Welcome back for another post ๐
This post has a very similar name to my post from July about the 21 things I’ve learned in my 21 years, but I thought seeing as the year is coming to a close, it would be nice to reflect on the craziness, unpredictability, and absolute mess of 2020!
This year has seen a global pandemic, and a great amount of change and upheaval have hit the world. Wherever you live and whatever your experience of 2020, the world is not the same as it was in 2019- and whether you’ve flourished or floundered, it’s important we take some time to reflect on this year before we see what 2021 has to offer.
The following list is 20 things I’ve learned from 2020. I’m sure they are lessons, views, and small revelations that will carry me into 2021- and beyond!
This post contains affiliate products. If you purchase one of these products I earn a little commission, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I’ve used and loved ๐
1. Sometimes, you have to just do you
I think this is something we’ve all learned during the pandemic. I’ve spent hours getting frustrated about what other people are doing- those people are meeting more people than they should, those people are breaking the rules, those people aren’t wearing their masks.
And I’m not going to lie, it’s still very hard that people seem to think they’re above the rules. And the people who know me know that Iโm not great at letting things go… but Iโm getting there!
I’m slowly starting to realise that sometimes, you have to just do you- and ignore what other people are doing. There are so many times Iโve been panicked or upset or angry about what others are doing- so in this coming year I’m going to have more confidence in my choices and just focus on what I’m doing.
2. How to pick myself back up
I think this is something we’ve all had to get used to during lockdown, and the recent pandemic! After receiving numerous job rejections, with ups and downs during the past few months, I think this year has been a useful lesson in knowing how to pick myself back up after a let-down.
Check out my recent guest post for Alison Wolf about job hunting during the pandemic- and the ups and downs of the past year!
3. Working out can be fun
I’m still not good at working out regularly- and fitness it not my thing- but during this year I learned that working out can actually be a lot of fun- even if it’s not something I force myself to do as regularly as I should.
4. ‘Friends’ is a fantastic show

I loved ‘Friends‘ before this year, but me and my parents watched the series again in the past few months and it was always something to look forward to on a Friday night. The show is fantastic- and I know a lot of people are thankful for shows such as ‘Friends’ on Netflix this year!
5. Eating healthy can be good for your mental health
This is definitely something I’ve learned from 2020! I’ve always known there’s a link between mental health and eating well. But this year I really started to eat a little healthier, especially since moving back home after University, and I think choosing my food more carefully has had a positive impact on my physical and mental health.
6. Using Pinterest to grow my blog
This is a more practical skill- and I’ve only just started to enjoy using Pinterest to grow my blogging views. I don’t think I’ll ever be the most skilled, but I’m happy that I’ve started to show more interest in my account, and 2020 has been a real blogging learning curve for me.
If you’re interested in building your Pinterest, check out *Amber’s pretty Pinterest templates, which are super easy to use, helpful… and super pretty!
7. The internet can be a fantastic place
I think 2020 has made me realise just how brilliant the internet is. With the internet, I’ve been able to focus my energy on growing my blog, and the internet has allowed me to stay in touch with all the people I don’t live with. It can be a fantastic place, if used safely!
8. Netflix is a God-send
Let’s be honest, it just is! I’m very lucky that my dad pays for my Netflix account- and I’m so grateful to have both in my life ๐
9. The skills necessary to be a medical receptionist

This is another practical one! I recently started a part-time role as a medical receptionist, and so the end of 2020 has been all about understanding this role. I’m really enjoying my job and I get the chance to work with patients and learn more about the medical world- which I never thought would be as interesting as it is!
10. You can always tell who is there for you
This is just something you can always tell, especially in a year like 2020. Many of us have needed more support than we might do in usual circumstances- and I’ve been so lucky to have people around to support me. You can always tell those who will stick with you when everyone’s going through a tough time.
11. Sometimes, you have to give new ventures a bit of time
In 2020 I’ve been building my blog, and I’ve noticed that new ventures into the blogging world can take a little time.
Whether you’re starting something new in the coming year, or you’ve been busy working on something new this past year- sometimes it takes time for a new venture to show fruition. It’s important to remember your hard work will pay off one day!
12. Everyone is stronger than they think
I’m sure if the events of this year had been predicted, no-one would have thought they were ready to face a pandemic and be separated from all their loved ones as we have been this past year.
But nevertheless, we have got on with it and stayed strong- and I think we need to recognise how strong we are as we go into the coming years.
