Year in Review: Biggest Learnings
Documenting little things I learned in 2023.
I started this tradition of reflecting on my mistakes and learnings at the end of last year. The biggest reason why I started this tradition is because I always feared that I would forget the little details about my life as I grew up. The wake-up call happened when I realised how COVID-19 years felt like one giant period where every single day felt the same.
Somehow, the monotony of everyday overpowered the highlights and I started forgetting about the little moments I always wanted to cherish till the end. Writing about these experiences is a way for me to document the little details which I can revisit whenever needed.
I would love to re-share an old graphic I designed this time last year, which shows how these little thoughts, when dealt with intentionally, lead to simple discoveries.
In 2023, I learned:
It’s harder to be kind to yourself than it is to be kind towards others. When you notice that your mind is engaging in negative self-talk, remind it that you are doing the best you can right now. That is called building awareness.
Failure teaches you more about what truly matters in life than success. When you succeed, you think about what you want to chase next. When you fail, you actually stop to think if what you’re doing is truly what you want in life.
No matter how busy you get, find time to do at least one thing that brings you joy. Sometimes, it may end up being the only good thing you can lean on in times of chaos.
You do not want to exert yourself to the point where you burn out. But if it ends up happening somehow, make sure to step back and breathe for a while.
Show up for your loved ones in little ways if possible. If you can afford to buy something meaningful for them on certain occasions, do it. If not, a simple check-in text every once in a while is equally appreciated.
Building a healthy lifestyle is something most of us will be able to achieve with a little bit of sincerity. But think about what you can build beyond the basics too.
Ask questions like,
“What type of person do I want to be?”
“What really is my definition of success?”
“What practices am I adopting in the present to make my physical and mental health sustainable?”
“Was I kind towards others today?”
“Did I stop and look around?”
This week, I encourage you to reflect on your learnings in 2023 and note them down on your phone or a piece of paper to look back on forever. You can revisit this list in moments when you question your progress or when you feel like you are not doing enough.
Next week, I will be taking a break from sending out the newsletter to slow down and set my intentions for the new year. Happy New Year to everyone in advance.
See you in 2024! :)