Resilience. Strength. Patience. Humility. Gratitude.
I’m a firm believer, that before you close off any year, it’s important to first reflect on the year that was, before entering the new year right. Asking yourself the right questions – what you did right and where you can improve. Because even though self-reflection can be difficult – it is also necessary for growth.
By making the time to do self-reflection, you can improve yourself, align your values and measure your growth. Even though 2020 brought on more uncertainty than I could possibly handle – it certainly gave me the year I needed to reflect on my life, my family, my career and where I want to be. It got me thinking back to all the things I wanted to accomplish and those things I accomplished without even realising they were a goal.
2020 gave me the clarity of mind I needed – let’s call it a BIG wake-up call! Being able to be present, I mean, really present in all spheres of my life. Even though the year felt like a battlefield of the mind, I found my mind becoming stronger and more resilient over time. I was forced to go on a path to find my purpose, my passion and my potential.
Here’s some of the things that really stood out for me in 2020:
PRACTICE A LITTLE GRATITUDE
This year in particular, people across the world truly suffered, whether it was losing someone dear to them, being sick, enduring the anxiety and uncertainly of the pandemic or the economy, struggling mentally or emotionally or perhaps even financial constraints or the loss of a job.
Looking back on everything that has happened, one thing that I am now reminded of daily, is to practice gratitude – being thankful for all my many blessings big and small – for my family and my business. Being more grateful, has truly changed my perception on life and being happy for being alive and well.
MAKE TIME
Use your time intentionally – after all it’s non-refundable. And also, trust the timing of your life – it may not always make sense at that exact moment – but with time it will.
At the beginning of this year, I have to admit I was really bad at making time for the things I really wanted to do. Once I started making the things, I wanted to do a priority, my eyes were open to how much time I really have – and what things were stealing my time. We should be prioritising our values and spending our time on what’s really important to us.
CELEBRATE THE WINS – BIG OR SMALL
Be present and be happy where you are at this very moment. It’s good to have dreams and plans and goals – but don’t loose sight of your present moment.
It’s good to set short- and long-term goals, Dwayne Johnson said “Success isn’t overnight. It’s when every day you get a little better than before. It adds up.”
FIND INSPIRATION
The pandemic rolled in, our lives were turned upside down and something that bothered me most, is I couldn’t remember when I last spent time at home like this – what did I even enjoy doing?
Total cliché I know, but I followed my Portuguese roots and started a vegetable garden. I started small and now to my hubby’s dismay, I now own a big patch of land in our backyard – but at least I pay him in organic fruits and veggies😊 Looking back, I can’t begin to tell you how much joy my veggie patch brings me, hands in dirt, sun on my face and wind through my hair. When I’ve had a rough day, I dig in the dirt and my troubles seem to melt away – even just for a little while.
Find something that brings you joy, balances your life and gives you peace of mind – because the truth is, we are not robots, we are made to live an abundant life.
LET IT GO
Being a control freak, this was probably one of the most difficult lessons I had to learn in 2020. If it’s out of my control, I had to learn quickly to let it go – the anxiety, sleepless nights are not worth it.
You can’t control everything that happens, however what I came to learn was how to respond and react to the changes. I had to learn to control my mind, my thoughts and my actions, when things around me got out of control.
BE AGILE
This year, the only constant was change. I have always loved thinking on my toes, but I must admit, I never expected the roller-coaster of change and emotions that 2020 came with.
I found myself, admiring my kids for their resilience and strength. From no school, to home school, to school in a pandemic – they just went with it and rode the wave. Reminding me to “Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach.” Tony Robbins
For those still reflecting on 2020, here’s some questions that helped me along the way:
- What lesson did you learn this year?
- What challenges did you overcome?
- What skills did you learn?
- What moment took your breath away?
- What did you learn most about yourself?
- How did you live out your core values?
- How did your relationships evolve?
- How did you fail?
- What did you do for your physical and mental health?
- What are you grateful for this year?
I choose to start the new year with intention. And leave you with this:
ATTRACT what you expect.
REFLECT what you desire.
BECOME what you respect and
MIRROR what you admire
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