As I reflect on my 2019, I can truly say it was quite an interesting year for me.
Have you ever been on a roller-coaster ride? The type of roller-coaster ride that has really high inclines and dramatic falls, that makes you feel like your heart will beat out of your chest and knock the breath out of you.
However, it also gives you an adrenaline rush mixed with fear and a sense of excitement but at the same time you just want it to be over with?
That’s how my 2019 was! Can you relate? It was full of some really high highs and really low lows but in the end, my 2019 was full of life changing lessons for which I am truly grateful for.
Here are 9 life lessons I learnt from 2019; I hope that they would inspire you:
1. Taking care of your mental and physical health should be a priority in your life
I’ve learnt the hard way that when you push yourself beyond your limits and stay in situations that constantly stress you and degrade your self-worth, eventually your body and mind will give way under the pressure. Take care of yourself!
2. Put God first always
Whether you are a Christian or not, I think it’s a good idea for you to include the God of the universe into your everyday decision making. He loves you dearly and has the best for you even when you may not understand everything. Trusting him with my heart and life was the best decision I ever made.
3. You can’t change anyone; the choice is up to the individual
This was very difficult for me to accept for a long time. If you’re anything like me, you probably wish you could help everyone to become the best versions of themselves but you can only do so much, and no more. There always comes a point where you just have to let go and let them be.
4. Self-care can and should be incorporated into your everyday life
Self-care can be as simple as drinking your favorite tea/coffee, reading a chapter from a self-empowering book, lighting a scented candle, going to the gym or facing a fear. Whatever self-care looks like for you, be intentional about doing it, so you avoid losing yourself trying to please everyone around you.
5. You just can’t be friends with everyone
Unfortunately some people come into your life for just a season but some friends are meant to be there for life. The difficult part for me wasn’t necessarily discerning who belonged where, but more accepting it and moving on. It’s important that we be careful who we let stay in our lives, for the sake of our mental, emotional and spiritual health.
6. Love is and will always be an important part of my life
Sometimes it feels like loving some people is more painful and unrewarding than anything but as a Christian, God commands me to love, no matter what. Loving someone unconditionally, who has hurt you, is extremely difficult but freeing and it’s okay to love someone from a distance for the sake of your emotional and mental well-being.
7. You are never too far gone for God to help you
God is a God of restoration and He loves it when his children come back to him, no matter how bad they may have messed up in life. He is ready to work all things together for your good! So run into his loving arms.
8. Friends and family are an essential part of life
Having spent years away from my family and a year away from my close friends and church, I can truly say that maintaining these relationships is so important for accountability and encouragement. When we isolate ourselves it increases our risk for mental health issues and many other issues. Be intentional about connecting with your loved ones.
9. Life is messy but life is also beautiful
Life can be so painful sometimes but I believe there is always a purpose to the pain. Sometimes we just need to push through some situations before we see the bigger picture. As long as there is life, there is hope!
What have you learnt in 2019? What changes can you make in your life as you go into the New Year?
I pray that you have a prosperous, purposeful and victorious 2020 filled with love, hope and joy!
Yours truly,
Dr Esther J Trotman (M.B.B.S)
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