2019… Thank You For The Lessons.

It’s that time of the year where I’ve lost track of days, slept for hours on end after Christmas and at a stage where I just sit back and think about everything that’s happened in 2019.

Now… I would be lying if I said this year was 100% a blast because it really wasn’t. Yes, I had MANY highs, but I’ve had a lot of lows as well.

This year in particular has tested my strength and patience more than anything. For me, this is the year where life fully hit me from all angles and at times it was extremely difficult keeping my head above water.

I encountered a lot of challenges, and at times I struggled to maintain focus through it all. Apart from the negatives, I’m beyond grateful that I found my sisterhood at work, that I’ve been introduced to really bright souls in my professional and personal life and that I have lovely people around me all of the time that make me feel safe and grounded.

As much as life comes with a load of laughs, cries and tantrums, there’s been a massive theme of change for me this year. I am on a crazy journey, and coming to terms with things not always being perfect is, in my experience, the best way of dealing with reality when it hits.

Here are 5 main lessons I learnt this year that I will be taking with me in the next decade and beyond.

Time Is Precious.

Sounds very cliche but it’s so true. Time is so valuable in our lives. Never forget to tell a loved one that you love them. Honour those around you and make it known that you appreciate them. Life is too short, so don’t let trivial things disturb your peace and allow your level of spontaneity run wild instead.

Not Everybody Deserves Access To You.

From when I was a kid, I always wanted to help and give my time to others because it always made me feel better. It was never a tit-for-tat thing because seeing others happy made me happy as well. I expected nothing in return. However, one thing I learned the hard way is: not everyone has the same intentions or heart as you, and people will take, take and take until you have nothing left. You need to protect your sanity, your mental health and your energy at all costs.

There were times where I felt bad whenever someone wanted my help and I wasn’t in the right headspace to help them, such as if I’m having an overwhelming day or if I’m not feeling my normal self. But one thing I’ve come to realise is this – anyone that knows you and your character will know that it’s nothing personal and that you have the right to you time whenever you feel like you need it. A good friend of mine always reminds me that you cannot pour out of an empty cup, so taking care of yourself first before you take care of others is key.

Give Yourself The Love You Give To Others.

I went to an event this year with two lovely podcasters in attendance, and I remember one of them saying something along the lines of “You wouldn’t go up to your best mate and say they don’t look great today, so why would you say it to yourself?” and it triggered me DIFFERENTLY. She hit a nerve in me that I didn’t know was there! I call my close friends Queens or Sisters, but I never look at myself and say “you know what Nay, you look fabulous” or “You’re strong”, it’s always something borderline negative in a banterous way, and I know it plays with me subconsciously. I need to talk to myself in a way that is not detrimental, but is healthy and loving. Actions to myself need to be just the same.

What Is Yours Will Be Yours.

Whether it be a dream job, the person you want to work things out with or a promotion at work, what is yours will be yours. We live in a society where we love to rush the process of things without thinking logically about our journeys. We focus too much on comparing ourselves to our counterparts and rushing the idea of “success”, instead of taking our time with things, writing a career plan or attending courses to strengthen our areas of expertise.

What will happen is all down to ones experience as well as work ethic, but what I’ve realised is that taking each day as it comes and focusing on being present, helps me understand things more clearly. Stepping back and remembering my accomplishments really keeps me grounded, and anything I want in this life I’ll work hard for, and what is for me will find me.

Guardian Angels Exist, And They’re Taking Care Of You. 

This 5th and final point is extremely personal. I’m a strong believer in protectors looking over each and every one of us, and I believe whether it’s family members, ancestors and friends that have come and gone, there are energies that are looking over us and are making sure that no matter what challenges we go through, everything will be okay in the end.

Trust that inner voice, and believe that not everyone is against you. 

I’ll be going into the next decade with open arms, accepting God’s love and staying true to myself.

Wishing everyone a wonderful 2020 and beyond.

2019, it was fun. Thank you for all the lessons you’ve taught me.

Nay xo

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