Reflection

As 2020 comes to a close I find myself reflecting on this past year. It’s not at all what I thought or planned for it to be. And that’s not a bad thing. Sometimes what we want and plan for, isn’t what we need. So I’ve done quite a bit of self reflection as well. How have I grown this past year? More importantly, how have I failed to grow?

I’ve never considered failure to be a bad thing, most of the important lessons of my life have come from failure. I’ve learned more about any subject by getting the answers “wrong” than I’ve ever learned from getting them “right”.

This year has been a challenge, and challenges give us opportunity to grow. I’ve used this past year to take my health and wellness more seriously. I’ve started the journey of taking care of myself physically and mentally. But I’ve also failed to achieve several of my physical goals, while doing much better with my mental wellness goals.

I’ve also learned some things about myself throughout this past year. I’ve learned that even while I can be content in being alone. I need and yearn to be with family and friends as well. There is a dichotomy there for me, and one I need to balance.

I’ve learned that I have severe wanderlust. Having to be somewhat isolated do to COVID-19 has increased my desire to go on adventures, see new things, eat new foods, and meet new people. With those options limited this year, I’ve taken to flights of fantasy and day dreaming. But most importantly, planning. I’ve begun to prioritize my resources (time, money, thought, and prayer) toward making the things that are important to me a possibility.

I have big plans and high hopes for 2021. However, 2020 has taught me that plans can change and hopes are not always realized, and that is ok, because there are still lessons to be learned and personal growth to be had. But do not stop planning and dreaming. There is still adventure to be had in the planning.

I wish you all a great year.