This year taught me a lot. This year had plenty of challenges, trials, and reflections. In some way, I am grateful for this year. For some things. This year, I needed to reflect on what I needed to do to take care of myself: spiritually, mentally, and physically.
Personal Takeaway
This year taught me how busy I was keeping myself. I lacked any care for myself, and I was only looking out for other people. I was people-pleasing. I was not listening to my body, responding to overworking. I burnt myself out. I learned to enjoy things like painting, writing, etc., regardless if other people liked it, joined me or not. I learned more about self-care, connecting with my inner child, and how to take care of my mental health.
This year taught me to be grateful and to be present. There were a lot of people losing their jobs and their homes. Trying to find food for themself and provide food for their families. Some people are facing food insecurities. People are facing eviction today. I can only imagine what’s going through their mind. I am grateful that God provided a job for me and has given me a place to stay. Without God being my provider, who knows what situation I would have been in.
This year taught me I lacked closeness and a connection with God. This pullback season has helped me become closer to God, and I can hear his voice more clearly. I have been giving Him thanks every day I wake up. Giving Him thanks for putting breathe in my body and letting me know He still has a purpose for my life.
Hardships
This year has been challenging. I had at least six family members who passed away. I’m not the only person who had family members go to Heaven. There are over 300,000+ people who died from COVID. Black Americans being killed unintentionally by bad cops. And who knows how many people passed away from starvation, self-harm, lack of shelter, etc.
This year was intense. American democracy was on the line. Racial tension rising. A wave of hatred from people who aren’t accepting others who are different from them ( whether it was race, religion, sexuality, political party, etc.).
Reflection
I know this year has been a rollercoaster. Maybe even a trainwreck. There have been some good things sprinkle in this year as well. Whatever you have been through, I pray that you reflect. Let us take the lessons we were given this year and use them to become better people. I know how to create new habits that I want to continue in the new year, such as devotion & praying each day, and taking care of myself.
I learned how we had taken some things for granted, such as going to the movies or seeing our friends at school without social distance. I will be honest; I liked being quarantined because I’m an introvert. I know extroverts probably don’t feel that way. I was reminded to be kind to others because we don’t know what they have been through.