As I realized that we are eight months into the year, I thought of how fast this year has passed, yet full of many experiences and events. Someone once told me that you don’t feel time when you spend it doing the things you love or enjoy, and I think that is the case. This year, I feel I have lived the past months pretty much being more present regardless of the demands surrounding it. Regardless of a minor health issue that was triggered or extended by anxiety, which slowed me down, I feel it was supposed to happen for me to slow down and breathe. In this article, I want to share seven lessons from the past seven months of this year.

1- Don’t Forget Your Hobbies & Trying New Things

In January, I got to do new things I never thought of doing. A few months before, I decided to start taking baking classes in Paris. Since I live there, there isn’t a better place to do so than in Paris. It snowed during January, and I got to take the course on making pain au chocolat and the famous croissant. Learning is a process, and since making croissants is considered a long process, it needs patience, precision, and belief. I was also training for my first half marathon in Rome, which I started training for in November 2023, which took about five months before the race. It was a priority to me regardless of how busy my schedule was.

Running my first half marathon was a goal I have always wanted to achieve, and it will always be one of the memories close to my heart. Also, I got to start my YouTube channel and have been posting more vlogs since May. It is never too late, and I am happy to try it, even if I have so much doubt. I am enjoying the process of video editing, putting things together, and thinking of the storyline.

2- Taking Breaks is a Priority

Finally, this year, I learned to take more breaks. Not because I wanted to do nothing but take efficient breaks to rest and enjoy life. There is more to life than work; work is not its purpose, which took me a while to admit. I noticed how efficient I have become and how enjoyable my time has become. Looking back, I realized I had taken multiple breaks since the beginning of the year. I am very proud of myself for it. Taking a break does not take anything from you; it shows how much you care about your well-being and helps clear your mind about what’s next.

3- Anxiety is Not Easy

I knew that for about two years, I noticed how my anxious thoughts reflected heavily on my physical health. I know certain circumstances developed this, but they also scared me quickly. In fact, I feel scared of minor things and let negative thoughts consume me. I won’t lie and say that I got over my anxiety. Unfortunately, I am still trying to deal with and learn how to manage it. Anxiety and negative thoughts somehow amplified my sickness in late March to extend into a month-long. I consulted multiple doctors and did endless tests, but my anxiety developed into fear. I am learning to push over my anxiety and manage how poorly it affects me physically. It is not over, but I am still learning.

4- Some Bridges Deserve to Remain Burnt

Sometimes, we think of certain connections and wonder if we should reconnect. Or if we should ever listen to those who hurt us. A friend told me that people change after a while, and it could be good to hear people out and see for yourself. However, I got to reconnect briefly with someone I used to know after deciding to disconnect years ago. Although initially I was curious to hear them out, I realized after a while that the bridge I willingly burned deserves to remain burnt, not rebuilt again. Not every connection deserves a second chance. It might remind you of good times, remember the many bad times that left you broken.

5- Baby Steps Lead to Great Outcomes

This can be applied to your career or anything you invest time, energy, and sometimes money. For instance, throughout my four years as a consultant, I learned so much and developed many skills. One of the things I learned this year is that the baby steps you take, which seem like nothing, will lead to great results.

Alhamdulillah, I saw many of those this year through the baby steps I took a few years ago. It is a reminder never to underestimate the work you put into something. Even when it seems like nothing is coming out of it immediately. I learned or was reminded this year that good things take time, and your effort is never wasted.

6- If You Never Ask, You Will Never Know

Building a network in your field is essential. It allows you to learn from other’s experiences and gain new skills and knowledge through this network. Since I get to work on different projects, I have noticed that some opportunities will come to you. At the same time, other opportunities will need you to knock on doors to get them. Sometimes, asking does not necessarily mean you will get something immediately. However, it will give you a chance to learn more and build lasting connections.

I cannot stress enough about it as I see its impact now. Sometimes, asking is an achievement, allowing you to learn more. Remember that it can be applied to many things in life, such as friendships, relationships, and connections. On the other hand, I tried by asking to reconnect, but sometimes, no answer is an answer, and I have no regrets.

7- Remain Thankful Through it All

Remembering the past seven months, I cannot think but would be immensely thankful for the setbacks and victories if I could call them like this. I feel grateful for every detail in life, for being able to see, hear, smell, taste, and move. During my sickness, I felt thankful. I lost the ability to taste and eat normally for a short period, but I was extremely thankful. I am not sure if I can clearly explain this feeling, but it is something I feel deeply, and I am thankful to Allah for all that happened and passed during the past seven months. Being thankful can change and impact your daily life so much. You may not notice it, but it does.

I hope this short article inspires you to reflect on lessons you may have learned in the past seven months of this year. Please share any ideas, comments, or reflections on this article through the Contact Me section.