A list of valuable life lessons 2020 has taught us
2020 is an overwhelming year. What happened this year will most likely stay in my heart for a long time. When I look back to what happened this year, heartbreaks are not the sole topic. I’ve also learned so much more about self-love, relationship and life. And here are five precious lessons from 2020.
Valuable life lessons I learned in 2020
The basic things are not basic
I used to take the basics for granted: clean water, a job, a bed, these are the things we are entitled to have. All the losses and changes of 2020 have taught me otherwise.
Read also: 13 normal things we take for granted
I remember I was having brunch with my best friend in February, picturing how 2020 would unfold for us. We planned to see each other after her trip to Australia. Then the lockdown changes everything. Luckily, we are healthy and safe, and soon we’ll be seeing each other again. But not everyone has the luxury to get back to their loved ones.
The thing is, we may never know when would be the last time we see our family, friends and people we care about. And we don’t always have the chance to say goodbye. A healthy body, a breathing lung, a beating heart, these things we take for granted can all be taken away from us tomorrow.
That’s why I am so grateful. It’s a blessing to wake up with a roof over my head, knowing that my loved ones are ok. No money can buy the “basic things”. And I may not realize that if it weren’t for all the things happening in 2020.
Read also: 34 Gratitude quotes to bring happy vibes to life
Some people are meant to be temporary
Not everyone entering your life stays in your life, and that’s what I learned in 2020.
I have coworkers that I take as friends. We hung out and went to movies after work. But during the lockdown, we barely speak to each other. Some people are only friends when you see each other five times a week. And you have gone through similar situations, know that it’s not a bad thing.
Some people are friends and some are just acquaintances. And 2020 has helped us to see it clearer. It’s ok if you don’t have a lot of friends. You have to let people go to and free up the space for someone that deserves it. A small and tight circle can be the best support network. With the extra time we have at home, this can be a great opportunity to build stronger bonds with our real friends.
Being alone doesn’t equal loneliness
As an introvert, I am used to staying by myself. But 2020 proves to be too much even for a homebody like me.
In the first few days, I was in my element. With all the free time at home, I picked up my hobbies: drawing, writing, trying new recipes, etc.
But when days become weeks, my mental health started to take a toll. I wanted to go out, to hang out with my friends, or just to go to work, like normal. Instead, I found myself trapped in a box of four walls, all alone with no one to talk to. So I asked my friends what they do to stay sane during this difficult time.
It turns out that I am not the only one. When isolation is the new normal, tackling loneliness becomes a global subject. But if we are all in this together, that means we are not actually alone, right?
My friends and I started to schedule virtual dates. We shared cat pics as well as Ted Talks. And FaceTime became our conference room for topics like marriage, mental health and life. We are never so close. The isolation has deepened our connection, surprisingly. And this would never happen if I hadn’t asked for help.
No man is an island. Reach out, and it may be the beginning of something beautiful.
Taking a break is productive
When the lockdown started, at-home workout videos went viral on the Internet. In the comments, many were determined to come out of the quarantine shredded.
As a Type A, I took things to the next level. Not only did I scheduled workouts every day, I also planned to read ten books, finish 20 posts, and five drawings in a month. Why not make full use of the time and comfort of working from home?
The burnout came quickly. On top of that, the alerting headlines every day pushed my mental health to the edge. I would stare at my screen, with five tabs open but not knowing what to do next.
The thing is, it’s not easy to stay productive forever, leave alone in a challenging and uncertain time like 2020. I was copy-pasting the way others handle the situation on myself.
But coping isn’t supposed to be a competition. If pushing yourself didn’t get you what you want, why not slow down, take a break and recharge? It’s ok to come out of quarantine with some extra pounds or an unchecked to-do list. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is to rest. It’s ok to take a break until you are you again.
Read also: 7 practical ways to love yourself more
Honor your feelings
One thing I fail to do often is to be vulnerable. Growing up in a single-parent family, I am used to pushing through difficult situations. For me, crying is weak, and it doesn’t solve any problems.
But 2020 taught me a different lesson. “You can’t heal a wound if you keep pretending you are not bleeding.” You are not feeling tired, frustrated, sad or anxious for no reason. Your emotions are a signal of what you are going through, even when you don’t notice. It’s because of these guidances that we learn to take breaks, put ourselves first and cut off toxic people.
Not all days are sunshine and rainbows. And you are not a robot programmed to be happy 24/7. Listen to your inner voice. And it will lead you to your happy dose.
What does 2020 mean to you?
These are all incredible lessons I learned in this special year. What is your story? Share with me in the comment or DM me on Instagram at @_ourmindfullife.