5 Things 2022 Taught Me

This year was impactful for me in so many ways, but overall there were 5 big things that stood out to me that I want to mention and look back on in the next couple of years.

1. Be Understanding Even Though It's Hard

Emotions can be heavy and ultimately influence the way you respond to certain situations. It's important to take a breather and turn off the emotions for a bit to fully understand a situation before reacting. 10% of the situation happens to you and 90% of the outcome depends on how you decide to react. You never know what someone could be going through so it's always best to be kind. I learned to take time and care in how I approach situations no matter how they may appear to be.

2. Taking Risks Helps You Grow

It's easy to stick to a routine that works well for you, but humans are naturally habitual. Once we develop a habit, it can become hard to break it. I learned that taking risks in different areas of my life have always benefited my personal growth and confidence in the long run. I took a risk trying new things that seemed terrifying and I ended up loving them. This year specifically helped me learn that risks are fun and the more you take the more you learn whether you fail or succeed.

3. Traveling Helped Me Grow Creatively

When I went to Key West in the spring, I noticed a part of myself was closed off. The minute we left to go to Key West I started to record the trip. I wanted to be sure that I documented the longest road trip I was ever on. Recording the trip allowed me to look back on how different places are aesthetically and how it can be beneficial for my creativity. I learned that seeing new places helps shift my perspective on how I view places before I visit and how they actually are when I leave. The creative side of me opened up to record everything and I was inspired by the amount of unique culture there was in Key West.

4. I Have Self-Control and Limits

I dedicated a big part of my time to working out and going to the gym this year. I saw different stages of mental health grow positively by doing yoga and working out consistently. The benefits always out weighed the excuse of "not having time" that I used to tell myself. I learned that I can shift my mindset to a state of self-control and determination by creating small healthy habits for myself. I also learned I have limits to the habits I create and it's important to do everything in moderation if you want a break from the consistency.

5. We'll Be All Right

It's easy to doubt yourself and think about all of the things that could go wrong. Life isn't something we are supposed to know all of the answers to, so why do we try so hard to figure it out? I think that's the fun part. We won't know unless we try something scary or do the thing we have put aside because we don't have time. In every scary situation I have been in this year, I can confidently say that I have always turned out all right. I learned that although things may be nerve wracking, it's always comforting to know that in the end the nerves will fade and every single thing will be all right.

Overall, 2022 gave me ups and downs that I expected and didn't expect, however, I wouldn't have had it any other way. I think there is beauty in the unknowing whether it's exciting or scary and that is ultimately what this year has taught me. Be thankful in the unknowing because things can be blessings in disguise, lessons for personal growth, or both.