What 2020 Has Taught Me

The past year was definitely not easy for most of us. Not only because of the global pandemic that we are all facing up until now but also because of everything that has changed, didn’t materialized and all that we lost. It wasn’t an easy year to say the least. Today, as we hope for a better new year, let me share What 2020 Has Taught Me to hopefully send a message that there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel!

Looking back to the beginning of 2020, I was full of hope and plans. I wanted to travel and discover myself through the process. Yet during the first quarter of the year, all these plans had to be set aside since almost the entire world went into lockdown. We were pretty much locked inside our houses.

When it happened, I was under the impression that it would only last for 3 months max! Well, I was wrong.

The first few weeks were a bit easier for me I would say, however, as the time goes by it became harder and harder both emotionally and mentally. It because exhausting. Yet, as I go through day by day, I tried to look into the silver linings of what we, or I’m currently facing. I learned to focus on the positive side of things in order for me to get through this.

Live in the "MOMENT".

Living in the moment is not a new concept. We’ve heard it a few times before. However, I was able to only fully understand what this means in 2020.

But this is honestly not easy as we live in a fast paced generation where it’s important to hustle and to always stay ahead. This is stopping us to sometimes pause and really appreciate the “NOW”. We have schedules to respect and time can’t be wasted.

Yet, this pandemic has taught us that tomorrow is not promised. We can plan for our future but the truth is we never really know what’s gonna happen tomorrow.

This taught me to live day by day. To never consume my entire day by planning ahead and focusing only on what I want to happen in the next few months or years.

Of course, it’s still important to set goals for the future and to create a plan on how to achieve those but we should not only focus on that.

Pause. Breath. Enjoy the moment, whatever it is.

Embrace Yourself. Fully & Truly

One of the things that I struggled on for the longest time is accepting my flaws. Not only physically but in all aspects of my life.

2020 taught me that no one will ever accept me fully but me. It has to start from within. We are all flawed and that’s okay!

It’s okay to not fall in the idea of perfectness imposed by our generation!

Be you and accept and love yourself!

Be Kind-er to Yourself

I have a bad habit of beating myself up whether in my professional or my personal life. I have to achieve a specific goal or accomplishment something significant before I can give myself a pat on the back.

That thankfully changed last year. I realized that all type of achievements big or small is significant. I allow myself to be happy with every little thing I’ve accomplished even as simple as finding a kitchenware at the right cabinet! Yay!

Value & Invest Your Time With the Right People

It is already difficult to find and build genuine and lasting relationships at this day and age. Be it romantically or in friendships. This may also be because we are living in a fast-paced environment where people are constantly searching and relocating to a better place to grow.

However, genuine relationships knows no distance nor time. People that truly cares and gives you importance will make the effort to just even check how you are doing.

For me, I learned to value the ones that never hesitated to reached out during this time. Similarly, I learned to reciprocate the kindness being shown to me and to share that to others that I value. My family and closest friends.

I was also able to see other people in my circle who are just there when it’s convenient for them. I learned to recognized that and distanced myself from them.

Find time for your Hobbies & Creative Ideas

One of the greatest things that happened in 2020 is that a lot of us was able to realize and execute our creative side. Be it DIY’ing your home decors, learning to bake or learning how to paint. Whatever it is, 2020 gave us enough time (or sometimes so much of it) to experiment and explore on things that we were never able to do previously because of our schedules.

For me, I started a YouTube channel as my creative outlet. It honestly helped to keep me occupied. I actually enjoy creating contents so it gave me something to look forward to.

Save & Invest

I know saving and investing is not always an interesting topic but it is very important! The pandemic caused a lot of people to lose their employment and it’s very very sad.

Thankfully, I work in an industry that has seen the least impact of this pandemic. Our company was still 100% operational even if we are all working at home. Regardless, the situation solidifies the fact that we all have to learn and invest so we are financially prepared for whatever tomorrow may bring.

Another important thing that I learned in 2020 is to never be afraid of showing your love and appreciation to the ones that matters to you.

I learned to be more vocal. Simply saying thank you, sorry or take care really matters.

So these are just some of the lessons that 2020 has taught me! I’d love to also hear your lessons or realizations for the past year. Let me know in the comments section below!