21 Lessons I Learned In 2021

Wow, another one bites the dust. Can you believe we are already saying goodbye to another year? I know I can’t. To say this year went by fast was an understatement. I feel like the year was gone in the blink of an eye. 2021 was a year of trial and error for me. I traveled over twelve times both domestic and internationally in 2021. I started a new job, got fired and found a new job all in one year. I also made my biggest luxury purchase in 2021, for my mom. I lost an aunt in 2021. I rekindled my relationship with my grandfather in 2021. I contracted Covid-19 in 2021. I jumped off a cliff in 2021. I procrastinated a lot in 2021. I didn’t complete all of my 2021, but through it all, I made it out of 2021. 

2021 was a rollercoaster. This decade has been the oddest times I’ve ever lived in. Through all the ups and downs, I’m glad to say I made it to the end of the year. The last week of the year, I like to use as a time for reflection. After I deep clean my space, I like to reflect on everything I went thru in the year. Next, I like to prep for the new year, by journaling and goal setting. I set goals for each month, quarter, and the overall new year. Then, I write a letter to my future self that I’ll read on this day next year. Lastly, I pray and give God thanks for everything I overcame in the current year, and I pray over my new year. During my time of reflection, I like to think of lessons that I learned throughout the year. Some lessons I learned the easy way, but some the hard way. I’ve learned so many lessons in 2021, but today I want to share 21 lessons with you.

1. Don’t take everything so personal. 

2. Stop wasting time. It’s so precious and limited.

3. Balance is important. There needs to be a time for work and a time for rest. 

4. Forgiveness with a grudge is not true forgiveness. 

5. Don’t wait until you get where you want to go to be happy. 

6. Happiness is something that comes from within. (No one else can make you happy) 

7. Making your bed every morning really does lead to a more productive day.

8. Stop putting off tomorrow what you can do today. Stop procrastinating and do it now. 

9. Always do what you say you’re going to do. (Even when you only say it to yourself) 

10. Create memories with the people you love, while they’re here. 

11. You can reinvent yourself at any moment. Pivot with your life or career whenever.

12. Good Friendships are just as important as romantic relationships. 

13. You don’t just wake up and become the person of your dreams. It’s something you must actively work towards.

14. If someone crosses your mind, call or text them. You never know why God placed them on your heart. 

15. Fresh air is good. Even if you’re in a cold climate like me, it’s good to go outside at least for 5 minutes just to get some air. 

16. When something isn’t working, change the strategy, not the goal. 

17. Get a good solid morning routine. Doesn’t matter if it’s a two or three step one, have some habits you do in the morning to set the tone for the day. 

18. Watch your tongue. It really has so much power. Be kind to others and even yourself. 

19. Putting yourself first doesn’t mean you don’t care about others or you’re selfish. 

20. Save money. Having a solid savings will help you when you need it. Have multiple savings accounts. If the money is not in your checking account, you don’t have it. 

21. You don’t need someone else to do things. Don’t wait for a man to go out to dinner, or a friend to go travel with. You can do things alone. Use what you have until you get what you want!