Lessons of 2020

2020, 

What a year you've been! -One of many trials and tribulations to say the least, not to mention a global pandemic. You've turned my life upside down in so many ways, but you've also allowed me to take time to understand myself, my path in life, and be critical of my position in society. Here are twenty lessons you've taught me: 

1. Don't waste time on people who don't give you the respect you deserve. 

2. Tell people how you feel (good or bad) before it's too late.

3. Stand up for yourself. You're your own best advocate.

4. 99.9% of the things people say have nothing to do with you. Live your best life and don't get caught up in other's words. 

5. Not everyone needs or wants to hear from you. Save your thoughts and ideas for people who value you and what you have to say.

6. Your age doesn't determine your value, or how much respect you deserve. 

7. Be honest about the emotional baggage you carry. It's hard to be vulnerable, but talking about the hard things in life and finding ways to move forward is what makes you stronger. 

8. Cherish those who love and support you no matter what. Those are the people you should keep around. 

9. While it can be difficult to tell some times, good people will show you who they are. 

10. Time is both a friend and a faux. It helps you move forward in life, but it can also bring back memories that are difficult to process. However, most things in life get better with time.

11. Prioritize self-care. You're all you've got from the day you're born till the day you die. 

12. Live your life at your own pace. Life is not a race to the finish line, so while it's important to have goals, don't do anything that you're not ready for. 

13. Accept feedback with open arms. Encouragement from others to do better is usually given with good intentions. 

14. Letting go can often take longer than you think, and that's ok. 

15. Celebrate every victory you have in life, and take every hardship as a lesson.

16. Asking for help is a sign of strength.

17. Be kind and do kind things for others without expecting any reciprocity or external validation. 

18. Acknowledge that you're a work in progress. You'll be learning about yourself and improving yourself your whole life. Be proud of how far you've come. 

19. Never lower your standards. You're a Queen and deserve to be treated and complemented like one. 

20. The world is full of injustice, keep making noise. 

With that I say, 2020 you were a tough one, but you came with many lessons. 2021, I know you'll teach me a lot too, but I hope you're a gentler and more positive year. 

Happy New Year!