20 LESSONS LEARNED IN 2020

With all of the hardships and disparity that 2020 has unmasked, there have been some good too. There are those who have actually discovered what it truly means to be “your brother’s keeper”, so there have been many acts of kindness being witnessed all over the world, and many people truly found themselves in the midst of feeling lost and alone.  Interestingly, many remained adamant about not letting 2020 break them and are looking forward to what 2021 will bring, despite the “new strain” and its imminent threat.

As for me, 2020 broke me, and it also repaired me.  It gave me many reasons to give up, but it also provided many more reasons to continue on life’s journey.  Some days were tear-filled, but there were also days of wheezing laughter.  I lost some, but I gained much greater than I had anticipated – more of myself and less of others.  Some friendships were solidified, while others dissipated. Although my faith was waning, it continues to be restored.  Even in moments when I felt I was forsaken by HIM, He became my source of strength and on whom I solely relied. 

So, thank you 2020; despite the pains you brought, you were also a great teacher. 

As I quietly saunter into 2021, I reflect on the gift of the 20 lessons learned in 2020 – the year of perfect vision – and take them into making the new year what it needs to be for me:

1. In the midst of a pandemic, people will show you one of two things: the e  x  t  e  n  t    of their hate or the MAGNITUDE of their love.

2. Every pain has its purpose.

3. You don’t need to have a lot to give a little.

4. When God calls you out on your mess, be open enough to listen, and be wise enough to change.

5. There is no point in making an enemy out of a thief; just hide your valuables, and keep it moving. 

6. Consistent actions or inaction speak volumes.

7. Affect and bother are the narcissist’s aphrodisiac; respond responsibly.

8. Success is on the other side of your comfort zone.

9. You MUST be deliberate about taking care of your mental health.

10. You can be productive in a pandemic.

11. It is important to remove yourself from the space not meant for you; you disrespect yourself by staying there.

12. Just because you are in a similar boat doesn’t mean that they will lend you their paddle to go up stream.

13. Life re-imagined makes for beautiful discoveries.

14. Parenting in a pandemic requires a different depth that comes ONLY from God!

15. God’s miracle in the making is sometimes presented in an unpleasant package.  #BeStill

16. Hate should serve no other purpose than to highlight the power of LOVE. 

17. A person’s energy will often indicate what they are too “afraid” to tell you.

18. Starting over does not have a time/age limit; just do it!

19. Misogyny cannot survive without the support of women.

20. Rock bottom is a liar from the pit of hell; healing is just around the corner. #HoldOn

Brawta:    Secret battles prevent active love.

Come on 2021…. let’s do this!!