This past year has given me many opportunities to learn and grow. While I’ll admit, not all of those “opportunities” were welcomed—despite all that, learn and grow, I did.
While, I’m not by nature a list-maker, I have put together a list of some of the lessons I learned from the year gone by. I’m sure there were more than what I’ve listed here, but these are the ones that jump out at me as I write this post. Perhaps some of these will resonate with you.
So here, in no particular order, is my lessons learned in 2023 list.
- Know who your real friends are. I am so fortunate to have some wonderful friends in my life who really came through for me in 2023.
- We all falter. I don’t care who you are. Don’t worry that other people might think you look weak. They go through their times too. You just don’t see it.
- You can’t please some people no matter how much you might want to. I’ve come to understand that some people don’t want to be pleased. It gives them nothing to grumble about.
- Not everyone is nice; some people are mean and petty. Sad but true. And yes, they will use passive aggressive measures to get back at you. Do not stoop to their level no matter how tempting it might be. Ignore their behaviour and move on.
- Be kind to yourself whenever possible. Kindness is a a trait we like to extend to others but sometimes we forget to extend that same kindness to ourselves and even those closest to us.
- Don’t believe everything you’re told. (This was a big one for me this past year.)
- Ask for clarification when you don’t understand something. Instead of becoming offended over something someone says, ask them what they mean. Don’t presume to know. In this age of messaging and texting we are losing the ability to understand the meaning behind what someone is saying. Emojis can only convey so much.
- Sometimes you have to go on blind faith. If you find yourself unable to “enjoy the journey” try focusing on the end result instead. I know there are people who don’t agree with this and that’s okay, but sometimes that’s all you’ve got. I say whatever gets you through.
- Don’t dwell on the crap of the past. Be grateful when life improves for you and try not to ruminate about what was.
- Some years are just tougher than others.
I am looking forward to 2024. I expect it to be much improved over the past several years. I’ve some intentions I plan to put my attention on and if the universe is willing I’ll manage to fulfill some of them.
Happy New Year to the readers out there there and my thanks to all of you who have and continue to support me as a writer and, more importantly, as a person.
What lesson/lessons did you learn in 2023?