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20 Lessons Learnt in 2020

For many, the year started with varying levels of anxiety from different events that happened in 2020. From bush fires, drought, global pandemic, loss of loved ones, fighting for equality (e.g. Black Lives Matter), job loss, lack of security, to presidential elections – the list goes on.

Indeed, the past year has been full of complexities and changes. Yet, despite the challenges we faced, there are some valuable lessons the year taught us. With this in mind, I would like to share the 20 lessons I have learnt in 2020:

20 lessons from 2020

Time is precious and is a currency that not even a billionaire can buy.
We live in a volatile world, humans are not untouchable. We must love, respect, and protect Mother Nature more than ever.
Community and kindness are everything. In times of need, we can not survive without the love and support of others. This year, I have felt it more than ever.
Quality is more important than quantity – that goes for friends, work contracts, allies and material items.
Value the beauty in what you have – the simple moments and pleasure of walking by a beach, laughing with a friend and hugging your family. One day it might all be gone.
Death is such a natural part of life, but we can never prepare for the pain it brings.Item
Having a strong support network, coach, mentor and/or accountability buddy is fundamental to your growth
Travel is an undervalued asset we privileged folk take for granted.
Consciousness is accessible to the masses, and suffering is a choice.
One small act of kindness can save or change the course of a life.
Addiction can affect anyone and is often an outcome or form of escapism from a traumatic event.
Sometimes, you don’t have to talk or know the answers to other people's problems. Just sit, see, and hold a space for them.
Surround yourself with people who make you feel you need to learn more, read more, and simply be more.
Your relationship with yourself will be the love story that bridges you to another beautiful soul.
Happiness begins within in. You will never find it from another person or place.
Say yes to the unknown. Make changes that scare you, adapt what doesn’t light you up, and be courageous to say no to something less than your worth
Be authentically yourself. You will attract what is authentically yours when you vibrate at your own frequency.
Pain is essential for growth.
Don’t allow bad, fleeting moments to be categorised into bad days, weeks or months. Acknowledge them and move past them.
The only person you are in a competition with is the person you were yesterday. Stay in your own lane and do YOU!

2020 is a year we will never forget, and we should always keep in mind the lessons we have learnt as we begin a new journey this 2021. How about you? What has 2020 taught you?

Do you have your own 20 lessons learnt in 2020 that you want to share?

If you’d like to talk about your 2020 life lessons, learn more about how to arrange Upstander Training at your business or book Jessica to deliver a compelling keynote, please contact Jessica Hickman at jessica@jesshickman.com.