10 things 2022 has taught me so far seems a strange post to be writing in the middle of March. However, this year has been full of ups and downs already. I’ve definitely learnt a few things about both myself and the world around me in that time. Life is all about learning as we go and I thought today would be a good time to reflect on some of those lessons. So here is 10 things 2022 has taught me so far…
It’s ok to not be ok
The last couple of years has certainly taken its toll on everyone. We have all been through so much and can’t expect not to be changed by that. I was happy to stay in my little bubble during each of the lockdowns. I kept myself busy, took plenty of me time and rediscovered my love of fitness. But when life started going back to normal, I panicked and am not ashamed to admit I really struggled. But that is ok. We can’t be ok 100% of the time. That is just not sustainable. 2022 has taught me that it’s ok to not be ok, that its ok to ask for help.
True friends are always there for you
2022 so far has been a year where I discovered who really were my true friends. I’m so lucky to have a great group around me. Yes they may be from different walks of life, but they all have qualities that I love and want them in my life. They have been there for me when I hit rock bottom, supported me and spent hours just talking. They see my flaws and to them, it doesn’t matter. It just goes to prove that true friends are always there for you.
It’s ok to switch off the news
Obviously the news right now is heart-breaking. Having watched things unfold from the very beginning, I found it hugely affecting my life. I was really struggling to do anything apart from sit and watch the news. I just couldn’t sleep and when I did nod off, I kept waking up to check my phone. These days, I now try to switch off from the news and instead limit myself to reading a daily summary once a day. It doesn’t mean I don’t care, it just is simply a way of protecting my mental health. I can still be conscious of what is going on in the world whilst switching off from the news.
Life doesn’t always go the way you planned
I have always been a goal setter. I meant not have always achieved what I wanted to, but I always gave myself something to aim towards. Life doesn’t always go the way you want it to and you can find yourself going down a completely different path. That is completely normal and you often find that better things are soon to follow.
You can’t please everyone
No matter what you do, there will always be someone that doesn’t agree with your choice. This year has taught me that its ok, as long as I am happy and comfortable. I spent so many years doing things just to make people happy but that is no way to live your life. In order to achieve the things you want to, you need to focus on yourself.
The nation pulls together when it counts
Growing up, my nan always spoke about the wartime spirit of the second world war. I used to love listening to her reminisce in the days before her dementia diagnosis. I used to always think that that spirit had gone for good. However, we first saw a glimpse of it at the start of the pandemic and are again seeing it with the war in Ukraine. It makes me really proud to see everyone pulling together in troubled times.
You are stronger than you think
I was told this by someone so many times at the start of the year but it took me a long time to believe it. You are so much stronger than your mind would have you believe. Even if a challenge seems impossible at first, you will find a way through it.
Don’t take anything for granted
Going back to the subject of Ukraine, it has really hit home to me that you should never take anything for granted. Whether that is having your family around you, good health or even just being able to live your life in the way you enjoy. Life is so short and things can very clearly change in a split second. I remind myself every morning now just how lucky I am to wake up and hear birdsong, to see beautiful clear blue skies and to go about my business as I wish.
Change is scary, but helps us to grow
I have made so many changes this year already. I find change so scary, I always have done. However, I don’t want to be kept within my comfort zone all of the time. Pushing myself to make changes, no matter how big or small, has allowed me to grow as a person. I’ve had new experiences, made amazing memories and most importantly, built my confidence up.
There is power in silence
Life has thrown me some curveballs over the years. When someone or something got to me, I would always react without thinking. Often, it meant giving in to something I didn’t really want to do. I knew I didn’t want to be that person anymore. After many months of self reflection, plus reading a few of Sarah Knights books, I am now more at peace with who I am. These days, I am the person who does not respond directly to threats made, a bite my tongue and bide my time. I will no longer give people the reaction they are looking for, because there is power in silence.
That brings me to the end of the 10 things 2022 has taught me so far. I hope you enjoyed reading this post. If you made it to the end, I’d love to know what you have learnt from this year so far.
The Kelly Diane Report 
Oh I love this! I think learning it’s ok not to be ok and that you can’t please everyone are two key lessons I’ve learnt this year too. Learning to always stand up for myself has been a key one the past few months too. Thanks for sharing x
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I dont like to watch the news haha. Good thing you switching off the news. ““““““
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We all learn new things every day and I did enjoy reading this Kelly! learn new things about myself everyday.
I recently started journaling and I find it impressive how relieving and revealing it is. I think I have come to admit things about myself I was choosing to ignore.
