20 Lessons I Learnt in 2020

Trust me when I say that in a year that’s looked like 2020, it’s absolutely more than okay to not take anything from it. No lessons, no goals ticked off,  mammoth achievements, big TEDx inspired revelations, no nothing. It’s really okay if you got through it- no ‘just’ about it. Because you didn’t ‘just’ get through the year. It’s been overwhelming, challenging mentally and physically and my god, you’ve done amazingly- it’s December 31st and you’ve done it (and you don’t need me to tell you about what a year it’s been either)…

Because if we’ve learnt anything this year, sometimes getting through hardships, challenges and meteor-sized curveballs (which can all be classed as understatements of the year) is more than enough. More than ever, this year I think has proved that we are not the product of our achievements, our careers, or the things we have or haven’t yet ticked off. We’re made up of so much more. Big and small acts and gestures, intimate acts of kindness, mistakes, learnings- and honestly, we’re all muddling through in some way or another. Whether or not we realise it, next year we’d have learnt something from this one gone. We’re so much more resilient and adaptable than we realise, and honestly- that’s pretty huge.

Saying that, because I’m a daft cow (which even when typed sounds better in Hugh Grant’s voice)- I thought I’d write down a few little takeaways and lessons from this year. They’re not groundbreaking, and I’m sure you would have seen similar in a lovely Instagram graphic (except maybe the one about heartburn), but I thought I’d share them nonetheless, as there was a nice bit of comfort in writing it all out before the year is out. But- whatever happens, go easy on yourself. I hope you can ease yourself gently into the new year- no pressure, no expectation and just a soppy (but invaluable and reliable) bit of kindness. You’re doing brilliantly- and happy new year!

x

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