I am fully aware that we are almost three weeks into 2018, but, alas, I still desire to share the lessons 2017 has bestowed upon me with you. I've loved reading posts similar to this in the past, but it wasn't until I put those readings into personal practice that these lessons truly stuck with me.
1 // Therefore, the first lesson 2017 taught me was to try and unearth your own truth. You generally learn from personal experiences rather than from an article you read online. Don't be afraid to experience life. I believe all experiences have a purpose from which meaning can be extracted.
2 // Having emotions, or lack thereof, is okay. Emotionally, 2017 has been rough for me, but I have learnt so much about how I operate during and in response to emotional distress. I have realised that it's okay to experience a wide range of emotions or none at all, irrespective of the cause. It does not make one weak or needy, it makes us merely human.
3 // Listen to your body. Often, your body is your best barometer to gauge your physical and mental well-being. It is unreasonable and unhealthy to continue to push your body despite it crying for help. Your body responds in the ways that it does for a reason, so take the time to listen.
4 // You don't have to have an opinion about everything. I really do feel like everyone is quite opinionated these days. For better or worse, I'm not yet sure. But one thing I do know is that it's better to come to your own conclusions about something rather than saying what you think is right. It's okay to say, "I don't yet have an opinion about that".
5 // Life is hard for everyone. No one escapes hardship and crises. Comparing your life to the external glam of someone's else is a waste of time. I don't know what's truly happening in the lives of those around me, assumptions usually achieve nothing. The only life you have ownership of is your own.
6 // The most worthwhile experiences occur outside your comfort zone. Think of the greatest or most insightful experience you've had. Were you outside your comfort zone? Most likely, your answer will be yes. I've found that the most valuable and teaching experiences have eventuated outside my comfort zone. Don't be afraid to cause yourself a little discomfort if it is a means for growth or fun.
7 // You have to believe you're worth it. I didn't begin making significant progress with my health until I decided that I was worth a life free of pain. This isn't to say it's been easy, it's been the hardest experience of my life. I still struggle. Being the force for change will always be challenging, but you have to wholeheartedly believe that you are worth the challenge and a desirable outcome.
8 // It's okay to say no. You shouldn't have to feel forced into doing anything, no matter the context or situation, you are the owner of your mind and body and should be the only one able to dictate what happens to it.
9 // Almost nothing is black and white. Many times this year, I've wished that my life could be either this way or that way because it would be so much easier. But I've realised that solidity is rarely how life plays out. My transitional period back to normality has exclusively been painted in a multitude of greys. People generally aren't this or that; we're not left or right, not good or evil. Almost everything present in the world houses grey areas. We have to learn to accept the fluidity of human nature.
10 // One day of low mood doesn't equate to failure. I can now cope much better with low mood days than in 2016, which I am so grateful for. But, part of me believed I'd failed because I experienced a low mood one day, whereas I'd felt okay during previous days. Ebbs and flows in the state of a brain is an intrinsic part of the human condition. No one can be happy all the time, no one can even be okay all the time. Fluctuations don't make you weak or a failure, they make you human.
11 // Being happy doesn't invalidate your struggles. During some of the lowest points of my mental health journey, a pestering thought told me that happiness or even contentment invalidated my strife, meaning people wouldn't believe me. I yearned for change, but my own anxiety about being called a liar drove me to create this irrational belief. Experiencing positive emotions doesn't cancel out negative ones, just like a low mood doesn't invalidate your positive emotions. You are valid.
12 // It's okay to know and express your boundaries. There are a few people in my life that lack the ability to say no, often to their detriment. They take on too much and keep silent, hoping to please others at their own cost. If you are feeling overwhelmed, it's okay to discuss that with people. You shouldn't be expected to bite off more than you can chew. It's better to do a few things well than do everything mediocre.
13 // Film is an amazing art form to tell stories. This year I have grown more enamoured by films and the way they express stories. Becoming more ofay with films is a goal of mine for this year. Last year I watched and loved La La Land, Arrival, Black Mirror, Stranger Things and Battle of the Sexes.
14 // Put yourself first and feed your inner fire. This year has taught me about the utter importance of self-care. If you can't whole-heartedly care for yourself, how can you fully care for others? Self-care means something different for everyone. It's crucial you uncover this meaning for yourself and implement it proactively into your life.
15 // Those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. For many years, I have greatly dreaded the judgement of others. But I've realised that I'm projecting my own insecurities when I believe others are judging me. You can never know what someone is truly thinking when they see you. You can spend forever worrying and arrive at a satisfying answer. Despairing over the thoughts of strangers is a massive waste of time. Live your truth and relinquish your notions about what others think of you. Surround yourself with people who lift you to reach your own greatest heights.
16 // Imperfection is okay. My tendency towards perfectionism can still sometimes gets the better of me. But, I have reached a point where I am okay with seeing imperfections in my work. I can look at something I've created and acknowledged it's flaws and strengths in equal measure. I can endlessly strive for perfection, but I will never be truly pleased with anything I create. Nothing is perfect and since art is subjective, everyone's perfect is different.
17 // Acknowledging the good in yourself doesn't make you arrogant or cocky. For the first time in my life, I've been able to admit to myself that I am strong, intelligent and worthy of a fulfilling life and actually mean it. You are allowed to be proud and acknowledge the good in yourself; it doesn't make you selfish or a bad person.
BONUS: Self-awareness is important. It's truly stand by the importance of knowing yourself. It allows you to articulate yourself and work with your idiosyncrasies to get the most out of life. Self-awareness is the reason I created this post in the first place. I am aware of myself and how this year has impacted on me. We reach our truths through reflection and examination. Maybe 2017 didn't teach me anything, maybe I discovered my truth through self-awareness.
What did you learn in 2017?
- Miller
Comments
Post a Comment