So 2020 is something we thought could only exist in a movie. Australia caught on fire, we lost NBA legend Kobe Bryant, his daughter and friends in a helicopter crash, there was a huge explosion in Beirut that caused over 200 deaths and a massive amount of devastation and not to forget, to top off the year, 2020 gave us the Corona Virus pandemic.
We have had to adapt to an unthinkable amount of change, countless amounts of plans got turned upside down and we have had all the time in the world to think. So, we just want to take a moment to remind you of how brave you are and how proud you should be of yourself. Having chatted with our ambassador, we realised that 2020 has taught them a lot and they wanted to share that with you. Check out what they had to say…
Grace
2020 has been crazy! But I have learned a few things, especially about myself. I’ll share them here with you.
- It is essential for me to have animals at all times. Currently running a house of 2 dogs and 3 cats. When I’m having a bad day they never fail to make me smile. Between walking the dogs, feeding the lot of them, and giving them all some love. If nothing else it passes the time and gives me some purpose.
- If you’re not baking, doing home workouts, and starting 6 businesses, that’s ok. If you’re in your PJs for the third day running, that’s ok. If you haven’t washed your hair in a week, that’s ok. Whatever way you get through today is ok. We don’t have to be all productive all the time. We can be slobs too.
- If I’m anxious – get out of the house. Even for a 10-minute walk up the road. It’s amazing what a change of scenery and some fresh air can do. It doesn’t magically cure my anxiety but it does help me burn off some nervous energy and think through the problem a little.
Aoife
To say that 2020 has been a disaster would be an understatement. However, I am trying to find the silver lining. And, for me, this silver lining is that 2020 has taught me the importance of prioritising myself. I am slowly learning how to say no to things and look after my own mental health first. I have learned just how important it is to love yourself. I’m going to be stuck with myself for the rest of my life, so I might as well grow to like her!
I have had to learn how to be content with my own company, and not rely on external validation for happiness. Most of all, though, I have learned that while there are always people out there who are not nice, there’s also some incredible kindness in the world. There’s always someone who cares about you, and small acts of kindness can go a long way.
Lauren
2020 has taught me that, it wasn’t a mistake if it was the right decision at the time. You can only work with the information you have at any given moment. No one can predict the future or how things are going to work out. You learn and grow and maybe wouldn’t make a certain decision again but that doesn’t mean it was wrong the first time. You made the best decision with the information you had at the time. And when you learn, you can make even better decisions going forward with your new lesson learned!
daisy
If I have learned ANYTHING from 2020, it’s that every single person works at their own pace and that there is nothing to be gained from stressing about other people working harder or faster than you are.
2020 was the year of staying at home, and while trying to complete online homework, tests, assignments, and study, sometimes it all just felt too much. I could see other people around me had no issues working for 6 hours a day in front of a screen – but I was struggling.
Especially around exam time, people can be so quick to talk about the hours and hours of work that they’re somehow doing, but as long as you feel as though you have accomplished at least one thing – it can make the whole day worthwhile. And in the end, every single person has different goals and abilities, so to base your own off someone else’s is ridiculous, to begin with!! Take each day as it comes with regards to schoolwork or homework, and slowly but surely you will see the payoff.
We would love to hear one thing that 2020 has taught you. Why not pop us a message or comment on social media or even email us at info@shona.ie
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