Transformative Life-changing Lessons from 2022: Embrace the Silver Lining

In what may seem like a blink of an eye, another year has turned its leaf. For some of us, it has been another year of transformation, change, and growth, as we are adjusting to the new norms and seeking our path. For some, the year has been filled with adventures, as the world is back to travel and exploration full force. Some of us have new family additions, responsibilities, and relationships to tend to. Others are exploring their newfound freedoms, be it in a form of living in a new place, working in a new job or setting, or simply feeling lighter as they shed mental and emotional baggage.

The turn of the year, as tradition goes, is an auspicious time to reflect, ponder, and go within. The practice can help all the life lessons settle, and teach us to express gratitude for all the blessings we might have received. It also sets our mindful attitude, as we contemplate what the future might bring, set our intentions and visualize our goals coming to fruition.

Regardless of where you stand and what this year meant to you, there is always something to learn, appreciate, and reflect on. As we close one chapter and prepare to open a new one, here are some unique 2022 life-changing lessons to ponder upon.

Life-changing lessons of 2022

Nothing lasts forever. Embrace the life-changing lessons learned in 2020 and 2021, such as seeking the lessons in every experience, persisting through setbacks, and trusting yourself. Remember, you cannot change the world, but you can change your own world. Take care of yourself, embrace your differences, and let go of the need for lists and control.
People (and the world in general) have an incredible, almost limitless, ability to transform. Connecting with the previous point, humanity has an incredible adaptability to it, and it is something we can cherish and take advantage of on so many levels in our life.
Nothing is only good or bad. Life-changing lessons can come from unexpected places. As yoga and various mindfulness practices would teach us, it’s important to seek the lessons and not get attached to labels. Everything, be it a person, lesson, or experience, has its place, and we do not have to deem it good or bad. But we might be able to learn and grow from it, so we best accept it as it is. By adopting this mindset, we open ourselves up to life-changing lessons and personal growth that can shape our perspectives and transform our lives. So let’s embrace all experiences, and focus on the life-changing lessons they have to offer us.
If it doesn’t work, try again. Too much of our life is dependent on instant gratification, but real growth and progress usually require us to dig deeper. So if it doesn’t work the first time, try again. Be persistent, and stay determined.
Know when to let go. Einstein said the definition of insanity is doing the same thing, expecting a different result. Connecting with the previous point, life is a delicate balance of knowing when to persist, and when to desist.
Reconsider reading the signs. A sound bite used around the world for the past few years, as everyone was trying to understand the signs, predict the future, and read between the lines. Although being mindful of what the universe (our intuition, nature, and the people around us) is trying to tell us is important, life-changing lessons can come from unexpected places.
Believe in the Intangible. Life-changing lessons can be found in our emotions, thoughts, insights, intuition, wisdom, or divinity, and it’s about time we give it the attention it deserves, in a proper way.
Know your own truth. In a world where truth became a relative, debatable, personable phenomenon, instead of trying to uncover the “real truth” or expecting lies and deceit from those around you, focus on knowing and living your own truth.
Don’t forget to still trust somebody. So, in this crazy world of today, there is still plenty of opportunity to offer your trust to somebody, and receive others’ trust in you.
When in doubt, move your body. It is your unique home in this life, with a particular purpose.
It is always the right time to Heal your heart. If you haven’t started working on your emotional health, you are officially behind.
You cannot change the world, but you can change your own world. No matter how noble and pure your intentions are, nothing can happen until you make sure your own world is in order.
Embrace your difference. Let go of that deeply-rooted need to belong, to fit in, and to be like others, if it goes against who you truly are.
Let go of influencing and being influenced. In a world where everyone behaves like a celebrity, has no filter when it comes to posting their opinions online, and strives for attention via likes and views, we can work on reclaiming our privacy, our individuality, and our realness.
Come back to real life interactions. As humans, we crave social interactions, but the virtual world has made it easier to forget the importance of in-person connections. Whether it’s meeting friends for a coffee, attending a retreat, or participating in a community event, let’s make an effort to prioritize real-life interactions. These moments of shared experiences and memories will leave a lasting impact and contribute to our personal growth.
Stop taking things for granted. Hardly a novelty idea, but maybe more relevant than ever. If the last period of our humanity has taught us anything, it is that nothing is given, so better do not to take what you have for granted, as life may take it away at any moment. Whether it is our health, relationships, job, or even the ability to travel, we should learn to appreciate every moment and cherish what we have. By doing so, we can find joy and gratitude in the simplest things and live a more fulfilling life.
Forget the big picture for a moment. Sometimes, we can get too caught up in the big picture and forget to appreciate the little moments. It’s important to slow down and take a moment to be present in the here and now. By doing so, we can learn to find joy in the simple things and cherish the moments that make up our lives. So forget about the big picture for a moment and enjoy the small things that make life worth living.
Your first duty is to your own self. Embrace the importance of self-care. In a world that demands constant productivity and hustle, it’s easy to neglect our own physical, mental, and emotional well-being. But taking care of ourselves should be a top priority. Whether it’s through exercise, healthy eating, meditation, or therapy, make time for self-care to ensure that you’re able to show up as your best self for the world around you. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Think about the long-term plans. The events of the past year have taught us the importance of looking at the big picture and considering long-term plans. Instead of rushing into decisions and seeking quick results, it’s essential to take a step back, evaluate our options, and think about how our choices will impact our future. Whether it’s investing in ourselves, building lasting relationships, or planning for future financial stability, taking a long-term perspective can help us make better decisions and create a more fulfilling life.
It’s ok to contradict yourself. Just as this list may have certain points that are seemingly contradicting, so our life, personality, and relationships, all experience confusion, inconsistency, and complexity. Instead of looking for a clear-cut, black-and-white reality, embrace your contradictions. Buddhist and Yoga traditions teach of a state of harmony, where we are simultaneously one and none, both within and without.
Accept yourself as you truly are. It’s high time we stop lying to ourselves, hiding our true face, and generating highly altered images of what we think we should be or what the world wants us to be. How are you going to accept anybody else, if you don’t accept yourself? How are you going to find somebody that truly accepts you as you are, if you don’t start first? How can we find any form of harmony in this mad, beautiful, confusing, backward, miraculous world we live in if we cannot embrace ourselves as we come? The first step to peace is acceptance.
Throw out your lists. And finally, maybe throw out your lists altogether! All the ideas of who you are, what the world should be like, your checklists, desires, problems, expectations, demands, grievances, and targets, are ultimately binding you, limiting you. This past year, we have learned it’s ok to let go of those lengthy lists in the backs of our minds, and ultimately embrace the flow. Live life here and now, allowing it to unveil itself to you step by step, with a truly open mind and uninhibited heart.

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