20 Things I Learned in 2020
2020 was a challenging year for everyone and a year of sudden change, forced growth, and internal awareness. In 2021 I took those challenges, leveled up internally, and today, I’m strong enough to share with you.
I lost a long-term relationship that I was not ready to release right around the time that COVID-19 hit the US, and the icing on the cake was that my job did not initially allow me to work from home. I was panicked, perplexed, and pissed all at the same time. Talk about a ball of inexplicable emotions.
Hence, a personal pinnacle of pivot in 2020 was when:
1. I realized that I am only in control of myself, and I must adjust to life’s ebbs and flows with an attitude of gratitude because it can always be worse.
Things just kept moving from there. Good, bad or indifferent 2020 changed my life, and I believe it changed my life for the best version of me to emerge and elevate into the new year.
Here are the other 19 things I learned in 2020:
2. I learned how to search within to affirm my feelings and validate myself.
3. Life is short, so cherish every single moment because your last breath could be exactly that.
4. You’re never too late to recreate yourself. Life isn’t linear; it’s filled with many mountains and valleys.
5. COVID-19 was airborne from the jump, and I thank God my sister, who is a medical professional, forced us to wear facemasks during our first grocery trip outing.
6. My family is constant, and I can always depend on them to support me in my darkest hours.
7. I really am a dope individual when I tap into doing more of what I love.
8. I am God’s masterpiece, and He chose me before I was in my mother’s womb. I have life because of Him, and I will live my life for Him in abundance.
9. Black women are truly magical and saved this country from itself again.
10. Black-owned beauty brands are so lit, and intentionally supporting these entities supports Black livelihood -- I see no reason why I can’t buy more beauty products!
11. My emotional intelligence is a work in progress, and I feel everything. That isn’t a bad thing.
12. Press-on nails are my jam.
13. When you look good, you feel good.
14. Decluttering your bedroom, immediately declutters your mind.
15. Don’t be afraid to let go; there’s so much more that awaits you.
16. The past is the past. You can’t repeat it. Again, let it go.
17. A spirit of gratitude teaches you to be present and enjoy the moment.
18. Surround yourself with women who push you to want to be better because it’s not a competition against each other. It’s always you vs. you.
19. Vulnerability sets you free from the over analyzation demon.
20. Each day gets better; trust the process. God’s got you.
21. You’re capable of way more than you could ever imagine, so stop doubting yourself. If you conceived the idea, you owe it to yourself to at least try.
I’d love to know if you had similar experiences. Feel free to DM me on Instagram via @itsmiabanks or leave a comment below if something resonated with you.