What a year it has been. 2020 has made us feel every type of emotion there is. A lot of us will still be carrying those on into the new year, and it is okay. Many of us are still healing and navigating the wreckage this year has thrown at us. In a year of uncertainty, it has taught us some valuable things. Here are some of our 2020 reflections:
The Importance of Self-Care
Self-care has never been more important. First and foremost with there being a pandemic and all, we hope everyone has a clear understanding of how critical self-hygiene is. Wash. Your. Hands. Please. Moving on, many of us have been struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, fear, and overwhelming feelings. We must make time for ourselves and do things we enjoy. Also, slowing down and allowing yourself to relax goes a long way. We cannot control a lot, but taking care of ourselves is something we have full control over.
Mental Health Checks
The impact of this pandemic has affected us tremendously. Checking in on your mental health and taking care of yourself will benefit your overall health and well-being. Think of what type of space you’re in and where you are emotionally. Talk to those you trust, and remember there are people available to you to help you get through these heavy times. You are not alone because we have all been adjusting to the new normal.
Setting Boundaries
Setting boundaries can be difficult, but it is essential to having healthy relationships and being treated the way you deserve. Be more vocal about your feelings, learn to say no, and put your needs before others. Identifying your limits and sticking to those boundaries not only create healthy relationships but allows you to see who respects and validates your feelings. Do what is right for you and let others be aware of what you need.
Sustainable Fashion
As CON has announced, we added conscious/sustainable/ethical (whatever you want to call it!) fashion to our lifestyle. (We will have to write a separate blog about the specifics of that journey so far). Although we just hopped on the bandwagon recently, it is awesome to see how passionate the community is. We love seeing the impact the movement has been making on the industry and have been happy stepping into this realm that supports and stands up for the future of the world, as well as the well-being of those inhabiting it! We highly suggest practicing sustainable fashion in any way you can. Whether that is just swapping clothes with your best friend, selling/donating your clothes, thrifting something you know you would keep, or buying from a sustainable brand.
Embracing Your Culture
There has never been a better time to show off your roots than now. Diversity is beautiful and will forever be cool. Share and teach the world about your spirituality, ethnicity, nationality, beliefs, and have fun learning about others as well. Be confident in what has molded you into the person you are now. Embrace your culture, but do not forget to be respectful of others as well! We want to be classy and open-minded, not condescending. Let us cultivate diversity and inclusion by uplifting and inspiring one another through our different cultures and ways of life.
Finding Joy
Finding joy in these times has been incredibly hard. From the pandemic, racial injustice, protests, and how different our lives changed this year, it is hard to see where joy exists. If you are having difficulty finding joy in your life, think about what you can add to your daily routine that grants you happiness. By adding joy into your life, you will amplify satisfaction and positivity in your well-being.
Opening Your Mind to Others Point of Views
We’ve all seen the crazy political climate and certainly are still witnessing the chaos of it all. We can all agree that everyone disagrees on so many things- it is maddening. While it is essential to protect your peace and block out the negativity, sometimes it is just as crucial to understanding the person’s point of view. You do not necessarily have to and persuade. The best thing you can do, at times, is to educate yourself on where the other person is coming from and trying your best to respect it- even if it may not be worthy of respect to you. We’re not saying don’t stand up for what you believe in. Just from our experience, with opposing political views within our family and friends, we’ve learned that listening and making sense of why another has that different opinion helps me to not be as angry about it in the long run. It is still possible to love and respect, even with different perspectives. This applies to all aspects of life, by the way, not just politics!
Never Stop Learning
This year has taught us so much, and for that, we encourage you to keep learning. In our ever so changing world, learning keeps us relevant. There is so much information out there that we must be aware of. Keep reading, keep listening to podcasts, keep conversations going. Never stop learning about the people and world around us.
As we close out the year, think about what you learned and what you are leaving in 2020. Reflect on what has worked for you and continue it into the new year. Although we cannot predict what is to come, we can hope for the better. Here’s to 2021.
