20 THINGS I LEARNT THIS YEAR

We are almost approaching a new year and there’s so much to reflect on and look back.

Recently, I’ve come across a few people online speaking on the 20 things that 2020 has taught them.

It's been inspiring to read and hear what people have found useful, learnt and inspired me to put together this post.

Here are the 20 things I’ve learnt, experienced in 2020 that will hopefully inspire you to write your own, even if we’re so close to crossing into a new year.

1. My salary was not the problem. It was my luck of knowledge, budgeting and management that caused me to worry and stress.

I basically lived from one pay-check to another. I’d be lying to say that it’s all roses because I’m still in the process of getting things organized.

However, I’ve picked up the right tools like the money plan by Warren Shute and total money makeover to steer me in the right direction. I’ve had to use side hustles, learn to save, budget and find creative ways to clear my debt.

2. Exploring my local town and city, actually felt like I travelled abroad.

I’d no idea that my small town would be filled with so much wonder, nature and culture. It’s in the little moments that we see beauty in the things around us.

3. Falling in love is beautiful but falling in love with God and family is even more beautiful.

In the summer of 2020, I joined an online dating site for the first time ever and I was excited! I spoke to a few guys and sure enough found a few that could’ve been potentials. It didn’t quite work out and I'm happy being single but it taught me about not neglecting the things that truly matter.

4. You decide whether to see grey or colour in your life.

Each day is precious and an opportunity for something new in your life. I know we all face difficulties and challenges, but choose to see colour in your life and if it's grey don't lose hope that tomorrow can shine just a little brighter.

5. It’s never too late to rebuild or chase after your dreams.

If you’ve read my post on no shortcuts to victory, I mentioned that I’m in pursuit of becoming a singer and musician. Being in a pandemic reminded me that it was never too late to pick it up again, and since then I aim to do something every day to reach my goal.

What can you pick up today and try again?

6. Silence was actually good for my soul.

I used to run away from quiet moments, but they've now become something I treasure. When you're constantly bombarded by noise, you fail to hear your heart's desire and where you are in that moment.

Meditation is one way of doing this but try starting your morning reading in silence and feel your thoughts come together.

7. Try new things and ideas, you never know what can come out of it.

This fits in perfectly with how blogging came about. I’d dabbled in writing but never took it seriously, until I spoke to a close relative who challenged me with ‘why not Annette’ you’ll never unless you try. And here we are today :)

So, I challenge you what are you holding back because of fear of trying?

Do it today

8. Friendships should be nurtured and treasured.

There’s a song by Andy Mineo that says, ‘where do I go when my soul’s hurting.’ Friendships are important, for our mental wellbeing and support system. Friends helps us get over breakups, understand what's next in our lives and cheer us on to achieve our goals. Invest in your friendships.

9. Practice gratitude daily.

You’ll be surprised at how far you’ve come and achieved when you celebrate your small wins and achievements.

10. Create more, Consume less.

It was easy in the beginning of lockdown to consume a lot of social media because honestly, we didn’t know what to do with all the time we had. As time went on, we then began to realise that instead of taking in so much information, we could start applying it and start creating. So, if you writer, singer, businessperson, technical, architecture or designer;

Create more in your field.

11. Fulfilment and contentment are found in celebrating other people’s successes. Often times, we can get envious of people that we see achieving the same goals we want to achieve, that we become bitter and frustrated.

But I’ve come to find that the more I celebrate someone’s success, whether in business or creativity I find contentment within myself. I’m only in competition with myself and no one else.

12. God is my source.

He’s provided in ways I sometimes fail to describe and to know that I can trust Him with my today, tomorrow and future gives me so much peace and security.

13. God’s protection & power is incomparable.

We’ve all been in situations where you think, "how did I dodge that” or "that could’ve hit me or affected me big time and you survived it." God is always with you and by your side. I’m reminded that His power is matchless to guide me along every step even in a New Year.

14. Read.

You’ll feel less anxious, increase your vocabulary and knowledge. I've found reading useful because it allows me to focus and understand the writer's point of view. Check out my recommended article on why you should making reading a habit.

15. Don’t miss out on an opportunity because you are afraid or anxious.

It’s in uncertainty that courage works best. Remember this;

16. Serve others and your community.

Find ways to become someone's answered prayer.

Do you know of a friend, colleague or neighbour who can benefit from you offering your time, finances or encouragement. I challenge you to think of someone you can serve today?

17. Be Kind to Yourself.

It's good for your mental health. Try speaking positive affirmations to yourself everyday, celebrating small achievements and forgiving yourself for making the wrong decision. We all learn from our experiences one way or the other.

18. Ask. The more you do, the more you learn.

Asking helps to promote growth and move you in the right direction. You'll understand things better, promote a healthy mindset by confirming to someone else that you don't understand everything.

Head into a new year not afraid to ask and ask why.

19. Sleep is a promise.

We are all designed for sleep for our body to recover and repair itself. I always have one of my favourite verses in mind whenever I struggle with sleep, which is this;

20. Know Your Worth and Value.

You are unique, with all your interesting personality and character :). There is no one else who can represent you as you can represent yourself.

Remember, that you are valuable and what you bring to the table matters - whether you're interviewing for a job, dating or entering a new venture in your life.

I wonder now if you can think of your 20 things?

Can you relate with any of these?

Comment, like or share.

Wishing you a prosperous new year filled with love, peace & joy!

Annette