.

2. Bake Halloween cookies (with extras for your horse).

Scroll through Pinterest or Instagram for inspiration for spooky Halloween-themed treats. From place-and-bake Pillsbury cookies to completely homemade, labor-intensive recipes, you can surely find something delicious to whip up and enjoy this season. You can even bake some horse-safe treats with a Halloween twist on them so your horse can join in on the fun. Pro tip: adding edible googly eyes to just about anything will increase the spookiness factor tenfold.

3. Watch spooky movies.

There’s no better way to feel the Halloween spirit than by turning off the lights and tuning in to a creepy movie. There are plenty to choose from, so gather the snacks, grab a cozy blanket, and start a Halloween movie marathon!

4. Host a costume parade at the barn.

While many neighborhoods aren’t participating in trick-or-treating this year due to COVID-19, if your barn is allowing multiple people at once, offer the idea of a Halloween parade with other horses and riders. This is a way to share the Halloween spirit with a group while still maintaining a safe distance from one another. Better yet, come up with a theme for your costumes so you can dress up as a group. Be sure to take lots of pictures and give your horses lots of treats afterwards!

5. Paint pumpkins.

Some love pumpkin carving, but this is a safe and less smelly way to have some fun with your pumpkins and create truly unique designs that last longer than a jack-o-lantern. Head to Pinterest for some ideas, or just paint whatever comes to your mind. You can find inexpensive acrylic paints at Michael’s or other craft stores.

6. “Boo” your neighbors or barnmates!

If kids can’t trick-or-treat in your neighborhood, or if you choose to opt out for safety reasons, buy some Halloween treats and bundle them up to give out to families on your street or at your barn. Just be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before packaging the candy so you minimize the chances of spreading any germs to other households.