20 Things I Learned in 2020 | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

20 Things I Learned in 2020

2020 was another rough year for many of us, as well as the rest of the world. It's given me plenty of time to reflect on what I learned.

219
20 Things I Learned in 2020

One. Growth takes time.

Two. Perspective matters. As long as you listen your preconceived notion about something, you will always believe that. Things may not be as rough as we think after the storm blows over.

Three. Some people are in different phases of the karmic cycle, and thus can be toxic to my own self-growth. Each of these events are vital to our own growth. The world has 7 billion people...no one person's path to growth looks the same.

Four. I don't know everything about the world. Things aren't always what they seem. There are good people and there are bad people.

Five. Moderate my expectations. Be realistic, and let myself attain those goals.

Six. Academics have been my outlet for success. When times have been tough, I work a bit harder on my schoolwork in hopes that my eventual degree will find me a high-paying job where most of my financial worries will go away.

Seven. Tough situations made me a stronger person. I probably say this every year, but 2020 holds its own significance. Several consequential events that were rather traumatic and life-changing prepared me for the obstacles still to come in future years.

Eight. Sometimes, you need to change your job or career. And don't go back. Your gut instinct is normally right when you're not enjoying a job for whatever reason. I went back to a job I didn't find enjoyable anymore because of the COVID-19 situation and it blew right back up in my face.

Nine. Family can also be toxic, and shouldn't get a free pass for it. Sometimes cutting the line of communication and limiting interaction with family members who have been a hinderance to your self growth is needed.

Ten. I have to come to take for granted the privilege of traveling. I want to travel again as soon as the pandemic blows over.

Eleven. Rumors aren't always true.

Twelve. My music taste is constantly changing. I've come to realize it is also correlated to my position in life. Recently, I've been listening to more upbeat music.

Thirteen. I have grown a liking for photography, and may desire to launch a side-job associated with it.

Fourteen. Our lives are fragile and can collapse in a millisecond. My family's constant health issues, financial troubles, and/or distractions upended my world in very short order. It was an extremely mentally exhausting year.

Fifteen. Being a real leader is difficult.

Sixteen. My mental health matters. It's suffered greatly in 2020 because of the sheer amount of ridiculous distractions of other people's problems. I have done a good job at putting on a smile and pretending everything is okay when it is truly not. More work needs to be done in 2021, to build a happier me.

Seventeen. Appreciate even the small things people will do for you. Whether it's a friend, coworker, or a family member – a small act can mean everything. Someone's willingness to go out of their way or do favors for you is a testament to their character and good intentions.

Eighteen. Make my intentions clear. Erase the ability for someone to have a doubt by communicating.

Nineteen. Work hard, because no one else is going to attain my goals for me.

And lastly,

Twenty! Above all, I always have myself. That's why it's so important to take all of the lessons learned in 2020 and apply them for 2021. A blank slate is near.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

190100
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

14830
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457806
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26597
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments