2017 was a year of forgiveness, growth and a year where I finally got to know myself better. It wasn't a smooth sail journey. Along the way, I have lost some of my closest friends, had moments where I doubted myself too much, gone through periods of depression where my self-esteem and confidence level just went rock bottom. However, I also made new friends, got closer to many, formed healthy relationships, and finally learned how to pick myself up at times.
Here are 7 important life lessons that I learned the past year.
1.) Don't take things personally
This was the key to my happiness in 2017. Yes, you read it right- in 2017 because I never realized how important this was until recently. When you take things personally, you are sensitive to the words or actions of others and will probably interpret in a very negative way and view yourself badly. When you allow this to happen, you are giving power to them by agreeing to what they say and do. Chances are, they weren't really meant to be targeted towards you in the first place.
2.) If you wait till you're ready, you'll be waiting for the rest of your life
At the back of my mind, I've always believed in taking chances, but I doubt my choices and abilities way too much that I let great opportunities fly by. It was not until the past year that I realized I needed to change, so I finally put this into practice by stopping to think and care too much about the end result and do things that would help me grow.
3.) Quit pleasing people
The fact is, not everyone will like you and the things you do. I used to be such a people pleaser that it eventually led to toxic friendships/ relationships because no matter how much energy and effort you put in something or someone, there will always be that one person who criticizes and dislikes you and even use you. Once you become aware of this, you'll realize your own value and stop pleasing people who do not deserve it.
4.) Be grateful for what you have
When you start to feel negative, think of the things you are grateful for. These things don't have to be big and expensive, but rather the small things in life; food and water you get each day, the roof you live under, or even education. Some people don't even have these basic necessities in life. A change in perspective can immediately change your mood and attitude in life.
5.) Learn to say no, if it makes you uncomfortable or unhappy in any way
This is actually quite similar to life-lesson no. 3. As a people pleaser, I know it is extremely difficult to say 'no' sometimes, but it is your life, after all, so be responsible for the choices that you make. If you only know how to say 'yes', people will use and manipulate you.
6.) Let go of perfectionism. You're mistakes and flaws do not define you
I am a firm believer that you learn and grow the most from your mistakes. Of course, that does not mean that you should allow mistakes to happen whenever, but don't knock yourself down over a small, simple mistake. Regardless of how big or small it is, they surely happened for a reason.
7.) The 5 by 5 rule
Relax. If it's not going to matter in the next 5 years, don't waste more than 5 seconds or 5 minutes or 5 hours thinking about it. I do not deal with stress very well so this rule really helped me to stop overthinking and stressing out all the time.
As always, thanks for reading guys! I hope you all learned something from the past year and here's to an amazing year ahead.
If you'd like to see more daily content and know what I'm getting up to, check out my Instagram @stephanieso, I'd love to say hi to you!
See you in the next post.
Much love,
Steph
