The Twenty Things That I Learned in 2020

This year has shown me that it is entirely possible to be no maintenance – I’m a cactus among human beings!

This is a time to celebrate! We are in that fabulous festive period after Christmas where anything goes. Can I have Bucks Fizz and Quality Street for breakfast? You absolutely can! Is it wrong to eat a whole box of mince pies in one sitting? Not in my book! Considering that both these examples involve food, it’s pretty clear to see how I’ve been filling my time recently. The end of 2020 is imminent and if that isn’t cause for celebration then I don’t know what is. As this year’s chapter is coming to a close, I have found myself reflecting on everything that has happened this year very often over the last few weeks. My aim for this blog was for it to always be as open and honest as possible. So, it didn’t seem right for this year to draw to a close without writing a little something about what I’ve been through and what I’ve learned this year. Because I’m sure that I speak for many of us when I say that this year has been the biggest learning curve that I’ve ever experienced.

So, without further ado, here are the twenty things that I have learned in 2020:

No.1 – There is no scarier situation than your parents taking sick. It’s a role reversal of the worst kind and it shows you that whatever your age you will always need your parents.

No.2 – You are never an inconvenience to someone if you are asking for help. You don’t have to do everything on your own and no one is going to judge you for being vulnerable.

No.3 – You should only cultivate the relationships in your life where your emotional investment is reciprocated.

No.4 – Long Walk in Windsor Great Park really is a long walk. Three and a half hours’ worth for my little legs, which is definitely too long for a socially distanced stroll – proceed with caution!

No.5 – It is entirely possible to spend too much time playing Spyro on PS4. It was nostalgic at first, but if I ever see that little dragon again it will be too soon.

No.6 – Never let anyone take advantage of your time and energy.

No.7 – Pointless is by far the most superior game show on television and I won’t let anyone tell me otherwise.

No.8 – Your own company can sometimes be the best company.

No.9 – However, spending too much time on your own isn’t healthy. It got to the point this year where I couldn’t make more than one plan a week without getting anxious and wanting to cancel, very unlike me.

No.10 – The only person that can navigate the course of your life is you – so trust yourself always, you know what’s best for you so never doubt it.

No.11 – You may not have everything figured out right now and that is completely fine – you have nothing but time.

No.12 – Never ever underestimate the healing power of a nap.

No.13 – Don’t judge yourself for not making any “progress” this year. I am incredibly guilty of this, but instead, you should just be proud of yourself for continuously trying your best.

No.14 - I used to think that I was a pretty low maintenance person. But this year has shown me that it is entirely possible to be no maintenance – I’m a cactus among human beings!

No.15 – Treat yourself like you would treat your best friend. There are enough people in the world that are willing to say negative things about you, you don’t have to be one of them.

No.16 – Your ideas, whether they are big or small, are always worth pursuing.

No.17 – The “right time” doesn’t exist, so stop waiting and put yourself out there.

No.18 – Don’t ever feel guilty for putting yourself first. The most important relationship that you have in your life is the one that you have with yourself and it should always be a priority.

No.19 – If something makes you happy it can never be a waste of time.

No.20 – Even when it feels like things can’t get any worse, the universe will show you that it definitely can. Just when I thought I was safe from the nightmare that is 2020, a tree fell on top of my car. However, it’s so important to remember in this and every moment of struggle that you aren’t going through it all for nothing.

This year has been such a yo-yo year. I’ve had good days, lots of bad days, but realistically that is so common. Everyone goes through ups and downs and maybe your bad period will be longer than your good. I know for certain that they always feel unending. However, it’s so important to remember that whatever you’re going through it isn’t going to last forever. My best friend always tells me that good things are coming and at times this year I wasn’t always convinced that that was true. It’s funny though, and I’m aware that what I’m about to say is wishy-washy, after you spend time affirming to yourself that good things and positive changes are coming, you’ll mysteriously find that they actually do!

The biggest lesson that I have learned this year, a year that has left many of us scrambling for some kind of control in our lives, is that the power for change lies solely within ourselves. Over the last few months, I’ve watched positive changes occur in my life like a sceptical observer. It wasn’t until I realised that all of these changes were my own doing that the scepticism vanished. So, this is the thought that I want to end with today, the last day of the worst year. Go into the new year armed with the knowledge that whatever it may bring you are always in control: of your emotions, your decisions and your reactions. Whilst many things will try to influence it, the only person or thing that can control your life is you - always remember that!

M x