6 Things I Learned in 2020
I enjoy finding meaning and positive things to appreciate throughout the year. It's my own way of keeping me in a humble and thankful mindset. It's truly the only reason why I started writing posts like this 8 years ago. I understand that if someone were to look at someone's highlight reel, that they could become discouraged or feel like they didn't accomplish enough within the year. To the person who feels discouraged... everybody goes through hard times in their life. Their Instagram feed is not a direct correlation of what they've experienced in life. To those posting highlight reels... it is not your responsibility to control how other people react to your feeds. If it's something that's true to you and something you want to remember, then post whatever you want to post.
Along with a year like 2020, it quite literally forced everyone to take an honest look at their lives, their jobs, their habits and potentially their own purpose in life. I can say for myself that I've taken a step back from a lot this year and have only begun my journey of reconnecting to myself, my purpose and perhaps even my calling in life. I have an incredibly loving and supportive husband who has been by my side through everything that has challenged us and our relationship and I feel incredibly lucky to still have him by my side. So, as the year officially comes to a close today, I choose to look at the positive things I learned this year. These are what I consider the most important...
I CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE NEW THINGS >>>
I've been expanding my green thumb skills and found a peaceful pass time through gardening and yard work. I started small and began propagating a few different kinds of house plants. We also planted two different kinds of trees in our back yard this summer. Next year, I plan on planting my first vegetable garden which I am very excited about! I wanted to find some unique ways to stay active, so me and a few close friends attended a silks class and had a blast learning different moves and techniques. I also decided to try out a full moon sound bath in a himalayan salt cave. Plus, I even got a special opportunity to learn how to drive a race car!
I PRACTICED BEING FEARLESS >>>
While most of the local entertainment was shut down the mountain trails were wide open, so it was the perfect excuse to get a lot of hiking done. I went on a few trips with friends but would mostly go by myself on trails. It pushed my boundaries constantly. There's a subtle difference between your gut detecting danger and your mind spinning out of control. On certain trails that I could feel my anxiety building, I had to ask myself if I was actually sensing fear or if I was making it up in my head. If I knew I could finish the trail, I'd push myself to keep going. It was one of the most rewarding outcomes of bravery and accomplishment when I reached the top of a mountain that I didn't think I could reach. I learned a lot about how I approach hard things in life on all the different kinds of trails I hiked and the experience was worth every minute.
BREAKDOWNS LEAD TO BREAKTHROUGHS >>>
One event after another, it was easy to spiral into feelings of being overwhelmed, lost and hopeless as the year panned out. I found myself on multiple occasions wanting to crawl away into a dark hole and cry. This year, it was important for me to give myself space to feel those things out. I knew I couldn't resist anything and force myself to forget the hardships, because ultimately it plays itself on repeat in the back of my mind anyway. If I don't allow myself time to really feel what I'm feeling then I won't ever be able to get over it. It's only after that acceptance and allowing myself permission to feel is when breakthroughs started. That was when I could begin moving forward and moving on. I'm lucky to be apart of a support group of talented women where we check in on each other, are open with each other and love each other unconditionally. Video calls with family members helped immensely when I needed advice or craved that feeling of a homey comfort. Relationships were definitely strengthened this year and it was something I desperately needed.
I'M NOT GOING TO GET ALONG WITH EVERYBODY, BUT I WILL RESPECT THEM >>>
I'm not saying that anyone has to be best friends with everyone, but be cordial. Be civil. Election years in the United States can be some of the most high strung and emotionally taxing months. Whatever you may believe or choose, respect people and understand that all people think differently. You don't need to invite anyone to delete you or unfollow you. I feel like that's a pretty counter productive thought process and petty cop out just because you disagree with somebody. If you believe so deeply about something, then improve your argument and approach that person with logic if it means that much to you. At that point, the conversation will go one of two ways. They'll agree or disagree with you. It's not up to you if someone accepts your opinion or continues to disagree with it. At least you were both open enough to even have the conversation, but now it's time to accept and move on. I have plenty of friends that have different political views than me and I still love them. I understand that everyone has grown up with different truths and I hope that I continue to work hard at being open and understanding of those beliefs.
THERE'S A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A TOXIC PERSON AND AN UNSAFE PERSON >>>
I've never really been a big fan of the "getting rid of toxic people" concept. I feel like it could easily be misconstrued and possibly used against someone whose actually just struggling with themselves and their identity. Anger is a defense mechanism. A bitchy attitude can even be a defense mechanism. It doesn't necessarily mean that they're a bad person. I'd rather use the expression safe person and unsafe person. This year was a year of saying goodbye to a few unsafe people in my life. It's not anything personal, I just don't want to share a space with someone who may not have my best interests at heart.
I ALWAYS HAVE A CHOICE >>>
The one freedom that can never be taken away from you under any circumstance is the choice you have to react to any and every situation life throws at you. I choose how I respond to things. I choose how I want to show up in my life. No matter what bad things that life may throw at you, you can always choose how you'll respond and move past it. This year has been insane for so many of us and it's safe to say that most of us are probably looking forward to better times and improving days. No matter what happens, I am in control of my life and what meaning I give to it.
SEE YOU LATER 2020!
I'M READY FOR 2021!
THINGS I LEARNED
FAVORITE POSTS FROM 2020
BOOKS I READ IN 2020
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