Four Things I’ve Learnt In 2020
While 2020 has certainly been rubbish in a lot of senses I always try to draw on the positives. Although thankfully getting engaged, turning 30 out of lockdown and moving into our new house outweighs the crap for me. There’s a lot I’ve learnt in 2020 and it’s helped me to grow and develop as a person. And these are the things I want to hold onto as much as I can.
I’ve done a whole post on money lessons I’ve learnt in 2020. But I wanted to talk more generally about what the last year has taught me.
Spending time with the people you love is so important
When we were suddenly told back in March/ April that we shouldn’t meet people inside, and that older and vulnerable people had to stay indoors it was tough. Going from seeing friends and family whenever you wanted to not knowing when you’d get the chance again was not fun. But it’s made me realise how important it is to spend time with the people you love while you can.
I’ve learnt in 2020 that it’s not about the things you do but the people you’re with. And once things are safer to do so I want to make an effort to see my family and friends more. While checking in via text or a zoom call is fine, it doesn’t beat seeing them day to day.
I’ve learnt in 2020 that you don’t need to be busy every single day
In my post about what I’d learnt during the lockdown, I spoke about enjoying the slower pace of life. And a massive thing I’ve learnt in 2020 is that you don’t need to be busy all of the time. Prior to March, I would be out almost all weekend or at least the majority. I’d almost always have plans at least once or twice during the week. And I was wearing myself out, but I didn’t notice as I loved being busy.
While I do miss going into London for the day, or going out for dinner during the week I know when things start feeling a bit more ‘normal’ I’ll be finding a middle ground. I don’t want to be out of the house all weekend as I love my house and I love spending chilled time there. Finding a nice balance might be going out on Saturday’s, but Sunday’s being my home day for example.
To be more grateful and excited about the things you do in life
I would take for granted going into London for a day trip, eating out and going to a show. That was a normal life, but when it was all taken away and the chance to do things was limited it made me realise how much I took for granted. I’ve learnt in 2020 that I need to be more grateful for the things I have the opportunity to do. And be excited by them.
When I first go for a proper afternoon tea or sit down at a musical, or even stand in a field at a music festival I want to appreciate it more. Because I’m a very lucky person to have the opportunities that I have. And when it’s safe again I want to start ticking things off my London bucket list including finally visiting Kew Gardens. Albeit it slower than I previously would have.
I’ve learnt that I quite enjoy the simpler things in life
I think this follows on from not being busy all the time, but I’ve realised the simple things in life can be the best. Curling up in bed with a good book. Or baking cookies on a Saturday afternoon. Going for a walk just because. Or snuggling up on the sofa with a hot chocolate and a movie. Simple things that I’d normally be too busy to be in my pre COVID life. But things that bring me lots of joy and happiness.
I definitely think getting our house and moving in during 2020 has helped massively. But being forced to be indoors or just going for a walk to nowhere, in particular, has helped me appreciate things.
What have you learnt in 2020?
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15 responses to “Four Things I’ve Learnt In 2020”
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All About Me
Rhian Westbury
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I could have written this post myself. Honestly. I think this last 12 months have changed my perspective more than any other.
I enjoy the slower pace of life but I will NEVER ever take my friends and family for granted again x
Sometimes you need things to be taken away from you to appreciate them x
I was reminded many times of something I already knew – take nothing for granted. I am grateful for the additional time I have had to spend with my family, despite the circumstances.
You have learnt some important things and one which I think I realised is that we can stay home and spend more time at home instead of being out most of the days
Yeah I’ve appreciated being at home and my own space more x
2020, has certainly given us more of an outlook and insight into how we used to live life pre-pandemic for sure. I don’t think many people have spent so much time either at home or with family in the past year.
I wish I’d spent a lot of time with family, but spending time at home has made me appreciate it more x
I completely agree with all of these – 2020 has taught us so much, it’s important to take some positive learning experiences from it.
I think we have to look at the positives, so even if the year was rubbish we can take something away from it x
I could not agree with you more, I have deffo learnt to slow down a little and stop being so busy all the time. It helps your mind for sure x
These are some really important lessons learnt. Spending and making time for those important to me is something I was reminded more of in 2020.
I have learned many of the same things. I also learned who could be relied upon – when I was stuck indoors with the kids when Steve was at work or when we went into isolation, friends rallied round and it really helped to know who was there for me.
Yes, I think we’ve all learnt who is there for you when you need it, be it physically like you needed, or just there for a chat x
I think it’s really important to look at the positives and things we can take from 2020, most definitely.
I also learned to be grateful for what we have, our health and happiness, and the time at home together.
I must admit I struggle to find positives to take from 2020. But I have explored some new interests and hobbies, so that has been good. I’ve also done a lot of work on my blog at Poundsandsense.com, which gives structure to my days and helps keep me sane!