year in review: lessons learned in 2020
written by Jasmine Irven; collaborators for post linked below
I think we can all agree that 2020 was unexpected. But as we’ve written about before, oftentimes the biggest lessons can come from pain and hardship.
Oftentimes when we hit “rock bottom” we’re forced to recognize things about ourselves or our circumstances that we wouldn’t have otherwise.
When we experience great change we’re forced to come to terms with the fact that nothing in life is permanent or static, and that really that can be quite freeing.
When we experience difficulties, it provides the contrast we need to more greatly appreciate the good times, and all that we’re grateful for.
We can reflect more deeply on things that we had previously taken for granted.
And we can move forward with greater intention because we have more clarity on the things that are truly important to us.
So, as an act of wrapping up this year and all that came with it, I asked some members of our community to share the greatest lessons they learned in 2020.
If you feel like 2020 was a complete waste of time, or that you’re ready to just leave it in the rearview mirror without a second thought, this post is for you! I hope it will encourage you to take some time to look at what this year provided you, rather than what it took away (even if these things aren’t clear immediately).
I also hope that you’re able to find a source of inspiration and connection in the content, and would encourage you to also share a lesson learned in the comments!
appreciation for slowing down
2020 was the most unexpected year in our lives. With the unexpected also came a realization to slow down. Our world is moving in a constant hustle. This year forced us to slow down and breathe. Knowing that the world was collectively struggling helped in easing the anxiety that came along with 2020.
We formed a sense of community quite stronger than we ever have. This year taught us to form friendships and communities in new ways. As sad as it was that we were not able to hug our loved ones, I am grateful for technology as it allowed us to connect with people and go through our struggles together. We learned how to adapt to changes, we learned how to be more empathetic, we raised awareness about critical issues in the world, we learned how to find joy during the gloomiest of times, we learned creative ways to see our loved ones and we learned to find new hobbies.
Here is to hoping that 2021 treats us all in a kinder manner and brings us love, joy and comfort.
value of time
There have been moments in my life that have made me stop and reevaluate how I spend my time. However, only always for a short period before going back to old ways. Until now, there has been nothing like 2020. Shaking me to my core. There are days I have cried, laughed, loved, been strong and others broken down. Each day brought a new distraction from life and meaningful priorities. As I sit and reflect on 2020 I remember what Thomas A. Edison once stated, time really is the only capital that any human being has, and the only thing he or she can’t afford to lose. The plan is to never take time for granted ever again.
To avoid daily distractions and enhance my ability to fully leverage time there are simple steps I aim to do. Proactively plan my time with the help of weekly and daily planners. Be vocal with my family and friends on how I would like to prioritize my time to gain support. And reflect on my goals, adjust and be flexible with my time as needed. Time will never slip away again.
Neha Shah, Holistic Health Coach and Founder of @findyourrai
appreciation for the little things
With very strict COVID restrictions in Melbourne, I learnt the value of appreciating the little things. All those small moments of joy are often overlooked whilst living on autopilot. When so much freedom was taken away from me this year, I started finding certainty in my daily habits and routines; my morning cup of tea, reading a good book, meditation, journaling.
I became so much more grateful for a phone call with loved ones, a walk in the park, having a job, fresh air. This year has taught me to be thankful for everything I have in my life because so much can change in an instant and it is important to count your blessings.
A reminder to practise gratitude. Look for the positive at the end of each day. Some days you may have to look harder and that is okay. Every day may not be good but there is something good in every day.
Sahej, Women’s Circle Facilitator and Founder of Inspired Life & Co
the opportunity to go inwards
2020 was a very strange and challenging year for me. I had to deal with a lot of heavy issues involving the loved ones in my life. When a 6-month road trip was halted because of the pandemic, it forced me to come home and spend more time with my family. In a way, it was the best thing that could have happened to me.
With the lack of contact with friends, I was forced to look inward and spend a lot of time with myself. This really allowed me to learn a lot about myself, my business, my goals, my values, my family, close relationships and so much more.
2020 honestly served as a year of massive reflection and introspection. I learned so much about myself and what I want my future to look like, and that may not have happened without this crazy year.
So, while I’m optimistic and excited for the future, I’m still thankful for the lessons and experiences I had this year. Thank you 2020 for helping me see clearly (bad joke fully intended).
Jacob Coates, Founder of 1707 Creative
a new look at productivity
I have always been someone who has had about 15 things on the go. I always have new ideas, projects I want to start, and endless to-do lists. I subconsciously know that this isn’t the best thing for me, but I have always seemed to attach how much I accomplish or complete with my worth, and love being able to say that I’m always busy.
One of my intentions for 2020 (which I actually wrote about in this blog last year), was to focus on being more present in the moment (rather than all I want to accomplish). Knowing that it wouldn’t be as glamorous, but that really the present moment is all that we have. The present holds all the moments that shape us, teach us the lessons we need to learn, and help us shift into the future self we dream of.
Tangibly, I wrote that this meant adding more space into my days - more time to meditate, to sit and sip my coffee, to write just for fun, to have moments of silence, moments of spontaneity, and moments of boredom.
Reflecting back now, when 2020 started I wasn’t really embodying this intention, and in some ways COVID-19 forced me to slow down more than I know I would have had I not been forced to. I’m grateful for this. Yes, I’m maybe not as far along on some goals as I would have liked, but what I’ve come to realize is that productivity doesn’t need to always be checking things off a list. It’s more about spending as much time as possible living a life that I’m excited about, and that aligns with my values.
For me that looks like time traveling and exploring, time spent connecting with loved ones and new friends, time spent reading and learning, and yes, time spent growing my business. I needed this slow down as a way to shake any and all preconceived notions I had about productivity, and to begin pairing things down (still a work in progress!), so that my day-to-day reflects what I want my future life to look like.
Jasmine Irven, Meditation Teacher, Wellness Coach & Founder of Sustainable Bliss Collective
reflection + implementation
Take what resonates and leave the rest. Some of these might be lessons you also learned or internalized this year, and others might not be relevant. The idea behind this post is to give you a few examples of ways that people have taken the unexpected and seen the beauty in it.
I hope you can find some time to reflect on the things that happened this year: your accomplishments (big and small), any changes that you made in your life, anything you’re grateful for, and hopefully some lessons learned that you can take with you into the new year.
Wishing you all the best!
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