This Year Has Been A Lot

“Real growth is when you start checking and correcting yourself”

I am going to say that this year has been a lot. Most people to me it seems that they have had negative experiences with the pandemic. Don’t get me wrong I also had negative experiences for example losing my aunt to Covid and last I saw her I was 13 or 12 years old and unable to say good bye. This year however, I grew so much in the most positive way. I started a new relationship and he does things for me, which no person ever has; he supports me to reach my goals and makes me a better person. We both recognize our flaws and we are both learning and growing through that. We know each other’s weaknesses and strengths. We are still getting to know each other and it’s been really great. Next, I got rid of the things of my past. I donated clothing and moved on to better things. I still do have a lot of things to get rid of and bit by bit I am doing it. I finally moved out of my parents house. It took a lot of saving money and I’m still learning how to save money while living on my own. I am getting there and I have grown so much because of it. I learned the importance of creating a shopping list for groceries, when to finish eating bananas before they go bad, remembering that I still have that onion in the fridge. I learned that doing laundry is important and that loading the dishwasher is not so bad. These were tiny things, which I was privileged with when loving with my parents. Paying rent on time is also a thing I had to put in my calendar. I am thankful that I have a job that is somewhat related to my career goals. I no longer stress about my career as much. I am still working my way towards my career and learning about it more.

Throughout my life I have been a people pleaser. When someone tells me to do something I assumed I did not have a choice and I would do it even if I hated it. One day, I got sick of saying yes to everybody and I stood up for myself. I never felt so good about saying no. It was like a breath of fresh air that I was looking for. I realized I need to take care of myself. I need to stop being so easy to please and say no once in a while. The world will not fall apart if I do. I stop needing to please everyone because everyone cannot be happy. However, if I make a decision and I’m happy with it then why should I listen to anybody else? Why should I stop myself? There is no reason.

Without the pandemic I would not have my job, I would not have moved out, I would not have met my significant other, I would still be feeling stuck in the same place wishing I was someone else, I would be unhappy, I would still be crying myself to sleep every night silently. I would not have gone on trips and visited my sister. This year I grew, I learned so much about myself and what brings me happiness. I am still learning about myself and who I am and that’s personal growth that everyone needs to experience in their lives.

“Never settle for a life you don’t want because you are afraid to go after the life you deserve”