2022 is quickly coming to an end and it’s always around this time of year that I begin to reflect on the good and the bad that happened in my life throughout the year and what I’ve learned from it. 2022 has been a bit of a wild emotional rollercoaster for me. I’ve experienced a lot of ups and downs but through it all, I was able to learn a few valuable lessons that I’ll carry with me as I move forward into 2023.
Put yourself first
This is probably the biggest lesson that I learned this year. I’ve always been someone that’s been afraid to say no to people or let anyone down and to be quite honest, I still am. However, after turning down a few opportunities that would’ve been great for me this year out of fear of how they would affect those around me, I’ve finally discovered how important it is to put myself first. Despite not doing things because I didn’t want to negatively affect people around me multiple times this year, I’ve finally taken the jump and done something for myself. I’ve discovered that it’s okay to put yourself first and be a little selfish. Whether it’s big things or little things, always put yourself first.
Move at your own pace
At times I think that it’s easy to judge your life and what point you’re at, especially when it seems like those around you are at completely different stages in their lives. Everyone is at different points in their lives, so don’t judge your life based on where other people are in theirs. Everyone is going at their own pace, there is no timeline that decides where you should be.
Be comfortable being alone
I’ve honestly always been fairly comfortable being alone, but I feel like this year really showed me how important it is to be comfortable by yourself. There are going to be a lot of times throughout your life when you will be alone. The reality is that at the end of the day the only person you can truly rely on is yourself and it is important to be comfortable being by yourself.
Time will heal
When people used to tell me this, I would roll my eyes, but the truth is that time does heal. I mean, not entirely in some cases. Someone once told me, “It may not get easier, but it somehow gets easier to do.” When they told me this, I was honestly confused but as time has gone on, I discovered that they were right. Some things may never get better, and we may always carry a piece of some situations with us, but at some point, it gets easier to do that.
Family isn’t always blood
This year I found a group of friends that have quickly turned into my found family. Sometimes family relationships can be hard and it’s important to remember that it’s okay to start a family of your own, whether it’s through friends that feel like family or the real thing.
2022 was a bit of a weird year but I’m very grateful for all the lessons that it taught me because now I’m more prepared to go into the new year. Bring on 2023!