This year has been an absolute doozy and as a way of reflecting on the past 365 days, I wanted to round up a few of the small lessons and little wins I’m taking with me into 2021.
I strongly considered not making this post, because the fact that we made it through this year at all is honestly good enough, and I frankly didn’t want to spend more time thinking about it than I needed to. But being the sentimental type that I am, I decided that I wanted to spend some time hunting for those glimmering threads, because I know there are always at least a couple even if you have to really search for them.
It’s more than okay to leave this year behind and to not want to think about it ever again, and it’s okay to not take anything away from it. These aren’t groundbreaking lessons, but I thought I’d share them nonetheless, as I took a good bit of comfort in writing them all down before the year is finally over for good. I hope you have (or by the time I post this, had) a wonderful and cozy transition into the new year, and remember not to be so hard on yourself.
The little things are everything. Slow down and really notice them, because they’re the things that matter most.
Your work and productivity do not equate to your worth. Which leads me to my next point…
Rest when you need to rest. Your body always knows best. There is no shame in slowing down and staying in pyjamas all day if that’s what your mind and body are asking for.
Get the blood flowing every single day. Somedays it’s a full body workout and others all I can handle is a slow walk around the block. Both are more than okay! But movement is so important even if it sucks in the moment.
Make time for self care. Sometimes I literally need to schedule this into my calendar, but it’s always worth it. There’s nothing quite like a bath or a face mask (the fun kind) at the end of a long day.
Put your energy into things that fill you up. Your energy is a finite resource, so be mindful of the things that drain you and the things that fill you up. Minimize the former and take advantage of the latter.
Practice gratitude. There are so many things to be thankful for, even when life feels bleak and heavy. Writing them down or thinking them over has a way of changing my frame of mind almost instantly.
Your mindset has all the power. Manifestation works. Negative energy breeds more negativity and vice versa. In a year like 2020 this was really really difficult sometimes (well, most of the time actually), but I promise it makes a difference.
Learn to love your own company. Too many days spent alone during social distancing has made me appreciate the power of a day to myself. After all, I am an introvert to my very core.
But never take for granted the people that make your life brighter. Hold on to them and call your mom once in a while.
Always have something to look forward to. Even if it’s as simple as takeout on a Friday night. Roti and pizza nights usually end up being the highlight of my week these days.
Not everything is within your control. Don’t sweat the things that you have no power over; it’s one of the worst things you can do for your mental wellbeing. Let it go.
Get dressed every single morning. Even if I’m not leaving the apartment, putting on some real clothes always makes me feel more productive and motivated. Sometimes just changing out of pyjamas and into clean sweatpants is all I can muster, but that’s good enough too.
Routines are boring but so important. This one was hard at the start of the pandemic, and most of my anxiety in March revolved around how I would keep up my mental wellbeing as I was watching all sense of stability fly out the window. But once I settled on a routine that felt good and natural, I instantly felt a little more on top of things.
We are more resilient, adaptable, and capable than we ever knew. We’re so much more than our greatest accomplishments and the things on our resumes. We’re kind, and patient, and always learning.
Give yourself more credit. This year has been long, lonely, and hard. The fact that we made it through is an achievement in itself. Pat yourself on the back once in a while.
Do one thing a day that sparks at least a little bit of joy. I don’t think I’ve made it one day this year without lighting a candle in the evening. Indulge yourself, you deserve it for making it through another day.
Try not to take things so seriously. Laughter is the best medicine, and life is hard enough as it is.
Put the phone down. This is also one of my New Years intentions. Spending so much time bored at home has made reaching for my phone almost reflexive, and I’m trying to get away from that in the new year.
Practice mindfulness. This is a skill I’ve been honing over the past few years, but with the extra stress of 2020 it’s been truly so valuable. In simple terms it makes things feel less bad, and this year has had more than its fair share of that — so here’s to a lighter and brighter 2021.
