5 Things That 2023 Taught Me

Can you hear that? The sound of footsteps getting louder and louder? Try listening harder! Still nothing? Okay, let me put it this way, it’s the inaudible loud sound of ‘new year’ approaching us. Yes, it's that time of the year when the calendar is ready with a heavy heart to be replaced; when the current year is packing its bag to bid us goodbye, and a new year is awaiting to knock on the doors of our lives! 

There’s a new year fervor all around. People are ready with their arms open to welcome NEW YEAR. But here’s the thing with the human species, as we move towards holding new things, we tend to loosen our grip over the old ones. In the fascination of experiencing something new, we forget that it’s actually a privilege given by the old because, without the old, the new wouldn’t have existed. 

So, before jumping to making New Year's resolutions, I thought of having some past-year realizations first. The year 2023 had both the peaks and valleys. I laughed, I cried, I taught, I learned, I lost, I achieved, I fell, I rose, but most importantly, I survived with a smile! And I know, everyone around me too.

Here I am sharing a few of the many lessons I learned in this year 2023:

1. Stop comparing yourself to others 

As Theodore Roosevelt very well said, “Comparison is the thief of Joy.” You are not ahead of anyone or behind. Our goals are different, pathways are different, and so is the pace. It seems difficult not to get tangled in the web of comparison when society constantly pushes you towards it. But that’s where you need to become deaf to such comments. 

If you know that the chosen road is yours then have faith in your progressing steps gradually leading you towards the goal rather than fixing your eyes on how far others have reached. Know that others’ accomplishments can never decide your worth. 

A pen and a pencil both serve the same purpose but with a different style. But that does not make a pencil lesser in any way than a pen or vice versa. You are unique, and so are your dreams and journey!

2. Communication serves no benefit without comprehension

They say ‘Communication is the key’. No doubt, it is! But if accompanied by comprehension. You can communicate all you want but if the other person is not willing to understand, they won’t understand. 

This year made me experience both scenarios where communication worsened things and it fixed everything. The only difference is the lack of comprehension. I learned that communicating clearly is in my hand but how the other person takes it is not!

3. Learn to walk away

No matter what people say about you, learn to walk away from people, places, and situations that steal your mental peace. Well, I learned the hard way that sometimes it’s okay to quit on people you deeply care for, if they are okay by not having you in their life. 

It’s okay to let go of people who were supposed to be there for you to add their smiles to your joyous moments and offer a shoulder to cry on as well. It took me a while to realize that if it’s always your shoulder offering support, and your tears run dry while searching for theirs then it’s time to rethink that bond. 

If your presence is not valued somewhere then let your absence speak for you. The people who genuinely care will make efforts to mend things and the people who pretend to care will be unbothered. Learn to accept it too.

4. Saying NO is important

Saying no has never been a piece of cake for me. But this year taught me the significance of setting boundaries to protect my peace. At times it becomes necessary to draw a clear line between what’s good for your mental health and what’s not.

I know, for some people, uttering this smallest word ‘no’ could require the same strength as lifting mountains but remember behind this mountain lies a road towards better well-being. It will take time but you’ll learn gradually, just like I am learning.

5. You are allowed to make mistakes too

Perfection is a process adorned by mistakes. Everyone loves to be flawless and perfect. But in the marathon of achieving perfection, we forget that we are bound to make mistakes too. 

This year taught me that sometimes it’s okay to make mistakes in life, career, and relationships; it’s okay to not always be the right one in the room; it’s okay if you cannot meet someone’s expectations at times. But what’s not okay is to dismiss your mistakes, to not work on fixing them, and to stay oblivion to how your mistaken words and actions might have hurt someone. Mistakes don't define you but how you fix them does!

 

Recently, a friend reached out to me with her concern. Unfortunately, during our initial conversation, I failed to understand her perspective and feelings as a friend. I made the mistake of invalidating her emotions and it got to her. But thanks to a lovely lady who helped us sort it out and made me realize where I went wrong (and yes I was extremely sorry for the hurt I caused her!).

Had it been prevented in the initial conversation itself? Yes! Will I prefer to go back in time and change it for the world? No!  That way I wouldn’t have learned what those mistakes taught me and my friend. That doesn’t mean I’m encouraging you to make mistakes but rather to accept the fact that you can make mistakes too.     

What ifs, should haves, and could haves will always cause a ruckus in your head. But 'what is' and 'what you have' should never be ignored in the process. No matter how the year went, I HAVE my pockets loaded with lessons.

I am immensely grateful to 2023 for all its teachings and memories, to all my amazing readers, to all my people who stood beside me through thick and thin, and to all the beautiful souls this year blessed me with! 

Wishing you all a healthy, happy, and prosperous new year 2024!

What lessons did you learn in 2023? Let me know in the comments below. :)