My Lessons Learned in 2018 (And How To Live a Fearless Life in 2019!)

I sat and reflected on my lessons learned in 2018.

2018 was quite a year for me.

I’m sure I’m not the only one that felt that way.

There were things that took a toll on me personally and professionally. I want to talk about my lessons learned.

At the top of 2018 I had just welcomed my third child into the world. She had just turned one month at the beginning of 2018; my anxiety at this point was intense because I didn’t know how I would handle three children. Well let’s just say I made it through. She turned one last month. Yayy!!!!

Things that happened to me in 2018:

• removed me and my kids from a toxic environment
• me and the kids moved into a new place
• my honda was re-possessed
• my two youngest children lost their father in late 2018

Those four events that happened to me in 2018 would have knocked down the average person instead it made me stronger.

I look back and wonder how did I ever allow myself to get into such a toxic situation? The only thing I can think is God wanted me to experience the bad in order to appreciate the good.

Throughout all the things I experienced in 2018 I remained resilient because I knew things would get better. Better than I could ever imagine.

Things I learned in 2018:

Lesson #1

I learned how to not overextend myself – Being a mother of three I had to learn to prioritize work, self care and time for family/friends. I will admit this took some work and advice from my therapist. I’m always that person that offers to help others but in return don’t get much back. Let’s be clear I don’t ask for anything in return but it’s the gesture that counts. I am selfless but I have learned to limit my commitment to others and focus on self.

Lesson #2

Make sure I am prioritizing things on my to do list based on urgency. I tend to make a list of 10 plus things and will drive myself crazy trying to do everything. It became quite crazy that I had to remove myself from blogging and figure out if this was something I really wanted to do. I will admit it helped a lot. It helped me create a plan to simplify everything.

Lesson #3

Strong willed individuals suffer in silence in different parts of their life – I am one strong willed individual and within my circle I had certain people that knew bits and pieces of what was actually going on in my life. I don’t know if it was the fear of being judged or not really feeling the connection of confiding in them. Either way all of my close friends found out and advised me never to hide anything from them. I felt really assured that they have me and my children’s best interest at heart.

Lesson #4

It’s okay to talk to a professional (My therapist is bomb!) I found talking to someone you don’t know helps eases the fear of being judged.

In conclusion

My lessons learned in 2018 may not seem like much to some but to some they may have went through similar situations and this could be hope that things will get better. These things didn’t happen to hurt me but to make me a stronger person. Everyday I am constantly working to be a better mother, daughter, sister and friend. I will admit nowadays I am more intentional of my actions. If I feel like something is not a good choice I don’t participate or entertain it and vice versa.

I plan to be fearless in 2019 by simply being myself.

I can go on and on about my lessons learned in 2018, therefore, I want to know at least one lesson you learned in 2018 to help you better prepare for 2019?