13. Speaking on the phone isn’t as terrifying as I used to think
I used to be terrified of speaking on the phone! But since I talk to my boyfriend almost everyday for a quick chat, and my job now revolves around calling people, leaving messages, and even answering the phone to random patients- my fears have gone!
14. I love writing

I love to write- and this is something I definitely knew before 2020! But this year I’ve really been trying to focus on it more, using those long hours of lockdown to be productive. I think if you enjoy writing it can be the perfect way to express yourself- whether that’s in a blog post, article, or book idea.
15. I can write a dissertation
It feels like an age since I wrote and submitted my dissertation, but over the course of this year I realised I could effectively plan, write, and execute a dissertation. I wrote my dissertation about historic female treatment in the mental hospitals of York- and I am passionate about all the topics I covered.
16. Trash TV is the perfect escapism
Before 2020, I definitely slated trash TV a lot more- but whether it’s Love is Blind or Celebs Go Dating, watching something that helps me switch off and forget about what’s going on in the world is so much fun. Me and my sister have been watching trash TV since lockdown started- and I definitely think it has a place for escapism, especially at the moment.
17. Being busy should never be an excuse to put off what you want to do
I think this is something a lot of people need to remember- including me! Just because you’re busy and life seems to be hectic, if there’s something you really want to do you shouldn’t put it off, you should do it.
18. Moaning is pointless- and doesn’t always help
We all moan and rant when we’re stressed or angry or upset. And sometimes you need to vent to get something off your chest. But unnecessary moaning and wallowing doesn’t always help a situation. Especially in 2020, where everything has been stressful and crazy, people have been talking about the pandemic left, right, and centre.
Sometimes, you just need to get through a conversation without mentioning the situation, and moaning or speculating about it unnecessarily definitely doesn’t help- although we’re all guilty of it!
19. I really need to get back into a reading routine!

Since University (where I had so much required reading) I’ve found it so difficult to get back into a reading routine. After my birthday I got into the habit of reading poems and short stories, as my parents bought me a gorgeous first edition Plath poetry collection, and I know that come 2021 I need to get back into a reading routine.
20. I want to write a book!
This is something I’ve always said I wanted to do, but I’ve never really made an active effort to try. As well as perhaps writing an ebook or other product for my blog in the next few years, I would also like to write and publish a fiction novel- and finally in 2020 I’ve started trying to write more. We’ll see how it goes!
What do you think of the 20 things I’ve learned from 2020? What has your 2020 looked like? Do you enjoy reading other people’s experiences of this strange year?
Let me know all your thoughts in the comments below ๐
Happy reading x
I loved reading this post. I hope you get to write that book! I really want to write a book! Iโve been lucky to get a chapter in someone elseโs book for now ๐ some of these points I can relate to. Thanks for sharing!
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Thank you! Wow that is lucky, I’m really glad you enjoyed this post x
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Oh gosh I love this! The focusing on you and trying to ignore what other people are doing is such an important one – and so much easier said than done. There are so many things that relate to me so much in this, but I especially love finding the time for what we are passionate for. I’ve let that slip so much this year, but I know I need to start letting my passions come first again. Great post, thank you!
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So much easier said than done for sure- it’s something I’m really going to work on! I’m glad you find this relatable, I definitely recommend working on the things you love as that’s what you enjoy the most. Thank you for the kind words x
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I always rolled my eyes a little when I saw advertisements for trash tv in the past. Over the last few years, I’ve tried checking it out a little, but never really got into it too much… Then 2020 hit! I agree with you, it offers a level of escapism that I haven’t found in anything else. There’s something about just shutting off and relaxing that is the PERFECT break from the crazy world that we currently live in.
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I agree haha, I think as long as you don’t get sucked into it too much it can really be the perfect escapism during these difficult times ๐ thank you for sharing your thoughts on this tricky year, happy (almost) new year x
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Friends is truly my favorite sitcom! Glad you enjoyed it
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It will always be iconic x
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Lovely idea to review this hell of a year – you’ve done it such justice I think I counted 21 things! You’ve achieved an awful lot with the blog and the work you put into it should be commended – now to take it forward into 2021!
