#SquadSays: These Are The Lessons Learned in 2020
In just a week, it’s the dawn of a new day. We’ve lived through practically a year of a worldwide pandemic, a life of quarantine isolated from many of our loved ones, millions of losses, an intense political climate, mass unemployment, and things we’ve just never, ever in our lifetimes. So many new lessons learned in 2020.
On the positive side, we’ve grown stronger connections with people we love (albeit virtually), gotten space in our mind to process what we independently want the new normal to look like, and hopefully found a new sense of gratitude.
For better or worse, this year changed us. And now, looking back, we can see that those new lessons learned in 2020 — about health, resilience, community, and our shared history as Americans—are lessons that will hopefully stick with us for the rest of our lives.
Below, our 12 podcast guests share their revelations, specifically the nine months spent in quarantine, from the importance of having boundaries to learning how to delegate.
Kelli Oakes, Social Media Influencer
Spend more time with the people that make you act like the best version of yourself.
Dr. Umbareen Mahmood, Plastic Surgeon
I’ve always had big expectations for myself, and I have realized that it's okay not to do all of those things. I have learned to let go and say “it is what it is.” Life may have different plans, and that is fine.
Lynnette Astaire, Plant-Based Chef
This year, I entered a new modality of affirmations in a specific way. With your affirmations, it has to be a trifecta. You have to say it, you have to see it, and you have to write it. And you have to be consistent. I got into this and a lot of mountains have moved around.
Meera Meyer, CFA, Financial Wellness Coach
To be prepared for anything. The importance of having a plan, and the importance of having emergency savings. Not everything is in our control, but we can control our level of preparation.
Dr. Patti Kim
Not to be afraid to reach out. Not waiting for people to come to you, but actually reaching out to friends and family like crazy and telling them you love them. But also about letting go of the people whose relationships have run their course. It is okay to let go of that.
Renee Slansky, Dating Coach
Learning to discern opportunity and learning to delegate tasks. I have learned my limits of when to say “no”. Asking- “does this serve me in such a way to help me serve the greater”? Realizing I can't do everything in my strength and that's ok. I have learned to unapologetically delegate.
Steffi Hill, Astrologer
Enjoy the simple pleasures in life. Having gratitude for things that aren't so complicated. Lots of things are complicated in this world, but our day to day is not complicated. I have learned to really enjoy life for its simple pleasures, and take it one day at a time.
Janelle Vermeulen
Recognizing where the conversation is going, where my energy is going, and asking myself “will it add value to my life”? “Will it add value to the person's life who I am talking to”? If not, shut it down.
Jackie Simek
The ability to receive. Receiving generosity and graciousness. We ask for a lot of things, but do we complete the manifestation by allowing ourselves to receive the things when they are brought to us? That is part of the full circle.
Dr. Cat Meyer, Sex Therapist
I have learned to slow down, and be so present and accepting of everything in front of me. I have learned to just be.
Victoria Jane, Human Design Expert
There is a lot less under our control than we think. With so much less control than we actually think, how do we learn to live with that with an open heart? The lesson is all about trusting more.
Marci Rodgers, Costume Designer
To love myself more. Understanding and being compassionate with myself. Understanding the power of “no”. Boundaries don't allow you to feel bad for protecting your peace.