I had an accident with my TV antenna so I had to quit the news also and it had an impressively good impact in my mental health. I do read what happens in the world I just don’t get all the panic that comes along with TV news.
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Great ideas. Thanks.
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these are wonderful reminders and such a great blog post idea! the last couple of years [ pandemic] i’ve learned who my true friends are for sure. i’ve also learned to not care what people think of me. 🙂
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Love this post Kelly. 2022 has been a wild ride so far. Absolute crap but it’s taught me a lot as well xxx
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This is such a wonderful post. The point you can’t please everybody really stuck with me. I’m a natural people please and I’m trying to put myself first sometimes which is really tough. Thank you for sharing!
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So early in the year yet the lessons are valid. Life will always teach you something, we just need learn them and keep moving. Loved that you shared yours.
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You have learnt so much so far in 2022 Kelly. I’m somebody who turns off the news when it’s all too much, I’ll keep up to date with everything but sometimes it can be overwhelming! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
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I must admit, some of your life lessons from this year are very similar to mines – I have had to turn off the news so much lately (just to mention one!) because it had me so upset and scared, I was not able to go on with my day. I can take the news in very small bits, very far stretched. x
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Loving the last one: “there is power in silence.” I am fascinated by the contrast I find in it as opposed to the common idea that speaking out is the way to go, so I love your varied opinion on the matter. Your thoughts on how people come together in troubled times is also very uplifting!
Thanks for sharing. ❤
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I love this! I’m with you on 100% of the things you mentioned. I feel like 2022 will be a year of learning about myself and life in general. I feel like we’re very similar in the things we’ve learnt, it may be hard but it’ll be worthwhile in the end. Thank you for sharing this post lovely Xo
Elle – ellegracedeveson.com
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This is such a lovely post and I admit to turning off my news alerts, it got a bit too much to be constantly reminded of what was going on x
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The past couple of years has definitely changed my outlook on things too, what I felt I should be doing before is totally different now. I’m happy doing my own thing now. x
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Hundred percent feel you in all of these! Learning that you can’t please everyone and not to take anything for granted are so important and resonate so much! Hope this year will bring a lot of self learning and discovering x
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These are great lessons to learn. I also learned that it’s okay to not be okay. I also learned that I need to prioritize my mental health more.
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I’m a sucker for these sorts of posts, no matter what time of year that it is! My mental health drastically declines when I’m looking into what is going on in the world. I will always care about what others are going through and I know how important it is to be up-to-date on current events, but sometimes my anxiety just flares and overrides my medication. Thank you for the reminder that it’s okay to unplug from the news.
I also really loved your lesson of not being able to please everyone. This is one of the hardest lessons I had to learn these past few years. It’s sad and scary when you discover you have disappointed, upset, or even angered people just for existing differently. The hardest thing you can master is being content with living your own life, especially since you don’t hurt others.
Thank you for sharing your list!
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Wow. I can really resonate with a TON of these! I think I’ll take inspiration from this and write about something similar. It’ll be great to look back on years down the line. Great post!
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Things are beyond plans in last two years. I am avoiding news to avoid stress. Supportive friends help to weather the tough times.
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Good points. I definitely learned that you can’t please everyone all of the time.
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These are all brilliant lessons to have learned. Quite a few would be on my list, too. I’m also really glad you have some good friends there for you. As for not being able to please everyone, I think I’ve learned that often yet still struggle with wanting to attempt to please everyone even knowing it’s futile. I need to work on that one!
Caz xx
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These are all such important things and I can really resonate with a lot of them. True friends are always there, it’s better to have 2-3 solid people in your corner than dozens of acquaintances that you can’t really rely on for anything x
Sophie
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Loved this post! These are all great lessons to learn. I think I’ve gotten a little too good about turning off the news.
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I can completely relate to this post. I think it can be difficult taking a step back sometimes and re-evaluating everything, and figuring out where you stand with things. It is so important to put ourselves first in our times of need. I really can understand your thoughts on people pleasing, and learning its alright to not be okay. There is no shame in taking a break when you need. So, thank you for sharing. I think you have many tips on lessons we can all learn sometimes. I wish you the best with next month, and I hope things go a little smoother.
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I completely agree that life does not always go as planned, and you cannot please everyone. I had a similar experience… Over-expectation about something can lead to a major letdown. I’ve learned to balance everything and not overthink everything that has happened in my life. I enjoy reading motivational posts like this one. You gave us worthwhile thoughts to think about. Thank you!
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This is such an interesting post, I feel after 2020 and the subsequent years I’ve learnt to let go a little bit more and focus on a happy balance. It’s hard but it’s helping xx
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