10 Life Lessons I Learned in 2022
As 2022 comes to an end, it is a great time to look back and reflect on the year. Life has seemed slower and quieter since the 2020s began. This still calm provides a valuable opportunity to catch your breath and catch up on the lessons life has to offer. Here are 10 lessons I have learned in the year 2022.
- Some burned bridges should not be rebuilt.
Sometimes we burn a bridge in a moment of weakness, only to regret it later. If that connection is important to you, you will want to repair it. However, not every burned bridge should be repaired. Take a moment to remember why you severed the connection to the person, thing, or place. Ending a relationship with someone who did not respect your boundaries may hurt when you wake up for the first time without a text from them, but is healthier in the long run. Leaving a job where you were overworked and harassed daily may hurt your wallet, but is better for your mental and physical health. Some connections need to remain cut.
- Seeing the good in everybody does not mean that everybody is good for you.
Being a “glass half-full” kind of person that tries to be positive is fantastic. It is good to look for the positives in every person. However, there is a dark side to this habit. Just because a person exhibits a positive trait does not mean they will have a positive effect on your life. Your friend can be a dedicated athlete that is always polite to those around them and gossip about you behind your back at the same time. Sometimes breakups are hard because the partner you are breaking up with seems perfect on paper. The truth of the matter is that nobody is perfect and we cannot be compatible with absolutely everybody.
- Following your dreams is worth the struggle.
Following your dreams is worth the time, energy, and effort. If there is something you have been wanting to do— start a business, travel, etc. — take baby steps to put those dreams into action. If you want to travel the world, it may not be realistic for you to financially afford to hop on a plane at the drop of a hat. However, you can start making plans for future travels, jotting down places you want to visit and which airline you would prefer to fly with. Making baby steps towards a dream is still making progress.
- Make time for what you truly care about.
Forget about peer pressure. This is a lot easier said than done, but it is worth it. It is easy to get sucked into using social media religiously or partying in an effort to fit in with those around you, or to join a club because it is popular. If these things do not appeal to you, it is 100% okay to say no and spend your time doing something you would truly enjoy. Time is precious— use it wisely.
- A consistent sleep schedule is magical.
Whenever possible, maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Applying this to my life has given me more energy throughout the day. It has also facilitated scheduling since I know what time I naturally wake up and what time I begin to feel tired.
- Take time to rest.
Nowadays it is popular to constantly be hustling. Whether it is a job, school, a new business, a side hustle, a hobby, or a fitness goal, we are encouraged to push for perfection. This can lead to burnout that is difficult to recover from. Take time to rest and let your body and mind recuperate. It may seem counterproductive in the moment, but you will thank yourself later.
- Taking risks are necessary.
Sometimes it is necessary to take a risk and step out of your comfort zone. You will never become an actor if you do not take a risk and apply to a role. You won’t date your crush if you don’t ask them out. It may feel scary, but taking safe risks can help you grow.
- Get comfortable being uncomfortable.
Being uncomfortable is a part of life. This was a tough pill for me to swallow personally. I enjoy staying in my bubble where my days can be predictable. Unfortunately that bubble stunts my growth and prevents me from reaching my goals. Strangers can make us uncomfortable— but our best friends were once strangers too.
- Get out of your own head.
There are a million reasons not to do something. If you want to talk yourself out of something, you will. I have found it is best to get out of your own head and stop overthinking things. Though having goals and planning your future is fun and helpful, don’t get hung up on the details. Life has a funny way of shaking things up. Sometimes it is best to roll with the punches and take it one day at a time.
- There is beauty and positivity in every day.
The day you got a low score on a math test is the same day that had shooting stars covering the night sky. You can get good news and bad news within the same 24 hours. Focusing on the positives in every day helps to lead a positive life. A bad situation does not have to lead to a completely bad day. Keep your chin up and look for the glimmers of hope.
What did you learn in 2022? Let me know in the comments!
ashleyohare 