21 Lessons I'm Taking Into 2021

HAPPY NEW YEAR! ✨2021 is (finally) here!

I think it is safe to say that we, as a human collective, are still processing 2020. It is hard for me to label this past year as “good” or “bad”- no, that would be too simple. As we welcome 2021, I am pausing to bask in the triumph of survival, the mercy of love, and the wonder of life. We made it through a year that broke us into pieces and shattered expectations. A global pandemic, heightened international awareness of state-sponsored police brutality, rapid unemployment, failed public infrastructures- my goodness, the list goes on and on.

BUT, HERE’S THE THING.

As easy as it would be for me to list everything that went wrong in 2020, I still feel the need to list the wonderful (and much needed) lessons I learned. Love and light found ways to shine through, even in the face of widespread adversity- and I think it’s worth noting! I learned a great deal in 2020, I also unlearned quite a bit as well. There were lessons 2019 taught me that came in handy, one of the most potent being that I have time. It is not everyday rush, sometimes we have to just be still.

Before I share 21 of the most important lessons I’m bringing into 2021 with me, I’d like to share one of my favorite Bible verse with you all. I feel that it encompasses the sentiments guiding me forward in this new year.

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.”

— ECCLESIASTES 3:1-8

My friends, it is a new season at last.

May the wisdom we gained in 2020 bring us peace in 2021.

Here are 21 of my biggest lessons from 2020.

  1. Bloom where you are planted.

  2. Steadfast faith can be hard. Like love, it takes time to cultivate. But, it is key to a beautiful life.

  3. Having status does not mean one has morals.

  4. You can never let anyone shame you for protecting your energy.

  5. Your peace must be your top priority in a world filled with some very weird people.

  6. People will always have opinions. You cannot let the musings of strangers become your truth.

  7. God’s mercy is real.

  8. Faith is a marathon, not a sprint.

  9. God’s light manifests itself in so many ways. Shine your eye o! Do not ignore God’s seemingly small blessings, they are bigger than you realize.

  10. Repeat after me. YOU CANNOT COME AND KILL YOURSELF (if you don’t understand, find a Nigerian friend and ask them).

  11. It is ok to reflect on the past, to learn from it. But, you cannot dwell on it- you will find yourself stuck there.

  12. Wake up each day and declare blessings over your life. There is power in the words we speak.

  13. Do not be afraid to dream astronomically.

  14. Suffering and adversity will come, in some shape or form. There is nothing you can do but relax and enjoy the ride. Better days will always come.

  15. The human mind has limits. We can only dream within the realm of our imaginations. So, you must intentionally open yourself to the miracles of the world. They may exceed even your wildest dreams.

  16. Move with love. Truly embody it in your heart, and life becomes much easier.

  17. You don’t have to be a reflection of what has been done to you or how people have treated you. Every day is a new opportunity to start over.

  18. You don’t owe anyone anything. They don’t owe you jack either. Entitlement stalls progress.

  19. Dark days are inevitable. Allow yourself to feel hurt, to feel pain. You do yourself a disservice when you shy away from your own emotions.

  20. Sometimes what you thought you wanted is not what you need.

  21. Keep it classy. It always pays off.

BONUS! :) See yourself first. Stop waiting for others to see your magic.

Thank you for reading! What lessons are you bringing into 2021? Let me know in the comments below!

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