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Life Lessons I Learned in 2020
This year has certainly brought life lessons learned and I will carry them with me for years to come. I don’t think that anything has happened according to anyone’s plan this past year. There has been tragedy, loss, sickness, uncertainty, and loneliness to name a few.
We have all struggled in one way or another in 2020, and some of us have definitely had it harder than others. I think it is important to note that without any bad, we would not be as appreciative of the good. I want so badly to choose joy and look for the important life lessons that this year has given me.
7 Life Lessons I Learned from 2020
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There is absolutely nothing more important than your family.
We try our hardest to keep our families safe, healthy, and happy. My children can handle much more than I ever thought possible. They have coped beautifully through lockdown and are growing and shining beautifully in their own way. They have really grown this year physically and mentally through a crisis.
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Find happiness in the small things.
Look forward to that warm cup of coffee each morning, or watch the sunset at night. In the past, these were simple things that I took for granted, but when everything was canceled or closed in 2020, these small things got me through each day. This is one of the life lessons I learned that I deeply cherish. One thing that has really helped me do this is writing in a gratitude journal. Pick up my favorite one from Amazon here.
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Self-care is a priority, not a privilege.
I think it’s more important to note that self-care isn’t always bubble baths and candles. Self-care is literally caring for yourself whether that is physical, mental, or spiritual. There are a million different ways to practice it, and the important thing is to always do something for yourself. It is so important to recharge yourself so that you are able to be the best version of yourself and care for all the other people who you love. I always say, even if you’re not at the top of the list, you should at least be on it!
If this is something you are really struggling with, grab my free 30-day self-care calendar here.
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Take time to slow down.
We have been forced to do this in 2020, but if I’m choosing joy, this can be a positive. Life is too short to spend it with your calendar booked with commitments and activities that really don’t matter much in the long run. Enjoy the moments. Put the phone down. Really take time to have conversations with your family and friends.
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Life Lessons I Have Learned is to Have a backup plan.
So many people have lost their jobs or had a loss of income in 2020. Make sure to have a backup plan. Every day we hear of brick-and-mortar stores closing. Online business is the future. There are so many options out there such as remote work, social marketing work-from-home opportunities like the brand I represent, or you can even start your own money-making blog. Look at all the options and see what you can do to have a backup plan if you were to lose your main gig.
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Never stop learning.
I seriously love to learn skills. I love to read self-development books or listen to podcasts. It’s so much fun to cook and try new recipes. When the world stopped around us this past year, diving into these hobbies and working towards a goal kept me motivated and inspired. The life lessons I learned in 2020 is that you can always take these new skills and use them as an opportunity to open new doors in your career or life.
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Be kind.
The saying is true: everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind always. If people react to you ina negative way, chances are it has nothing to do with you and everything to do with them. The motto that I try to teach my children is to always be kind. People can disagree with you. They can even say things you don’t agree with. It is always better to treat others with love and respect. We are all humans and we should be kind to one another in spite of our differences.
The life lessons that 2020 brought me might be different than what it taught you. What did you learn in 2020 and how will this year affect you going forward?
I would love to hear more in the comments below.
Bri says
Totally agree with all of these. I have learned a lot about myself and my outlook this year. Family really is everything but I also have to take time for me so that I can be my best for them!
Sandra says
Thanks, Bri. It’s always good to hear from you! 🙂
Sarah says
These are all great. I totally agree on the self-care one. I know I have let that slack a lot. I know it affects me when I have not been practicing it.
Sandra says
It really is the easiest thing to slack on, but it’s so important!!
Sacha says
Yes so much to learn this year. Loved the first two: finding happiness over the small things and practicing self-care. It really is a priority!
Sandra says
Exactly and we sometimes have to learn the hard way.
Gervin Khan says
That’s great learning from this year 2020. Me too, I learn a lot, and one of them is to have more time with my family and to do more self-care. I wish you to learn more in the coming years and take care.
Ashley t says
These are some really good life lessons.
Sandra says
Thank you, Ashley! Happy New Year to you.
Danielle says
As much as 2020 was not what most people are used to and some parts of it sucked, I think it really showed people the meaning of little things, taught people to slow down and appreciate their lives and family more. I love this list and it really hits home for me too!
Sandra says
Oh thank you so much, Danielle. I really appreciate the comment.
Monica Simpson says
These were all so great to read. I resonated with taking time to slow down. I really appreicated that about 2020.
Sandra says
Thank you, Monica. Yes, taking the time to slow down is a good one.
Karen Langridge says
What a great post! I feel very similar, life has thrown us a curve ball but we have to make the best of it. It sounds like your doing amazing! To 2021 and learning more new skills and spreading kindness everywhere!
Samantha Laycock says
2020 was full of life lessons. Be kind to one another was probably the most important one.
Sandra says
It’s so simple but yet so hard for some.
Marysa says
These are all good points to think about during this pandemic. I can relate to these and how things have changed in the past year.
Sandra says
Thanks for reading Marysa!
vidya says
all great tips!!! and i have been working on the never stop learning one definitely, and hope to continue doing so
Sandra says
I love it!! It’s just as important to keep your mind healthy!
Shayla Marie says
2020 Brought many of these life lessons to me as well. I love what you wrote about self care being a priority. It’s true!
Sandra says
It really is my favorite thing to talk about!!
Dorche says
I’ve learned so much in 2020 that I’m taking with me this year !