Things that 2020 Has Taught Me

It is hard to believe that we are at the end of 2020.  This is my last blog post of the year, so I wanted to take some time to reflect on what this year has meant to me.

While it has undoubtedly been a challenging and crazy year (to say the least), I also feel that I have grown and learned so much over the last 12 months…more specifically the last 9.  The uncertainty that this year has brought has made me more certain than ever in the things that I want out of life. 

Instead of ending the year by focusing on all the negative things that have happened, I want to take this time to reflect on the things I have learned and/or the positive things that 2020 has brought. 

Patience

Who else used to go to the grocery store and get irritated when there was a long line?  Small things like this just do not bother me anymore.  Maybe it is because I have nowhere else to be and not much of an agenda anymore, but I find that I am much more patient with day-to-day processes now. 

My Personal Bubble

This may be a surprise to some of you, or maybe not, but at heart, I am an introvert and I do not particularly love being around people…especially not groups of people.  The whole “social distancing” thing is this introvert’s dream come true.  You are telling me that now it is considered socially acceptable for me to expect for the rest of the world to give me 6ft of breathing room…yes, please!  I love this because I love having some space. 

A Solid Excuse to Avoid Gatherings

Finally!  I do not need an excuse to avoid large gatherings!  Another dream come true for me.  I like my small social circle and I like getting together in small groups, but, more often than not, I like to have an excuse to avoid the larger gatherings.  I no longer feel obligated to attend social gatherings and feel like I have a good excuse to turn down offers now. 

Science is Real.

More than ever, I have realized how important science is and how important following the science is to me.  I work in healthcare.  I was trained to follow the science.  I will continue to believe in and follow science.  I am choosing to continue my education because I want a more scientific based education.  I am incredibly tired of fads, trends, and poorly backed theories when it comes to health and nutrition.  I am following the science.  There will be things that I learn that I do not love and there will be things that I learn and share that you do not want to hear, but I am committed to learning that information and sharing it with people, like it or not! 

Simplicity

This year has made me realize how much I do not need.  The little things became much more important to me.  My life is so simple now.  I have slowed down.  I do not have an agenda anymore.  My planner is much emptier than it used to be, and I love that.  I work enough to support myself, but I still take a lot of time for myself. 

Empathy

Our country is in a cold civil war at the moment.  It can be hard to take a step back and try to respect and understand where others are coming from, especially if you strongly disagree with them. But know this…just because a situation may not directly impact you, does not make it any less real.  I encourage you all to take a step back and try to see things from somebody else’s point of view.  Try to understand why they feel the way that they do and be empathetic.  Agree or disagree just stop being so hateful about it. 

A combination of all these things has somehow given me the confidence to pursue a different path in my life.  I have thought about and wanted to go back to school for years, but have always found a reason not to.  Something about this pandemic has made me realize that life is too short, and I am too young to not explore options I am interested in.  Since I have realized how little I need to get by, the stakes somehow do not seem as high. 

While 2020 has been a wild ride, I will not sit here and wish it away.  Instead, I choose to embrace the lessons it has taught me.  These are only a small portion of the things I have learned this year.  Just like everybody else, I am ready to say goodbye to 2020, but only because I am excited about what a new year will bring us.  Enjoy the last of 2020 and take a moment to reflect on the things this year has taught you. 

What positive things have you gained from 2020?