16 Valuable Lessons Learned in 2020

Whew, 2020 was a year, that’s for sure. However you choose to look at it, there’s no question that 2020 halted many things and gave us a good kick in the rear end! This also gave us time to reflect, rethink, and reevaluate. So, I’m sharing 16 valuable lessons I learned in 2020 and how they shifted my perspective.

On a personal note, 2020 was a life-changing year. I said goodbye to a couple of things that no longer brought joy into my life and rethought my career and what direction I wanted to take. I took a (formal) stand against a toxic bully while supporting others in stepping forward, and most importantly, I prioritized my mental health and well-being.

16 Valuable Lessons Learned in 2020

1. Your health and family are what matters.

2020 highlighted this more than ever, and I’m thankful for that, as I’ve seen it make a difference for many friends and loved ones.

2. Learn to let go of trying to control things.

The truth is there is little we can control. So it’s essential not to waste precious time trying to control things that aren’t ours to manage in the first place.

Instead, learn to let go and focus on what you can control: your actions, reactions, and choices.

If you’re struggling emotionally, seeking support in difficult times is a sign of strength; that’s another important choice you have control over.

3. There is no time for petty drama or toxic people.

Life is short, and your energy is a limited resource. Drama and toxicity negatively impact your well-being, which can then affect the ones you love most.

Distance yourself from toxic people and set clear boundaries.

It may be a childhood friend, a sibling, or a cousin…I know it’s a challenge to remove these people from your life entirely, but in some cases, it’s necessary.

Choosing not to have people in your life has nothing to do with being vindictive, selfish, or not being forgiving. It has to do with your inner peace and not being drained by drama, negativity, and manipulation.

I love this quote from Mandy Hale, “You can love them, forgive them, want good things for them…but still move on without them.” Can I get an Amen to that? 💯

4. The importance of investing in your personal growth.

Your personal growth matters. Evolving into the best person you can be and achieving big or small goals is worth it. This is one of my favourite valuable lessons learned in 2020.

I know I’m biased as personal growth is the focus of this site, but having gone through 2020, most people have realized the importance of investing in themselves to create a life they love and living more joyfully. If you’re focused on those things, you’ve come to the right place. This site was created exactly for those reasons.❤️

5. Slowing down is essential.

You don’t need to be productive at all times. It’s okay to have days where you do nothing and take time for yourself. This is not being selfish or lazy.

6. Doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals are the true heroes. 👩🏻‍⚕️🩺

We all owe so much to the brave people who work in the medical and emergency fields.

During this pandemic (and always), any hardworking frontline worker deserves our respect, appreciation, and love. This includes cashiers, delivery people, Social Workers, bus drivers, cleaning staff, construction workers, and the list goes on.

7. Difficult times reveal truths about people.

Nuff’ said!

8. Nature has healing power.

That’s literally true. Sunshine is a known factor in increasing a hormone in your brain called serotonin.☀️

Serotonin is known to boost your mood and help you feel calmer and more focused. Getting vitamin D from sunshine also has health benefits (don’t forget the sunscreen).

Nature walks, breathing in the fresh air, listening to the sound of waves, the smell of fresh flowers, walking barefoot in the grass or beach sand all of these things help you feel happier and more peaceful. Connecting with nature is a beautiful thing, so let’s do our best to take care of it.

9. Only the present moment is guaranteed. Make the best of it.

This is one of the most powerful lessons I learned in 2020, and I know many people who feel the same way. This awareness increases our enjoyment of daily life and all that we have to be thankful for.

Related article: Celebrate Yourself-23 Fun Ways To Boost Your Confidence & Joy

10. The need to make self-care a priority.

Self-care is another focus here. I know it’s a term that some people roll their eyes at, but the reality is that self-care is essential to physical and emotional well-being.

You can call it what you like, but whatever you do, please don’t neglect your needs, feelings, or health issues. You are no help to others when you’re depleted, overwhelmed, and burnt out.

Remember, true self-care isn’t about spending money on expensive spa days or vacations. It’s about taking time to tend to our physical, emotional, and spiritual needs daily.

If you or anyone you know is not taking good care of themselves and needs pampering, here are 56 essential self-care products and gift ideas.

Related article: Self-Care Sundays – 60 Ultimate Ideas to Relax & Recharge

11. Not to take things for granted. Gratitude is a superpower (practice it daily).

This is such an important lesson to remember and live by. Each day is a gift, and it’s up to us what we do with it.

Gratitude is one of the easiest ways to lift your spirits, appreciate all you have, and increase your overall mood.

My friend Shauna shared this powerful quote with me on an Instagram post: “Any day above ground is a good day.” If this doesn’t put things into perspective, I’m not sure what would.

12. The basics are all we need.

Yes, new shoes, the latest gadget, a new bracelet, anything made by Apple (lol), and luxurious spa days are all great. Who doesn’t love to treat themselves now and then?

Although most of us were aware none of these things were necessary before, I think 2020 highlighted that to a greater extent and really helped us appreciate all of the “basics” we do have and how blessed and privileged we are to have those: healthcare, a warm shower, a cozy bed, food, clean water and a home to be safe in.

13. Enjoy the little things; they bring the most joy. ❤️

A smile, hug, warm tea, a great book, a nature walk, pancakes and all of the magical little goodies that bring joy to our day are the best! Savour them.

14. Get ahead of your mental health before it gets ahead of you.

When it comes to valuable lessons in 2020, this one should not be ignored. Anxiety and depression have been soaring because of all the stressors and uncertainties the pandemic brought.

Notice how you feel, talk to a friend, pray, practice deep breathing, or do whatever works for you.

If you feel you’re deteriorating, are overwhelmed, feel hopeless, or are consistently exhausted, don’t hesitate to seek professional support through therapy. It may very well be one of the best things you do for yourself.

Therapy is something most people need at some point in their lives, yet most people never go, whether it’s because they feel ashamed, are worried about stigmatization, or that people will judge them.

You need to work on and maintain your wellness, emotional stability, coping skills, and resilience, regardless of what anyone else thinks.

15. Patience is a necessary virtue.

It’s hard to be patient sometimes, but this pandemic has made us more aware of how essential this virtue is and the difference it can make in our lives.

16. There’s no better time than right now.

Chase that dream, take that risk, do something new, and go for it.

Life’s short, my friends. If you’ve wanted to start a small business or blog, learn to play an instrument, paint, or start a DIY project, don’t hesitate. This, for me, is one of the most significant of the valuable lessons learned.

It can also be on a larger scale, such as leaving your job or an unhealthy relationship or moving.

Do your best to figure out a plan, reach out to your support, and get professional assistance if needed so that you can move forward and not remain stuck in a soul-sucking situation.

Don’t wait for everything to be perfect or to be ready because neither of those things will ever happen.

And for a few more lessons learned in 2020 😊

• You don’t need that much toilet paper.🧻
• Happy Birthday is a great song to wash your hands to.
• There is no shortage of stupidity in this world.
• Some rules aren’t meant to be broken.
• Always expect the unexpected.

Final Thoughts on Valuable Lessons Learned in 2020

You made it. You are stronger, more resilient, and braver than you give yourself credit for. It wasn’t easy, and this year will probably be much of the same, but if you were able to take away any of these or other valuable lessons and see how 2020 also brought joy and blessings, you are ahead of the game, and you will be more than alright moving forward.

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