Lessons We Learned in 2020
Lately, every time someone asks me, “How are you?” I reply with “Yeah good thanks, yourself?” Which is true to some degree, but if I were to really dig deep and be blatantly honest, I’d probably say, “I’m utterly exhausted and ready to karate kick 2020 into the history books.” This year has been an absolute shemozzle - to put it politely.
Every time I struggle to get out of bed or put my usual energy into conversations, I tell myself, “Only a few weeks left and then I can rest and recharge.” But, all the while there is this tiny, know-it-all voice in my head that keeps putting in its two-cents worth and saying, “Hey there, January 1st isn’t a magic fix – don’t kid yourself.” Ah yes, the voice of reason. Despite my very evident dislike for this little voice, I know it’s trying to help.
So yes, let’s make sure we celebrate surviving this insane year and say your goodbyes to it – of course! But, let’s also make sure we look back on what lessons we’ve learned this year and how we can use these lessons in 2021 to take on any challenges that are waiting for us.
1. GROCERY STORES WILL ALWAYS BE OPEN… ALWAYS
Ah… yep. Let’s just acknowledge this lesson and move on.
2. YOU CANNOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR OTHERS – ONLY FOR YOURSELF
I can empathise with the frustration of doing the right thing under strict health codes and seeing people doing the wrong thing – seemingly without consequence. Remember this, you can only control your own behaviour. As you walk into 2021, don’t forget to travel light; leave other people’s behaviour and responsibilities behind. Focus on you.
3. HUMAN VALUES HOLD STRONG UNDER PRESSURE
A lot happened this year – even the devastating bushfires were this year. What we saw during this time of devastating animal, land and infrastructure loss was how Australia came together. Human values of connectedness, kindness, generosity and empathy were on display. It can be so easy to focus on the negatives of society and humankind, but don’t forget to look out for the strength of human values in 2021 – it’s beautiful to witness.
4. WE CAN’T COUNT ON TOMORROW
Tomorrow is never guaranteed. 2020 was very clear about this; weddings, birthdays, travel and more were all thrown completely off course this year. And yes, it is great to plan and be excited for the future, but make sure you are doing the important stuff now.
5. MENTAL HEALTH IS PARAMOUNT
2020 brought with it a tsunami of mental health concerns. It threw us all for a curveball. It had a huge impact on mental health. Many people who had never considered their mental health had it brought to their attention in a flash. The fact of the matter is, we all have mental health and it needs to be cared for, protected and considered. Mental health is paramount to our functioning and wellbeing so make it a priority for yourself in 2021 and notice the difference.
6. HUMAN CONNECTION IS VITAL
Before lockdown, incidental connections were taken for granted – conversations at work, talking to cashiers and saying hello on a morning walk. There was a very clear void where these connections once were. And yes, we all tried Zoom catch ups, FaceTime and phone calls… but it wasn’t the same. It wasn’t the same as a hug, a high-five or a car ride together.
2020 showed us just how strongly we are wired for connection. So, as much as you might love a quiet afternoon to yourself, remember to prioritise human connection every once in a while in 2021 – you’ll be glad you did.
7. WE HAVE TO FOCUS ON THE PRESENT MOMENT
2020 threw a lot at us – and anxiety and stress were some big ones. In the Buddhist way of life people are encouraged to focus on the present moment. Focusing on the present moment helps to reduce anxiety and stress because your mind cannot take you to places of potential problems or difficulties. When you are in the present moment, you cannot do more than you are already doing and there is great beauty and strength in that.
8. LEARN TO ACCEPT AND LOVE YOUR OWN COMPANY
Finally one for the introverts. Sorry extroverts, but taking time to accept and love your own company is invaluable. This year gave us so many changes, unexpected twists and turns and it taught
us that we are our only constant. So, as you enter 2021, focus on loving yourself and loving your own company. Be your own friend.
9. WE ARE STRONGER THAN WE THOUGHT – LOOK, YOU’RE READING THIS NOW
The simple fact of the matter is, you made it. You are continuing to make it. If someone had told you what was going to happen this year, it would have been totally reasonable to panic, breakdown and feel overwhelmed. But you did it. You did it without warning. You did it without a road map. You did it with all the challenges and struggles that came your way. You survived and you will continue to survive. You are stronger than you thought and the fact you are reading this right now is proof of that.
There is no right or wrong way to think about 2020. There is no right or wrong way to deal with it either. You might want to write down everything you hated about this year and burn it.
Or you might want to write down everything you are grateful 2020 brought to you. You might want to never, ever think about this year again.