20 things 2020 has taught me
- Sarah Jane Callender
- Dec 29, 2020
- 10 min read
Updated: Dec 31, 2020
I'm sat on my living room sofa with a blanket, watching Christmas movies with a hot chocolate, about to plan my lessons for the next term. Later on, I will cook myself a feast for tea, read some more of my book, play games with family, stretch and then go to bed at a decent time. Luckily, I made it home for Christmas so I've been able to spend this time of year with my nearest and dearest. As I'm watching Home Alone and sipping my hot chocolate, my Dad says to me, "2020 an't been so bad, you're home for Christmas". I wonder if 2020 "an't been so bad" and decided to think of 20 things I have learned this year and am grateful for.
1. Self love is first love
With lockdown, we have all spent days alone in our houses, either working from home, on furlough, no school and with no shops to go to. It has been a perfect opportunity for us all to take time, stop and breathe. I took time to really work on myself and appreciate who I am. Truth be told, I still have a long way to go and self love is something I've always struggled with.
Practicing self love has been fun and a learning experience. I've made time for self-care with a trusty skin routine and a somewhat regular exercise schedule. I've made sure I eat healthier and make time to learn new skills. But most importantly, I've told myself to always remember what makes me happy. If this means sleeping in when I need rest, playing my favourite game or going on a walk to clear my head.
2. Embrace the outdoors
“In the presence of nature, a wild delight runs through the man, in spite of real sorrows.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
This year I felt as though I've been stuck inside and forced to stay at home. I don't tale well when I'm told what to do and so this year, I've be en going on long walks, trying to reach my 10,000 steps a day goal. Not only has walking helped my physical health, it has also helped me mentally and relieves my stress. There is a calm beauty in nature and I'd advise anyone to seek it and take some steps outside, even if it is for 10 minutes. I am positive you will have more energy and feel refreshed after it! Below are pictures of a few walks in 2020...
3. Cherish your friends and family
I don't know what I would have done this year without my loved ones. They have definitely been there for me when I haven't been there for myself, never failing to make me smile and zooming me whenever they can. I could thank everyone individually but it'd be a bit of a dull read so I've added some photos of the people I am so grateful for this year. THANK YOU!
4. Waking up late is not a sin
Without any fixed schedule in lockdown, I found that my sleeping pattern went all over the place at the start. I kept waking up later and later. After I established a routine, I got annoyed at myself whenever I got tired during the day.
However, I began to go easy on myself and realised it is so important to allow yourself some resting time, especially if you're tired. My body used to be tired the days after I ran or exercised a lot. And for us girls, especially if we're on our periods. Even if you nap, and I am the nap queen, it probably means your body needs it. I wake up late and couldn't care less.
5. Make Lists
On the other hand, if you want to be more productive or feel you are in a bit of a rut, a to-do list is a great place to start. I usually break my lists down into what I will eat, my exercise goal for the day, things I need to do and some time for self-care or a hobby. The lists really help me structure my day and feel as though I have things to do.
6. Health is wealth
This is quite possibly one of the most important lessons I have learned this year. Both your physical and mental health are so important, one of the most important things I'd say. 2020 has been extremely uncertain for all our mental and physical health but if there is one piece of advice I'd give, it is to look after your health, seek medical or professional advice if you are unsure.
Me looking very excited for a mole examination. Vid cred: Katie Aspinall
Make sure you are in a healthy mental space, perhaps try new things such as meditation, yoga or take up a new hobby such as drawing - literally anything to help your mind feel good. And finally, physical health, make sure to have your routine checks and appointments. After being checked in the UK when I first found a mole on my leg, I went to a doctor in the UAE for a second opinion, as the mole began hurting. The doc found it was a benign tumor and suggested it needed removing straight away. If you are unsure, please PLEASE get checked by a professional. This year has also meant many COVID tests and vaccines, but I am all the more healthier for it. Just make sure to look after yourselves. :D
7. I love decorating
Moving to a new country, being in lockdown and without any furniture in my room meant that I had no other choice but to work on furnishing and decorating. I wanted a sophisticated, cosy and affordable vibe. After I decided the palette for my room (black, white and light wood), I got started on decoration. Pinterest was great for decor inspiration and most of my furniture is from IKEA (not very original but so affordable). I also got some lovely nature art prints from @posteronedubai and other bits from West Elm, Home Centre, Pottery Barn and Zara Home.
I didn't realise it at the time, but as I've been spending most of my time in my room, I found it really was important to invest in your haven.
The picture on the left is the unfinished product. When all decorations are up it'll be time for an update.
8. You can start a hobby at any time
Not knowing what to do with yourself is quite scary but also exciting. I find it scary because any new hobby I start, I will inevitably start from the beginning, which means I most likely won't be very good. That's quite daunting but sometimes you just have to shut your own mind up when it goes into self-sabotage mode and give new things a try.
This year I joined pencil drawing classes, starting running and began learning Arabic. My Arabic is not very consistent right now but I've made a strong start. I can't wait to pick it up again in the New Year. I also hope to start an exercise class in 2021.
9. Home workouts can be fun!
Gyms are closed and after I enjoyed many days on the sofa, I had to start moving again. I found a love for zumba on YouTube and joined the Shreddy Home Fat Loss programme. Doing these workouts made me feel great afterwards (I can't lie, they were tiring too). I also feel proud that I've managed to move a little even if it's in my own home even on days when I don't feel like it. I have to tell myself that even when I'm not in the mood for exercising, I know I'll feel better after. Now that gyms are open again in Abu Dhabi, I've found that I enjoy my home workouts more! Just don't be afraid to use what you have in your home. For something free, I personally think YouTube is a great place but there are loads of home workout plans out there. Try Alexandra's Happy Body Plan, Shreddy or Gym Bird, all prices vary.
