The past year has contained many highs, but also many lows. It has been both rewarding and challenging, but what’s great is that I’ve learned something from it all. So, here’s a list of some of the lessons I’ve learned over the past year.
I’m My Own Biggest Enemy
Just like many others, my own mind makes me feel like I’m not smart enough, pretty enough or worthy enough. Most of the time, these thoughts are one hundred percent a repercussion of my own insecurities. Over the last year, I realized how much I lack in the self-esteem department. It’s been a mission and a half to learn how to stop comparing myself to others, and it’s all about focusing on my own growth and not correlating my worth to what anyone else believes. I have spent so much time allowing my insecurities and uncertainties to control my life and this last year has really committed me to stop doubting myself and just try to be a better person than I was yesterday.
Be More Patient
Patience has never been my strong suit. Though it is often an effect of being tired, hungry or stressed, it shows an inability to regulate my emotions and be mature in certain situations. In professional situations, it comes down to understanding that just because I didn’t accomplish something today doesn’t mean I’ll never succeed at it. With personal relationships, I have a long history of being easily frustrated and frazzled when things don’t go the way I planned. The past year I’ve come to realize that good things take time and the more failures I have, the more chances I have to practice, improve, learn and grow. Impatience is never productive. It often leaves me on the cusp of anger, so focusing on being more patient has meant I can better listen to and understand those around me.
Mental and Physical Health is Dependent on Another
What I’ve tried focusing on this past year is my physical health and its impact on my mental well-being. In terms of physical health, I’ve ensured I’m sleeping enough hours, exercising at least a few days a week and eating a combination of healthy foods and decadent desserts. This has significantly impacted my mental health. Improving my physical health has decreased my stress levels and increased my overall happiness.
Struggles are Easy to Hide
I’m very good at hiding my struggles so who’s to say everyone else isn’t good at hiding their struggles as well? There are days when I am incredibly upset, stressed and angry but I don’t always express it to the people around me, so I imagine it’s the same for everyone else. What I’ve come to learn is that even if someone has made a snarky remark to me, kindness can go a long way.
Focusing on What Matters to me
Over the past year, I’ve really questioned what matters to me. Is it my relationships, my mental health or how much money I have in the bank? What brings me happiness and what is going to continue bringing me happiness in the future? I’ve never really sat down and thought about these questions until more recently. I think growing up has that effect on a lot of people. I’ve never had the chance to really discover who I want to be and what I want to experience because I’ve been too focused on passing that exam or nailing that interview to understand what brings me happiness. This past year has been a lot of self-discovery and actively experimenting to find something to smile about. Instead of constantly thinking about things I must do, I instead focus on all the things I get to do. I get to live, make mistakes, and discover myself.
Don’t Just Save Money, Invest it
Of course, it’s important to budget and save money, but what’s better than that is investing money. After doing a lot of research, I’ve created a diverse portfolio of stocks, ETFs and bonds that help me generate additional income. There is always a potential risk when investing, but there is also potential for a high return.
Life is full of uncertainty, fear and stressful situations, but it also involves a great amount of joy and happiness. I’m proud to say that the past year has made me stronger and ready to face new challenges.