Another year has come and gone as 2022 comes to a close. This past year sure flew by for me. I remember, as a child, the days, weeks, and years lasted so long. As an adult, the years seemingly and somehow each fly by faster than the previous. For the past few years, I have created an end-of-the-year journaling exercise. This journaling exercise allows me to reflect on what I experienced and learned and how I would like to move forward in the next year.
I have answered many questions to reflect on the past year. Here is the list of reflection questions if you also want to do this journal exercise. This has been very therapeutic and cathartic for me. Since the year seems to have flown by so quickly, it is helpful to slow down and find clarity about my thoughts and feelings about what the year brought me.
The personal challenges I encountered this year were falling into the hustle mentality, not being present, allowing myself to feel in a rush, and, last but not least, the thief of joy, comparison.
Our culture today promotes a hustle mentality that suggests putting all your time, effort, and commitment into getting ahead and reaching a goal, no matter the cost. Last year I started my own side hustle business and became an entrepreneur. My side hustle stemmed from the mentality that “I am behind.” Ultimately, I have struggled with this idea of feeling behind, especially in my career and finances. This feeling of “I am behind” for me arises from comparison. Although hustling and setting goals is a good thing, it has impacted my mental health, and feeling like I have to hustle to keep up and compete with others. This is not a healthy feeling, but I am working on it.
Comparison is the thief of joy for me because when I compare myself to others, I feel sad and ungrateful for what I already have. Comparison is so easy to fall into, especially with social media constantly surrounding us. I have, at times, felt envious of others based on someone’s perfectly curated Instagram photos. Looking at other people’s Instagram feeds and stories left me feeling sad, lacking, and desiring more. I would also wonder if the grass was greener on the other side. I fell into comparison when it came to material things as well. Social media influencers and advertisements made me feel like I was missing out if I didn’t have a subscription to ‘athletic greens’ or an expensive beauty product.
While working a full-time 8 AM- 5 PM job and juggling my side hustle, I always felt rushed. As I am sure many have experienced while working and juggling life outside of work, it can feel overwhelming, and it can also feel like there is never enough time. With responsibilities outside of work such as; grocery shopping, cooking dinner, walking my dog, doing homework (I’m in a master’s program), making time for exercise, relaxing, and enjoying my free time on top of all that, it can be hard to not feel in a rush. I am grateful for each day, but I wish there were more time each day to do all of the things necessary and then some.
Not being present has always been a tough one for me. Ever since I was little, I daydreamed and had my head in the clouds. I still love to daydream and plan out goals and the future in my head. To an extent, there is very little that we have control over. However, I like to prepare, plan, and organize as best as I can. I do this by setting lofty goals and constantly researching, whether it is about career opportunities, finances, travel, and planning for the future life I hope to have one day. There can be benefits to this, but I have found myself getting too caught up in tomorrow or planning my life away so that I am not fully present.
Here are some lessons I learned this year. These lessons have been more of a theme this past year of my life. Though I say these are lessons learned, I have not mastered these lessons. I am continuously learning, growing, practicing, and striving to improve.
Slow down because good things take time. Things will come together eventually. There is no race to the finish line. No one is more upset by the arbitrary deadlines I set for me than I am, so take it easy and don’t be too hard on yourself. Have patience with the timing of your life.
The only competition is yourself. (I am sure we have all heard this a million times, but it is worth repeating) The only person you are competing against is yourself. The only person to be better than is who you were yesterday. There is no reason to compete to ‘checkmark all the boxes.’ We all get there on our own time.
Setting goals and achieving them is not the only important thing in life. Setting goals is essential and valuable to guide our lives. However, if I am so busy chasing big dreams, I am afraid I’ll look back and will have missed out on the small moments that make life beautiful. Stop chasing tomorrow because there is joy in the present.
No one can read my mind. If I do not speak up and ask for what I need, I will not receive it (So hard to practice, slowly but surely getting better). I cannot expect others to meet my expectations because other people are not me, and they will not react as I would. I need to speak my truth and communicate. The scariest thing is that someone says “no,” then we discuss things and try to compromise.
Some friendships are not meant to last forever. A friendship may have only held a purpose for a chapter in your life, which is okay. It is okay to grow apart. Not everyone is meant to stay with you throughout your life’s journey. As sad and painful as it can be to let go, I can be grateful for the beautiful memories shared.
Be grateful. It is easy to take blessings for granted. I have so much to be thankful for. I am abundant.
Reflecting on 2022 has made me realize I have come so far. I have grown in many ways, and I have no regrets. I made strides in my business and career, and I feel so grateful. Moving forward in 2023, I would like to focus on the personal development of my mind and body. I hope to practice and implement more of the lessons I have learned. I look forward to continuing to share my journey with you.
Thank you so much for being here. I would love to hear from you about any lessons you learned this year or any challenges you faced. Please comment below, and I will be sure to respond.
These are powerful reflections. Happy 2023, Sydney.
Nicely put.