Freestyle dance moves ft. Zumba basics.
10. Be safe but don't limit yourself
I think most of us can agree that this year many sacrifices have been made. We've cancelled holidays, family parties, seeing our friends and even going to work for the safety of oursleves and others. Despite all of the "you can't do this" rhetoric, try to look for things you can do in a safe manner.
I was lucky enough to come home over summer and for part of my break, I stayed in an Air BnB with my parents in Edinburgh. It was very covid-friendly as only myself and my parents were in the apartment and we managed to enjoy the city in a safe and socially distanced way. Just because we've had a lot of "nos" in 2020 it doesn't mean we stop our plans altogether. Travelling is one of my passions and makes me genuinely happy. Try to find ways where you can still explore and do the things you love to do. But remember, BE SAFE.
Photos from my trip to Edinburgh.
11. Zoom is great!
I'm not the biggest fan of calling or video calling others but Zoom has been a real life-saver. From Zoom quizzes with friends, to sitting and talking to family, to ice-breakers with colleagues, it has given me some sense of personal interaction with others. I think it's so important to stay connected with everyone in these hard times and Zoom is a brilliant way to do that.
12. Make time for yourself
2020 has given me time, the time I needed to find time for me. I'm grateful that the pace of my life slowed down because it made me realise that time for myself is so important. When I say time for myself that could range from anything, such as skincare in the morning and evening, cooking a healthy meal, exercising, playing the Sims, calling friends etc. Literally anything you want to do, make the time, schedule it in your diary and do it for you.
13. Self care is goals
I have slightly mentioned this before but I want to go into more depth. I started researching about skin and products that will help my face. I learned about the importance of cleansers (I am by no means an expert but if you are wondering where to start, get yourself a good cleanser), and found that oily cleansers (even if you have oily skin) are best for cleaning dirt, make up and pollution on your skin. I learned about lots of serums that treat different types of skin and needs. I love using any retinol serum and Sunday Riley's C.E.O Glow, Vitamin C and turmeric face oil. I have Caroline Hiron's book Skin Care: The Ultimate No-Nonsense Guide, which is so helpful. I've also looked into my hair type towards the end of this year. I have thick, curly, mixed race hair and I've been learning how to condition and treat it differently. For people with curly hair, invest in Cantu, it's brilliant.
My skin is looking great now and my hair is on the right tracks. This is all thanks to self care.
14. Netflix is not underrated
Netflix has filled many an hour this year. I've started so many new series for pleasure but also to learn new things. Personal favourites this year have been Big Mouth, Rick and Morty, The Crown, The Ripper, When They See Us and The 100.
15. Sleep is important
When lockdown first hit, my sleeping pattern really changed. I was going to bed at 3am and waking up at 1pm, still shattered. I had many talks to myself and managed to settle into a nice sleeping schedule. I woke up feeling fresher and brighter with more energy for the rest of the day. I had more time to make healthier, nicer food and didn't rush for a pot noodle because I was too tired to do anything else.
16. Cook for a Queen
Have I been eating great recently? Truly delicious food. No cold sandwiches anymore for lunch but gourmet meals! In my spare time I've been focusing more on cooking healthily and with different flavours. Eat healthy and feel healthy.
17. How to teach online
This is more of a practical skill. When I moved to the UAE in March, I didn't predict any online teaching and assumed I'd be put in a school straight away. Having to adjust to a new type of life this year, I learned how to communicate and teach students online. This meant researching different platforms and alternative ways to engage students when their participation was low. Even from April this year to now, there is a huge difference when I am teaching my students online and I feel I have improved a great deal.
18. It's okay not to be okay
I used to think this statement, that I'm sure you've seen so many times, wasn't true. I used to always pinpoint where my problems were, find the solution and then force myself to get over it because I could spot why I wasn't feeling good that day.
This year I've learned to ride the wave with my emotions. It sounds cliché, but by this I mean that if I am feeling down, I no longer question the feeling anymore and just ride the emotion instead. Everyone gets down sometimes. As I'm doing this, I will do little things to try to make myself feel better like watch my favourite TV show or read a book. I learned that sometimes solutions to problems can't be found straight away (or even found at all) and a better way to handle negative emotions is to feel them, understand them and work on little ways to feel better until you become yourself again.
19. Enjoy the little things
I think I speak for all of us when I say 2020 hasn't been our most exciting year. So instead, I learned to appreciate the little things. It may sound silly, but things like a good brew, a good meal, the outdoors, my room, my health, my privilege - things that my 2019 self used to take for granted. If you start thinking small and get bigger, I'm sure you'll realise there are so many things to be grateful for.
View from my apartment, vid cred: Aaliyah.
20. Take it slow
In life, there is no rush. All of the things I used to rush for, such as having my dream career, losing weight, exploring a new country, starting a new hobby, it doesn't matter. Just give yourself time, be as consistent as you can and you will achieve your goals.
I am quite a long way from my goals and what I want to achieve. But if anything, making this list has showed me I've made a start. And this year I'm thankful for that.
Stay safe everyone and thanks for reading! x
This blog is from your heart. There are soooo many feeling the same way in 2020 proud of you SJ. You are so helpful, inspiring, courageous, kind young lady. Keep on doing your blogs lovely comforting read. Xx