Lessons from 2020
Every year may not be good but there is something good in every year. We can all agree that 2020 will definitely be a year we won’t forget. For many reasons, some of them are very painful especially if you experienced the loss of a loved one. Death is one of the most painful of losses. However, that is not the only type of loss that we can grieve.
I recently did a podcast about how your pain is valid. There will always be someone better off or worse than you are. That fact does not take away from each of our own unique experiences. My therapist reminds me constantly not to compare my struggles to others. I encourage you to do the same.
One thing I am definitely taking into this next year is to see every change, challenge or struggle as an opportunity to practice self-compassion. To acknowledge that I am in pain and validate those feelings based on me alone not in comparison with someone else.
While this year was not easy it gave me some growth in 3 areas.
Self-love
I wrote about my new walking habit in this blog post. I proved to myself the importance of physical activity for my mental health. We know many at this time of year think about their goals and one of them being weight loss.
For me, I am making exercise about my mental health and I feel that is a stronger motivator for me than weight loss. I feel the difference when I don’t work out and when I am not able to get outside.
Walking is a great way to release anxiety and stress. I also feel the change in my body getting stronger. It does not mean I don’t have flare-ups or down days but it does mean that I can recover quicker and not stay down as long.
THE WISDOM OF A SUNFLOWER
This year made me appreciate the sunflower more and how I can be more like a sunflower 🌻
🌻growing where I’m planted
☀️keeping my face to the sun and back to the shadows.
☀️even in the darkest days I can stand tall and find the sun.
Listen to my latest podcast to find out two more things that I learned from 2020.
Thank you to all of you who have taken the time to read my blog posts and share this with someone who can benefit.
