Year of new directions. Learning to live each day with a thankful mindset, and learning how to adapt to changes. — Lori T. | Jacksonville, FL

We need to be aware, more informed, and intentionally live in the present. Tomorrow brings no guarantees, but is full of opportunity for growth and change. — Sherry P. | Clearwater, FL

I have learned to slow down and focus on the important things like family and personal connections. — Felicia M. | Plano, TX

2020's challenges allowed me and my family the opportunity to refocus, come together, and discuss what is most important to us in this journey of life. How we can apply our lessons learned in 2020 to afford us the best 2021. We are in control of our actions and reactions. Plan accordingly. — Dawnie G. | San Diego, CA

2020 afforded me the opportunity to slow down enough to truly live in the moment, and reignited my passion for learning new things and spending my time wisely and with intention. — Shannon R. | Downers Grove, IL

I have shifted my perspective to look for the silver linings in adverse circumstances. — Ann S. | Jersey City, NJ

2020 was a year which made me grow as a person, as a mother, and in many other ways. — Suliane S. | Bournemouth, UK

In 2020, my former employer let me know that my position was essentially not needed with branch closures. I had been with them since 2010. It was brutal. I was very worried about finding a new job in the environment we were in. I was very fortunate to have been offered a role in the Downtown La Jolla, CA branch. I have shifted in focusing on what I can change or do, rather than worry about what may happen given any situation — even one as worrisome as losing a job. — Melissa J. | San Diego, CA

Prior to 2020, my focus was on "doing"; moving forward my focus will be on "being." — CM | Heathrow, FL

I have stopped worrying about things I cannot control, and learned to love making the most of what I can control. — Colin F. | Chestnut Hill, MA

Re-emphasize focus that we are all humans that need love, kindness, and compassion. — Celia C. | Plano, TX

Just going back to what is most essential in our lives. — Chari DC. | Tempe, AZ

Slow down and be present in the moment. — Char R. | Grand Canyon, AZ

I try to be intentional on refocusing my thoughts on the positive things in my life and on being grateful for all things (big and small). — Silvia A. | Coral Springs, FL

My experiences in 2020 have allowed me to shift my perspective by helping me to broaden my view on life. Because of the pandemic, my time being social (which occupied most of my time due to being involved in sports, being in school, and having a big family), was kept to such a minimum. I have never spent such time alone throughout my day. In the start, it was overwhelming, due to my anxiety and not having people or conversations to distract me. Come summer, I started cooking more, reading, "The Power of Now", going on walks, and slowly finding comfort within myself as I reflected and learned more about myself. You think you know yourself until you realize, do I really know myself? Meditation, sun-gazing, and silence became a healing component. I finally learned to appreciate my life, soul, solitude, and the smallest things in life. Learning to reflect and be grateful has put me in the highest state I have ever been. I am finally present. — Mariah G. | Chicago, IL

2020 has reinforced the perspective that tomorrow is not promised to anyone, so we must make the best of each day we are given. I also saw the beauty in our world, like the clear, blue skies. — Narene R. | Goshen, NY

Yes, I do want to be more intentional in 2021. I want to call people so they can hear my voice, rather than text or send a social media message. I want to send celebration cards, rather than a social media post. I want to use social media less and be more present for loved ones. — Desiree O. | Tampa, FL

I will never take the little things for granted anymore. The simple things like an embrace or quality vs. quantity time with family and friends. — Barbara E. | Jackson, NJ

I have worked hard to continue to adapt to new ways we work, "see" friends and family, celebrate holidays, and exercise. In 2020 I learned how to manage an entire team remotely, how to stay connected with family and friends virtually, how to move indoor holidays outdoors to safely interact, and how to find options for exercising on the internet. The biggest shift change for me is thinking outside the box to accomplish my personal and professional goals. — Marilyn S. | Phoenix, AZ

The events of 2020 made all of us slow down almost to a complete stop. This made me realize that I needed to shift gears and stop focusing on things that were not in my control and to focus on what was in my control. — Andrea H. | San Antonio, TX

This experience has given the opportunity to break out of the confines of typical thinking and discover what can actually be done. Moving the majority of a workforce to WFH seemed unfeasible, impossible, unlikely, unproductive, etc. but we now know that it can, and possibly should, be done. — Jess W. | Lake Mary, FL

I think for me it solidified what I have always believed: attitude is everything. You don't choose what happens, but you choose how you respond. — Patti R. | Jacksonville, FL