7 Things I learned This Year
This year I learned...
1. I don't have to be in everyone's business.
Although it's nice to know that people value your presence in their life, being in a lot of group chats, the phone constantly dinging, forwarded messages that later on proved to be fake news living rent-free in my head, sucking the energy out of me. It isn't just worth it archiving, muting, or leaving groups for the sake of my mental health but it also made my day-to-day more productive.
2. I have control over how I spend my time.
I don't blame people for being online 24/7 especially now that we are in a pandemic but I realized the more I stay connected, the less I get to spend quality time with the people who are right beside me. I learned to disconnect every now and then so I can be present in the moment. And you know what I discovered? Sometimes that person who needed me the most is actually ME.
3. There's so much peace in saying NO.
I was mentally drained during the last part of this year and Mike pointed out it's because I am too nice of a person. I am the type who would always show up and would even offer to do things for other people. I immediately heard Oprah's voice in my head saying, "We train people how to treat us. When we keep saying yes to them, they will always come back and want more from us."
I learned there's no shame in saying no to things you really don't want to do especially if it takes away so much peace from you. Plus, you get to teach people how to fend for themselves.
4. Ask WHY a couple of times.
Why am I doing this? Why am I buying this? Why am I posting this?
I am such a people pleaser. I find myself in situations where I would spend time, money, and energy all because I want people to like me. It's terrible because then, I do things out of vanity not because I genuinely care. So now, I would ask myself the question why at least a couple of times to learn my heart's true intentions.
5. There's so much strength in being still and quiet.
I learned moving a lot and moving quickly isn't the only way to solve life's problems. Sometimes it's when you pause, become still and quiet that you get to really think straight. And I have to thank yoga for making me realize this. I am able to be calmer and logical now rather than being reactive whenever challenges arise.
6. I need to stop apologizing for doing what is right at the moment.
Again this stems down to being a people pleaser. I like to say sorry for when I can't show up because my kids need me, reply to messages late because I was busy living my life, or when I can't give gifts because I chose to budget our finances. People will and should understand—no need for me to explain and most especially apologize for what I can offer at the moment.
7. I don't have to be good at everything.
I know I have skills and talents. I know I am capable. I know I can do many things. But do I have to? Do I have to be good at everything? Why can't we give chance for others to shine?
How about you? Are there any life lessons that you learned this year? Share it with us by leaving a comment below or sending us an email at hello@lifewithkids.blog.
Happy new year, everyone! Cheers!