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Haha I didn’t even notice that! Thank you so much, I hope we can continue our blogging goals into 2021 ๐
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I really love this post because even though 2020 hasn’t been the best, I think it’s a year that taught us a lot. I love that you started to use Pinterest more with your blog – as that’s what I’m hoping to do in 2021. You’ve achieved so much, and I completely agree – Trash TV is the best escapism! I think for me, in 2020 I learnt to actually believe in myself and have become a full-time freelancer which is exciting and something I didn’t feel was possible.
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Yes it definitely has taught us so much! I think it’s something I’m going to look into improving my Pinterest account even more in 2021 ๐ thank you! That’s so exciting I love that- I definitely want to get to that position at some point x
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Nice post. We’ve all learned something this year and discovered some things we didn’t know about ourselves. I hope you get to write a book.
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Yes definitely ๐ I hope so too haha x
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Great reflective post! I’m grateful for Netflix too ๐ Good luck on writing your book.
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Itโs great! Thank you x
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Thanks a lot for sharing these!! It helped me take a step back and think on what I’ve learnt from 2020 too. I found this post so very inspirational xx
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Iโm glad, letโs hope 2021 is a better year for some of us ๐ thank you so much x
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Thanks a lot for sharing these!! It helped me take a step back and think on what I’ve learnt from 2020 too. I found this post so very inspirational xx. I’m glad you mentioned that part about unnecessary wallowing. How muhc ever I lie to myself, I think I’ve always been doing that. It’s very important to sort of accept that to oneself because only then will we get over it. Thanks for mentioning that, I really needed someone to remind me.
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Thank you ๐ Iโm always guilty of wallowing too, but Iโm so glad this post was relevant for you and I agree- we have to accept that itโs okay to wallow, but also we need to pick ourselves back up x
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Great post! I really need to get back into a reading routine too so I hoping I will at some point in 2021!
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Yes Iโm really hoping that will be something that improves come 2021!
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I’m very grateful for Netflix too!
Good luck with chasing your dreams. ๐
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Thank you Rachel ๐
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Loved this post – your dissertation sounds so interesting too! I have to write mine soon and I’m nervous to start!
Tash – A Girl with a View
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Aw thank you Tash! Starting is always the most difficult- I promise you can do it youโve just got to dive in ๐
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I loved this post! Congratulations on submitting your dissertation and on your new job. I would also love to get back into a reading routine but I had a run of books that I just couldn’t get into and it ended up meaning I stopped reading. I read now sporadically but it is something that I would like to do more of in the new year.
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Aw thank you Sarah ๐ yes Iโm exactly the same, I need books that capture my attention if Iโm going to stay engaged! I hope you achieve it, too x
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So nice to read about all the things youโve learnt. And I agree – friends is amazing and trash tv can be good for mental health. ๐ I feel blessed that I had a pretty good year. Lots of time to discover things I like and nourish relationship with my partner. I wish you great 2021! โค๏ธ
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Thank you! Haha we sometimes need to escape into the lives of โcelebritiesโ! Iโm so happy to hear that your relationship has flourished during this time- I feel the same, despite being separated from my boyfriend for much of 2020! Thank you, the same to you x
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I absolutely love friends! I’m glad you have learnt so many valuable things this year despite everything ๐
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Thank you Ellie, I really appreciate it ๐ happy (almost) new year x
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Love these tips. One of the biggest I need to learn is that complaining doesn’t always help. In my case almost never and all it does is make me feel worse! We all can learn a lot from this.
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Thank you! Yes I definitely have learned that from 2020- and need to do better in 2021! x
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Will definitely support your book. ๐
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Haha thanks sheryl ๐
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Excellent post! Friends is one of my favourites. This year has been a tough one to say the least… So, hope next year is better! (Happy New Year!) x
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Yes it definitely has haha, but let’s hope we can keep a positive outlook for 2021 x
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All of these are my favourite and I could relate to them. I really want to write a book too, once I tried my hands on short stories and it was really fun. My dream job is becoming a โwriterโ lol but whoโs going to lend me a trip to island with small a cottage๐
I really enjoyed reading thisโจ xx
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Haha I love this- Iโm so glad my post rung true ๐
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Great post! I really need to get back into reading as well. It’s something that I enjoy doing so much but never actually do for some reason! x
https://www.femaleoriginal.com
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Thank you ๐ yes me too, I never make enough time for it but that is going to change, Iโm determined x
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Some great lessons here and lots of very true points โค๏ธ I particularly agree with realising how great the internet can be! Imagine how different this year would have been without it, itโs provided such an escape for a lot of us I think ๐
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Thank you! Yes it would have been so difficult, Netflix and social media (as well as my blog!) have been brilliant escapisms x
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I enjoyed reading this! Even though this year was challenging and so different, thereโs a lot of good things that can be taken away from it
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Yes I agree, we can learn and hopefully have a better 2021 ๐
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I love this! I think we’ve all learnt a lot in 2020 and you’ve definitely nailed a few on the head of things I’ve learnt too. I’ve definitely learnt to be with myself more, who is there for me, a lot about my own mental health and to take a slower pace in life xx
http://www.dellalovesnutella.co.uk/
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Thank you, Iโm glad my post resonates with you ๐ thatโs so fantastic, taking life at a slower pace is definitely necessary sometimes x
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The two things I learned from 2020 is just how bad misinformation has gotten and how the right to infect people with a deadly virus seems to be the hill people are willing to die on (or in this case, kill on)
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Yes thatโs so true, I think misinformation has been terrible during this time
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I enjoyed reading this! Most of your list is similar to things I’ve felt in 2020. In 2020, I really focused on trusting myself and whats best for me. Here’s to 2021!
