As we wrap up 2020 today, I reflect on all the lessons learned this year. I woke up around 2 am last night with these thoughts floating around in my head and wrote them down. I considered keeping this to myself; however, I felt it was necessary to shed light on a year that was extremely difficult for so many. Despite the hardships, I believe can always learn something.
Here are some lessons from the year 2020, the year many of us were tested mentally and physically. The year we learned what was truly important in life, the year we were forced to slow down, the year that had me feeling closer to God than I have ever felt.
-Confidence is built by keeping the promises you make to yourself.
-Take the Trip: Do it, just go! I constantly remind myself how truly blessed I was to adventure to the UK with my cousin back in March. We left on a Saturday, the travel ban was announced to everywhere but the UK on Wednesday, and on our flight home the travel ban to the UK was announced. We had a wonderful time and saw so many beautiful sights, I feel so grateful to have experienced this before the country went into lockdown.
-Sit with the winners, not the whiners. There are people who believe everything happens to them and there are people who believe everything happens for them. Choose who you sit with, wisely.
-Speak your mind even if your voice shakes. Stand up for what you believe, even if it feels like you’re standing alone. Trust me, you are not alone. I am so thankful for all the likeminded friends I made this year, and I would not have met them if I did not voice my opinions.
-Doors close so better ones can open. I worked in the hospitality industry, which took a huge hit this year. On my 26th birthday at 3 pm, I was furloughed and then over the summer, I was laid off. I started a new job at the end of the summer that I truly love and I am blessed with an amazing co-manager and team.
-Take care of yourself. Focus on you and practice self-care. Get off the scroll and be pro-active, not reactive. This is your life. Your body does so much for you, take care of it.
-Keep the faith. Hold the line. Do not give up. Do not stress over things you can not control.
-Social media is just social media, it is not real life. Stop scrolling, create something. I honestly believe the world would be a nicer and happier place without it; however, I am so grateful for the opportunities and friendships I have made online.
-You are not required to attend every argument you are invited to.
-Give back in any way that you can.
-Think for yourself.
-Don’t wish for it, work for it. This year, I started my own podcast and business. It was a lot of work, but it was also a lot of fun. If you have an idea, do it. No one else is going to do it for you.
-The real ones walk in when the rest of the world walks out.
-Fears we do not face become our limits. In a year full of fear, its rebellious to not be scared. Be brave.
-History shows us a lot of what we need to know.
-You are blessed, gratitude is everything.
2021 is not going to be different unless we choose to make it different. I see a lot of people thinking tomorrow is going to miraculously change the way life has been. I am hoping for a brighter tomorrow, but I realize this will not happen unless we get to work on making it brighter.
There are little things we can do each day- express gratitude, be kind, take care of our mental and physical health, learn more, support those who are making a difference and give back.
Let’s make 2021 the year we go for it, and the year of faith and gratitude! Wishing you a wonderful 2021.
Becsea 