LESSONS LEARNED

Reflection, Gratitude and Change

Have you noticed how time flies, more so when you want it slow down so that you can enjoy it more? Or to get your head straight? How are we already in the second month of 2018? Am I the only one who finds the countless posts by friends and family on social media, highlighting their achievements over the past year overwhelming? Some reflecting over their edges, others over their degrees and overall lessons learned over the past year. Generally, I find reflecting on the past at times to be a good thing. Notice I said only at times and not every day all the time. By doing this you can recognise your blessings and tribulations that you have faced. And so looking over at the previous year allows me to decide on the traits I would like to continue into this year and be thankful for the characters developed yesteryear.

For me, 2017 was a year that I was able to learn more about myself; I am grateful for this opportunity as it allowed me to grow and develop as an individual.

Here a few LESSONS that I have learnt.

LESSON 1: GOD IS MY EVERYTHING!

I honestly do not know where life would have taken me, had I not had the mercy and grace of God in my life. When building on my relationship with God, I learned the true value peace that believing in God gives; he truly surpasses anything in the world. To have peace brought me clarity and understanding. It has taught me to focus on the things that truly matter. I value my relationship with God more than anything in the world because he is the creator whom I can trust to set the standards and course of my life.

LESSON 2: I AM NOT WHERE I WISH TO BE BUT IAM NOT WHERE I USED TO BE.

 Having this outlook and perspective has helped me significantly. We all have goals that we aim to achieve in life. Some of these goals are immediate; some will take time and dedication. It can be disheartening when it seems that despite your lifelong hard work, you do not seem to be any closer to your ultimate goal and aspiration. At this point, it is important to apply the skill of self-reflection and reflect back to where you were before and how far have come!

Slow and steady

LESSON 3: STARTING IS HARD BUT REWARDING.

In my post on Digging For Roots, I mentioned how long it took me to muster up the courage to start my blog page. To me starting this blog meant putting myself “out there” and opening the door to an unknown destination. I had my doubts about my writing, grammar, audience and many more. Eventually, I came to the conclusion that I didn’t have to know everything there was to know about blogging, I did not also need to be the perfect writer, niche, content. What I needed to do was to start. Once I started I would learn on the way and improve, so long as I stay consistent, and remain authentic to myself and creativity allowing room for growth.  Because between gaols and achievement are discipline and consistency.

LESSON 4: LOVING MY OWN COMPANY

This was one of my biggest and exciting discoveries about myself. We hear it preached all the time, take yourself on a date, when was the last time you went to the movies by yourself, spend time with yourself? There is something so intoxicating when you learn to love solitude and enjoy your own company. For those reading this with a side eye, yes I see you! Doing things by yourself is not sad. Really think about it. If you cannot stand your own company how are you expecting someone else to accommodate it? There is a freedom that can only be understood with experience and so I challenge anyone who has not given it time to really introduce it into their life.

LESSON 5: NOT EVERYTHING IS PERSONAL

One thing I have learned to understand is that humans aren’t robot’s aka people be people. Be it family, friends (that you have known forever), workmates or church members; they are all human and at some point, their actions or words they may disappoint you. Over the years, I have learned not to take everything so personally. This was quite hard for me as I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve. However, learning this has allowed forgiveness to be easier and most importantly to be able to move on with my life, because face it, despite what happens life goes on, the sun will still rise, and I will most certainly still sleep at night.

I hope you have enjoyed this post! Hopefully, you can relate to these lessons the way I did, who knows… who may be able to make some life-changing decisions.

Last but not least, the motivational quote (you didn’t think I had forgotten, did you?)

“start by doing what is necessary: then do what is possible: and suddenly you are doing the impossible – Francis of Assisi

Comment below and share anything that you have learnt in 2017 that you have/will continue to apply in 2018 or would like to change.

 

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