So far 2020 has thrown the world a lot of curveballs. As the end of 2020 is drawing nearer and nearer I have been reflecting more and more with family and friends about what the year has taught me. There have been so many tough times, so many heartaches, so much pain, but it has not all been bad. And in fact, even the bad things have taught me stuff I might otherwise have never learned or never really put much thought into before now. With still a little under 2 and a half months to go here are a few things I have learned so far in 2020:
Photo by Benjamin le Roux on Unsplash.
Stop Worrying So Much About Things You Can’t Control
I think we all tend to worry about things that we can’t control. It’s a natural human reaction to worry about things that we feel are not up to us but that are important to us. One thing I have learned this year is that too much worry leads mainly to stress, misery and unhappiness. It’s important to recognize and accept that you can’t control something and let that worry go.
I used to worry so much about things that I could not control. I would then also worry about all the possible outcomes and scenarios and it would just snowball from there. After months of therapy, I have learned to put my thoughts and energy into things that I do have control over and to take control and make changes that will positively affect myself and those around me.
Take The Time To Really Enjoy The Little Things
Sometimes when things seem to be spiralling out of control and you find yourself under a lot of stress and uncertainty, it is important to simplify things and take a step back and find the joy in some of the little things that you would normally not put much thought into.
Take the time to get up early and watch the sunrise if it is something you have never done or don’t normally do. Eat breakfast in bed. Take delight in making other people happy. Enjoy a nice bubble bath. Take time out to make a snowman or have a snowball fight with your loved ones. I have learnt to really savour the smaller moments and it feels pretty good.
Spend Lots Of Time With Those You Love
Speaking of loved ones. SPEND TIME WITH THEM! If this year has taught us anything it is that things that we take for granted, including those loved ones who are in our lives, can be ripped out from underneath of us pretty fast, the world can be turned upside down and the people we love could no longer be with us.
Instead of dwelling on that though, just be there. Spend time. Love them. TELL THEM YOU LOVE THEM! Be present and in the moment as well when you are with them. Do things you have always meant to do with them but always seem to never have the time. MAKE THE TIME. If there is one thing I have learnt this year it’s that spending time with those you love is not a chore, it’s a privilege and a joy.
Enjoy All The Beautiful Things That Surround You Already
It’s common for people to always want to be somewhere other than where they currently are. Again I think it’s likely human nature. Somewhere else always seems better. Get out of that mindset. Look around you. Enjoy the view. See what your town, city, state or province or country has to offer. Support local businesses. Get out and enjoy!
A quick Google search will let you know what tourist attractions are around you. Visit them. See them for the first time or as if it is for the first time. Dig around a bit and see what else is on offer in your area as far as parks, restaurants, museums, hiking or biking trails. Rent a canoe or kayak. Do some local activities that you might not otherwise do because you are too busy planning your next adventure to the Bahamas.
Take A Chance On Something That You Feel Your Missing Out On
Everyone feels like they are missing out on something from time to time. Maybe you wish you had learned how to do this or that. Maybe you always thought you would spend your life doing one thing but instead, you ended up doing something else. Well, now is the perfect time to try something new. Whether you are in a place that is still in lockdown or maybe you are laid off from your job take a chance and try something new. Find that thing that you have always wanted to do or try and do it or try it.
I think it’s always been easy for me to procrastinate and put things aside. I always think that there is time to do it some other time or perhaps I am scared to try something. I have learned to push past that fear this past year and take a chance on something that I have always wanted to do. Don’t miss out on things because of fear or lack of motivation. Instead, embrace that fear and challenge yourself.
You’ll be surprised what you can do 🙂
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Thanks for a very inspiring post Kirsten! I agree with everything. I’ve been struggling a lot this year but it always helps to step back, switch off media, live in the moment and enjoy the things that I have right now. I’m very happy withe where I am (location wise) but I miss SO MUCH being able to go and see my family. For now I just try to be happy about having technology that helps us keep in touch, and knowing they are ok and looking after themselves.
I can’t imagine what it would be like to be so far away from your family. I do have some family that are in other provinces or in the US that we can not see but mostly our immediate family is nearby. Technology is wonderful for keeping in touch. I don’t know what we would have done without it this year as a whole. I am sorry you miss your family but I am glad you can use technology to keep in touch.
I too have learned so deeply to enjoy and cherish as many moments as possible; we never know when one of those moments will turn into something that is much bigger than we thought.
Thanks for sharing!
Your welcome Jaya! I wish you all the best!
What a great way to turn 2020 into an opportunity for growth! Hmm… one thing I’ve learnt this year is that having more time doesn’t have to mean greater productivity. It’s okay to do things even if there’s no end goal except my own enjoyment!
I absolutely agree sometimes it is great to do something just for the enjoyment of doing it even if it does not really serve a purpose otherwise.
I agree with most of this stuff. All stuff I should work on honestly. XD
I still have tons to work on too, these are just a few things I’ve learnt along the way this year. It’s been so tough for all of us! 😀
These are all so great! I especially love rediscovering what you already have around you, including family! It’s so important right now to find your peace.
“It’s so important right now to find your peace.” This is so so true!