[I skipped BLOGMAS last week. To anyone who was expecting a blog post last Sunday, I apologize! I was so busy last week that I barely had a second to sit down and write something. I had also promised myself that in 2020, I don’t want to post something on my blog just to post. I want to be proud of every piece I put out, and if that means sacrificing a week of BLOGMAS- then so be it. To make up for it, I’ll try to make this one even better].
As per tradition, and without further ado, here is my annual year recap:
2020…
Unpredictable. Transformative. Uncertainty. Chaotic Energy. Reflective. Pivotal. Just a few words my friends used to describe this monstrosity of a year. I couldn’t agree more. This year was nothing less of a shit-show. Before our eyes, the times had changed, history had been made, and the world was never the same. As the world changed, so did each and every one of our lives. We were tested- like we had never been tested before. Losses felt heavier. Kobe Bryant. Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Chadwick Boseman. Pop Smoke. Irrfan Khan. Rishi Kapoor. And my beloved friend, Areeb Hussain. We witnessed events that are going to be written into history books. The powerful movement of Black Lives Matter. The grim pandemic COVID-19 brought on. And an astonishing Presidential Election. Through our tears and the power of unity, we learned so much about ourselves and one another. 2020 was a rollercoaster- a terrifying ride with no end in sight- whilst screaming our heads off- all we wanted to do was get off the insane journey it took us on.
As it was a year of reflection and growth, here are some of the lessons 2020 drilled into my head.
Lessons…
As 2020 changed life as we knew it, I personally took away from it a fresh new outlook on what truly matters. In the past, I gave so much of my energy to friendships/family relationships despite how I was being treated in return. Stepping away from everyone and everything gave me a chance to realize which relationships in my life were genuine. I found that a lot of people have taken advantage of the person I am in so many ways, and I needed to get away from the noise to understand which relationships were draining me. I know this sounds a bit intense, but I truly believe that the friends/relationships I’m leaving with from 2020 are going to be here for life. They’re balanced, genuine, respectful and nurturing. There are some people who are only meant to be in your life for a season. In the moment, we may think they’re going to be there forever- but some relationships are meant to be temporary.
That being said, I’ve learned the value of being the bigger person in certain situations. There are some people who have already made their mind up about you. You’ll exhaust yourself trying to convince them of the kind of person you are. I personally know what I did for people that were once in my life, and it’s only indicative of their behavior on why they’re no longer part of my world now. I feel it best to do what you need to do to find peace in your heart. I never want to leave anything on bad terms with anyone, and I’m very aware that you never know when the last thing you say to someone will be the last time. Even on bad terms, practice kindness. Life is unpredictable and living with regrets isn’t something anybody needs.
I’ve also learned how heavy words and actions can be. A quick, caring text could make someone’s day, whereas a joke gone wrong can ruin someone’s week. Think twice before you speak, and be more mindful of the impact you could potentially have on somebody. That being said, it’s not always about you. Someone’s reaction to you doesn’t always mean that it’s personal. Most of the time, it comes from the inner/outer battles they’re fighting that you're probably completely unaware of. You don’t have to get so wrapped up in your head about it, and understand that as long as you’re intention wasn’t bad- you’re okay. We hear it all the time, but you never know what someone’s going through. This life is truly fleeting. We’re here for a second, and then we’re gone. Appreciate others and spread love while you still have the chance to.
My last big lesson is the importance of speaking up and speaking out against issues you’re passionate about. Spreading awareness this year was what created such a huge movement to make change (although there is still so much work left to do), and I encourage you to continue to do so whenever and wherever you can. Most of the information we consume comes from social media, and I feel like if there is a topic/world issue that is weighing heavy on your mind and you feel helpless- talk about it. Use the power of social media to share it. Of course, do everything you can for it off social media as well, but if you want more people to help your cause please take advantage of the tools technology has provided us with. You’re not alone and you definitely don’t have to fight for your cause alone.
There are even more personal/deeper lessons I've learned about myself- that I'm not quite ready to share yet. That's why this year's post won't be as deep and passionate as it usually is. I also feel like I shared what I learned as I went through 2020- so you can find a lot of those in-depth reflections in my previous posts.
What I want from 2021…
I don't want to say too much about what exactly I want from 2021. I made a vision board for the first time ever- and everything I wanted to put out into the universe is on there. There are a few ideas I definitely want to stick to, however, and I feel like I can better explain those on here.
2021 for me is all about protecting my peace. It’s not going to consist of me worrying about what others are thinking of me. It’s going to be me living each day to the absolute fullest, unapologetically.
It’s going to be me fully putting into practice that I can’t control everything. I can’t plan everything and also expect it all to stick to plan. I’ve got to be more laid back when things don’t work out because such is life. I’m also going to take a line from the book “F*ck Feelings”- “strengthen your resolve, not your muscles.” It’s not so much about what you need to change, but your willpower to follow through with it. That’s what needs tending to, and where your focus should be this year.
It’s going to be me enjoying my life as I’m living it. Anything can be taken away from you at any moment. Appreciate life. As it is. As it stands. Work hard for a better tomorrow, but don’t forget: The only moment that exists is the one you’re in right now.
A little about the blog…
I still plan on sticking to one blog post a month iA. I love the little community we’re creating on Instagram @SofStateOfMind and you can look for any and all updates there!
I wish you all a prosperous new year filled with inner and outer peace, and the strength to conquer this year. Remember to have faith, practice gratitude and spread kindness everywhere you go.
love, Sof
Comments