You’re seeing the title right, now we didn’t fast forward to January first and the start of 2020, it’s still only June. I’m still in disbelief that this year is already half over. It’s already the middle of June, and I feel like somehow I’ve been missing out on something… In some ways, I don’t feel like the year has quite begun like it’s not too late to press the reset button. But I also have to see this is such a great opportunity for growth not only for myself but for the world around us. Even though it isn’t even close to being over I wanted to reflect on what 2020 has taught me thus far and how I think this year is going to be a year that changes me forever.
I’ve realized I need my intuition more credit. In many instances, I can figure out if it’s the right place for me pretty quickly. I’ll get that gut feeling in less than ideal situations. Instead of being complacent this year has taught me to focus on my own well being and get the hell out. I shouldn’t second guess and try to justify a decision when my intuition tells me this is the wrong idea.
With this also comes the confidence to speak up. This year has thrown so many curveballs I haven’t been sure how to react to. But one this is for sure is that I’ve learned to use my voice. As a recovering people pleaser and codependent, to speak what’s on my mind and to speak out against things that aren’t in my own best interest or the best interest of others has been something I have always struggled with. I hate to rock the boat. But 2020 has taught me I don’t need to stay quiet to avoid an uncomfortable conversation, sometimes that conversation is the exact conversation that needs to be had. Learning to articulate my feelings and what I know is right has been such a huge lesson for me.
Work-life balance, if I gleaned anything from the last 6 months it’s just how important a work-life balance is. “Company culture”, trips, even your team dynamic is nothing without the ability to take time for yourself. I love blogging and creating and as I’m sure you’ve all noticed I’ve had very little motivation to do this. I love to travel and explore the world and honestly, my previous work situation did not foster any of that personal growth. I was frustrated, stressed, I felt unheard, and undervalued by many departments. There was no respect for people’s time outside of the normal 9-5. I was feeling burnt out and unhappy really fast.
This point isn’t originally about me but I want to also say that due to circumstances the last 24 hours have also taught me that I’m so incredibly lucky. The outpouring of support from former coworkers to friends and loved ones is absolutely mind-blowing. When bad things happen to you it really shows you who has your best interest at heart and I will forever be grateful for all the talented and caring people that have come into my life. With this situation as well as the pandemic and protests for civil rights a big trend here is we are stronger together. When we stop focusing on ourselves and work together for the greater good of others, the safety of our communities we can do great things.
Asking for help is sometimes the hardest thing to do. You don’t want to sound weak or incompetent but sometimes it’s necessary to get things done. You should never feel embarrassed to ask for help when you don’t know how to do something or need help emotionally. At the beginning of the year, I wasn’t my best self. I was struggling with my mental health and feeling secure in myself. I reached out and found counseling services at Better Help and I’m so grateful to have the help I’ve received to heal.
No matter what the rest of the year has in store, I can confidently say I’m ready for it. It’s thrown me for a couple of loops but these lessons have only made me stronger. How are you taking care of yourself and reflecting on the year?
