My 2020 Journey & Life Realizations
2020 was indeed a challenging year for most of us.
Another substantial effect that this pandemic has brought to people is anxiety, stress, and fatigue. They have put so much weight on us… So much weight — yet, we are expected to deal with and survive our everyday lives like nothing shitf*ck is happening.
Now, I ask you. How do you feel? Is everything alright for you?
For me, 2020 was a mix of rainbow and storm. It is the year of trying, facing fears, and adapting to this brave modern world.
It was full of ups and downs — we were physically and emotionally tested, and it felt like an endless battle in a game we never asked for.
So why am I writing this journal?
I want to write about my journey throughout 2020, collect my thoughts, share my learnings and realizations, and return to this journal at a different time.
Writing has been my way of freezing time and has given me the comfort I need, even if I am not good at writing.
If you find 2020 a tough year, too, here are my learnings that might be helpful to you:
1. Self-care is crucial
Some people may misinterpret self-care as selfish, but it is far from that. Self-care is about having a good connection or relationship with yourself that can affect your life massively. There are various types: physical, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, and social.
Self-care can be as simple as walking outside in the morning, conversing with your friends or family, taking deep breaths, or even taking a nap.
In my case, journaling has helped me collect my thoughts and given me comfort. I also sought professional advice and listened to different podcasts to become more mindful of my anxiety triggers and how to work through them.
Another thing that has made me feel better was eating healthier foods, it still needs consistency, but I am trying. Wearing good clothes, good skincare, and fixing myself helped too! Nothing beats feeling good about yourself, right?
Lastly, find a hobby that nourishes your mind or makes you happy. I had this period where I felt terrible whenever I didn’t feel productive enough. Because I loved being busy and maximizing myself in a day and the satisfying feeling it gave me. Not until I got rushed to the hospital due to stress and fatigue. I was not even aware that I was exhausted already; that’s when I realized the importance of balancing life and work and, of course — having good health. Taking care of yourself is productive too!
2. Embracing change and challenges.
Life will not always be flowers and rainbows. They say hard times are often blessings in disguise, and that’s where the growth usually lies. Sometimes, I want to quit, but backing out won’t help either. We’ll meet more challenges than we expected, but the strength within us is more, too.
Worthy things are beneath the hassles of Life, and we should acknowledge that, embrace and move forward with grace. And after that, you will realize how much you’re capable of.
3. Easing frustrations
I have learned to accept my limitations and trust the process. Acknowledge that some things are beyond our control, and that is okay.
Too much worrying won’t help. Having the ability to accept things is true power.
4. Appreciating the little things we took for granted
How long has it been since you last went outside without wearing a mask, without fear?
We are too distracted by the convenience of this modern world — computers, mobile phones, and even our work. We often forget to appreciate the little things around us and what truly matters.
The lockdowns made the time feel slower, just like I had in my childhood, or is it just me? The simplicity and beauty of seeing my grandma and mama watering their plants in the morning, having breakfast with my family, and all the usual routines we take for granted are extremely special to me; these are the glimmers of life. The pandemic made me appreciate my family even more.
Moreover, it allowed me to do other hobbies. It’s been a long time since the last time I held a paintbrush, learned something new, read a book, and watched a series without feeling guilty. Relax and do something not out of pressure, and be a human. Ah, I missed this! I miss these slow days — it’s calming and therapeutic.
5. Health is wealth
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These are my top learnings and realizations. I hope it can help you too. And before I proceed to the next topic, I want to share this quote:
“Life is a balancing act and most fulfilling when we learn to embrace its dualities:
The ups and downs;
Good times and bad; and
Joys and challenges.”
My 2020 highlights
(not in particular order)
Despite our challenging events last year, I still want to write down and acknowledge what I am grateful for.
1. Trucking Business
I started a small trucking business. It was highly challenging for me because first, covid happened. Secondly, I needed to adapt to this new environment.
Handling people in this business is far from managing people in the IT field I am currently in. It wasn’t easy, but it gave me a lot of lessons.
2. MTs
I pushed through this MTs project last July 2020; it’s a collaborative portfolio.
3. My sister is now a Doctor of Physical Therapy
I am so happy; it has always been her dream for our parents. Juggling two jobs simultaneously while finishing her doctoral degree in the US is something!
Congratulations on getting a new house! Way to go, ate!
4. Books and Mowgli
This is the year where I collected books the most. My siblings and I plan to build a mini library, so that’s why. I will do a separate blog post for this one!
Also, this is the year I got my Mowgli, my little boy.
5. Paralian Home
One of the top highlights of my 2020. Thanks to my ate for getting this lot for us.
I have always dreamed of having a place near the sea, so I named my blog “Paralian Stories,” which means dweller by the sea. I will post the other pictures in another blog soon.
6. Nona’s Garden
Last November 2020, I acquired a small property with a beautiful overlooking view. It’s a 500sq; land located in Zambales.
I feel grateful for this, another blessing. This will be dedicated to my Nanay (grandma) and my parents’ dream garden! Like in Disney movies, I’ve always wanted a secret garden with a cob house. I know it’s too far from reality, haha, but the idea of having a simple life is what I’ve always wanted for my family. We can’t wait to start this project, plant many plants, and give this space more colours and life.
7. I finally have a nephew!
Yay!! My sister is pregnant with a baby boy, and she’s expected to give birth this coming March or April. I am so excited to see you, Gavin!
8. The Birth of my blog, “Paralianstories.com”
Though I am not constantly posting here, this has always been on my checklist — make paralianstories.com live.
I started the “Paralian Stories” blog on Tumblr 7 or 8 years ago because I love photography. I am not the best, but capturing memories, experiences, and places makes me happy. I have tons of pictures to upload! Hopefully, I will have the time and sipag to post it here.
9. I lost 6 kilograms!
Thanks to stress? Haha, just kidding! During the first lockdown, I gained weight. I was at my heaviest — 59 kilograms, and now I am back to 53kg. This is a minor accomplishment for some people, but I am happy because this is my ideal weight.
10. Taking risks and new projects.
I lost two long-time projects last October due to the pandemic. Still, I received a lot of new projects by November – December, which’s more than what I was expecting, and I am grateful!
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We can all agree that 2020 was a challenging year, but it was also a year of growth and change.
Mine was a rollercoaster, and I took more risks than in previous years. There were a lot of confusions, disappointments, and challenges — it was not easy, but it taught me lessons and, in a way, gave me a sense of fulfilment.
I was confused and scared, but I kept ongoing.
I am still figuring out how to get out of the rat maze. But, I am sure I will try my best to be braver to try new things and not let myself be stuck, no matter how little my progress is.
The outcome will always be uncertain. The process will be confusing and complex, but this is part of leaving your comfort zone. I am slowly learning to let go of fear and finding comfort in the unknown.
They say, “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. Security does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than exposure.”
For me, 2020 is just a number. Our actions determine our fate. Best of luck this 2021. Be safe and be brave. Happy new year!