2018: Things I've Learned
This time every year, I try to think back on what I've learned over the previous year. It's the perfect time for reflection, and has become something of a personal tradition. This year, however, I haven't done a lesson for every year because I wanted to focus on quality over quantity (says the girl about to talk about fluffles)
Weigh Happiness + Longevity
I'm going to start off with the biggest lesson I learned this year, which was actually advice given directly to me from one of my favourite people on this planet: my grandma. And that is to consider how happy/unhappy an action will make you vs how happy/unhappy the same action will make anyone else would would be affected. Also take into consideration the length of said (un)happiness. ie; if there's a print that you absolutely love and would make you smile every time you looked at it, but your SO isn't the biggest a fan, get the print. Your SO will forget about it, while you'll continue on finding happiness from it. (This does not mean get the print if your SO hates it and will be annoyed every time they look at it) But really this applies to so many aspects of life and is way better than trying to be a people pleaser.
Oat milk is delicious
I've tried a fair number of milk substitutes in my time. I cannot stand the taste or texture of rice milk, for example, but I found that almond milk has been pretty tolerable for a number of years. This year, however, I tried oat milk and my entire life has been changed for the better.
Recognition isn't indicative of skill
Just because you aren't explicitly recognised for your skills, doesn't mean they don't exist. Many famous artists failed in their art careers while living, but but became famous and worth tons of money after death. They weren't any less skilled during their lifetimes, their value just wasn't recognised. Don't be afraid to recognise your own value.
A kitten is not just a cat
Apparently, a baby rabbit is a kitten and group of rabbits is a fluffle. Didn't know that? Me either, until this year!
It's important to be critical of yourself
It's natural to shy away from self-criticism. Considering your own personal downfalls and their implications can be a bit dismal. But it's really important to check in with yourself for self growth to occur. It's also good to note that being less than perfect really is okay. It's much better to be an imperfect person who tries than an imperfect person in denial.
What's your part in the situation?
It's super easy to become defensive really quickly. "Why did that person give me a dirty look? I wasn't doing anything" But have you actually considered if you might've been doing something after all?
Walk barefoot in the grass
Call me a hippy, but I think sometimes it's important to reconnect with the earth. We're indoors so much of the time these days. When we're outside we're in shoes. Take your shoes off and ground yourself, even just for a little while.
Replace "why is this happening to me?" with "what is this teaching / telling me?"
I think I am making good progress on leaving "oh woe is me" behind. This year a big step in that is choosing to find the lesson in things, rather than self-pity.
Magnesium is a rockstar
One time, a random man who I'd never met gave me a lecture about how amazing magnesium is and how many benefits it has. I thanked him and we parted ways. Not taking his advice to action, as he was a stranger, it still stuck with me over several years. This year I started taking magnesium and let me tell you, it really does a lot! Most notably, it helps with sleep, which I am all about.
Learning a lesson isn't the same as implementing / practicing it
After facing a harsh reality, it can be easy to say "great, done and dusted, don't need to worry about that anymore". But the truth is you need to exercise your life lessons until they become habit/routine. Check in with yourself regularly to see if you're actually practising what you've learned.
Painting house is overrated
I remember moving into my first apartment and wanting so desperately for the walls to be anything other than white. I longed for a landlord who would allow a little colour. Now, I fully know, it's a trap. Paint is incredibly hard to settle on when factoring in lighting, room decor, room size, sheen, etc etc etc etc. Then, the actual process of painting is super time consuming and physical. Plus, it's strangely expensive.
Admitting you're wrong is better than being right
Think about when you were having a disagreement with someone, and you were 100% sure they were incorrect. But they kept making up all of these lies to skirt around admitting they were wrong. And you could see right through it. Then, think about a time when someone made an honest mistake and immediately owned up to it; refreshing, right? Other people are actually much more inclined to think highly of someone who can recognise to themselves and others when they are wrong than someone who is always right.
You don't have to wear makeup every day
I was never one to shy away from taking a trip to the grocery store with a bare face. In fact, I've never been huge on makeup to begin with, only tending to wear mascara and eyeliner when I do have makeup on. But I did always feel obligated to wear makeup at work, as part of my "business casual" dress code. This year I realised that unless it's directly stated in your dress code, it's really just a personal choice. Having makeup free days at work has saved me time in the morning, has given my eyes a break, and has been comforting in an unexpected way.
What lessons have you learned in this trip around the sun? I'd love to hear!