2020 was hectic for everyone, the year was filled with experiences and challenges that none of us could have been prepared for. But before we say that the year was a total bust, let’s pause to think through some valuable lessons that many of us learned.
In no particular order, here are 10 things I learned in 2020:
We’re more resourceful and creative than we think
Humans can be lazy creatures at times, but the year of 2020 has brought out so much creativity within individuals. I’ve never seen people get that creative on ideas ranging from homeschooling methods to decent toilet paper substitutes.
It’s okay not to be okay.
The one basic question I would always ask all of my friends and family when I spoke to them was: how are you? And I later realized that I needed to stop asking that question because everyone was not okay. I later began asking questions such as, can I help you in any way?, how is your anxiety? Etc… When I began asking these questions, I connected much more with my family and friends because I was able to have deep and meaningful conversations with them. From these small conversations, I learned that it is okay not to be okay because we all have those days and they are completely normal!
Learn to love yourself
2020 was the year of self-love. We learned to love ourselves despite the changes in our mental health, weight, income, social life, work environment and surroundings. Self love means accepting your emotions for what they are and putting your physical, emotional and mental well-being first.
Admire little things
Appreciating the little things in life means that you focus your attention on what nurtures and sustains you in life. On everything that brings you even the smallest amount of pleasure. It could be the little flower outside your window, a bird sitting on the fence or even the text messages on your group-chat. 2020 was the year to admire these little things. They made us happy and feel fuzzy and it would’ve been a hard year without it.
The art of patience
By being patient, you will become a more peaceful, empathetic and a kind human over time, and also, with a clearer mind, you can start to make better and rational decisions. Being patient involves slowing down, understanding where others are coming from, and making a rational plan. During 2020, our lives threw too much stuff at us to handle and being patient was the key to getting through the year without a meltdown.
Meditation is powerful
2020 was the year of valuing our mental health and anything that helped it. Meditation played a big role in calming us down and helping us deal with all the stress, anxiety and depression COVID-19 brought along.
Always expect the unexpected
This is 2020 summed up in one sentence. COVID-19, earthquakes, forest fires and much more hit us one after the other, yet we survived. One thing I’ve learned is that ALWAYS EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED because if you don't, it becomes too much to handle .
Telling family/friends that you love them more often
The sentence “I love you” is known to help release the oxytocin and dopamine hormone. Saying these 3 words can turn someone's entire day around. It’s very important for us as humans to remind our friends and family that we love them.
The internet isn’t always evil
Yes, the internet has its dark side but during the last year we got such an amazing opportunity to learn and have fun with the internet. From doing online school to making tomato feta cheese pasta, we have done it all. We were able to also connect with loved ones from across the world by following any health restrictions.
Having fun and being happy is the most important medicine
It’s true: laughter is strong medicine. It draws people together in ways that trigger healthy physical and emotional changes in the body. Laughter strengthens your immune system, boosts mood, diminishes pain, and protects you from the damaging effects of stress. Humor lightens your burdens, inspires hope, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded, focused, and alert. It also helps you release anger and forgive sooner.
Well that sums it up, those were 10 amazing things we learned in 2020. Do you all agree? Do you guys have any other cool things you learned in 2020?
it's so great to remember some important things that came from such an unpredictable time!
Incredible post!! 2020 really was an educational year
Love this blog!!!
Agreed! It was an eye-opening year that we all honestly needed. 🤗
In 2020, I have learned to forgive and by doing so you take away their power 🙂