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Thank you ๐ Yes I think that’s so important, I’m going to look out for myself much more in 2021 x
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Great post, it sounds like you learned a ton this year, both practical skills and about yourself – that’s awesome! I love to hear 3 & 5! I also realized that I really love worrying and would love to write a nonfiction books someday. Happy New Year!
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Yes that’s very true ๐ wow that sounds like a fantastic idea, I hope you achieve that!
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I’ve loved reading everybody’s experiences of 2020, even though it’s been a tough year for all of us, it’s been interesting reading other experiences as everybody’s are different! I hope you have a brighter 2021! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
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Me too! Yes thatโs very true, I really hope you have a lovely year in 2021 ๐
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I agree with so many of these!! I need to sort out my reading routine and i have watched so much friends and Netflix. ๐Congratulations on the dissertation and new job – sounds like you made the most of 2020!!!๐
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Haha Iโm glad you agree! Thank you, Iโve tried my best as much as possible!
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I just love this enthusiastic post. While I not as young as you are, so many of these still apply in my 40s! So relatable.(giving new ventures some time! Of course! I am so impatient!) And yes, Netflix IS God-send! ๐
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Thank you, Iโve tried to be positive ๐ Iโm so glad you found them relatable- I hope they can be relatable whatever stage of life youโre in ๐ thanks for sharing, Netflix has been the best this year especially!
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Love this post and these are all such valuable lessons to have learned! I know 2020 was absolute crap but I think it provided us with a lot of life lessons x
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Thank you Jenny ๐ yes I agree, itโs certainly given us time to reflect and focus on ourselves x
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2020 has been a very different year to what anyone had planned but I think we have all learnt so much. We are much stronger than we ever thought! x
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Yes definitely, I agree ๐ x
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This was inspirational to read – you have learned so many positive things during 2020! I can relate to the phone calls – I used to get really nervous about video calling but I’ve done it so much this year that I’m okay with it now! xx
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Thank you Sophie ๐ yes thatโs so true, I always used to get anxious before video calling but itโs been such a big part of our life now that Iโm used to it too! x
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Happy New Year!! Love all of these lessons you’ve learned in 2020. Totally agree with #1. You do you, and don’t worry about others. Life isn’t a cookie cutter where everyone has to do the same thing. Working out is fun! So many different ways to enjoy it. Your inner will power is definitely stronger – so important to dig deep. Hope 2021 will be a great year for you!
Nancy โจ mdrnminimalists.com
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Thank you Nancy ๐ Iโm really trying to improve #1 in 2021! I hope I can keep my workout going into 2021 ๐ thank you for sharing these thoughts, I hope you have a lovely year x
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Itโs great you can identify so many positive things from 2020. Good luck for 2021, especially writing that book! ๐
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Thank you! I hope it happens haha x
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Fab post! I’m also trying to use Pinterest for blogging more this year, and I still haven’t watched Friends (but feel like I should hehe!). Thanks for sharing x
Sophie | https://www.loveandliterature.co.uk
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Thank you! I think you should try it, even for a relaxing background show it’s fantastic ๐ Happy new year x
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2020 taught us all a lot of things! Great post! I think the world needed a chill pill anyway. Most of us found out we needed to be better with each other and actually think of others more. Thanks so much for the words and thoughts. Loved it!
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Thank you so much for sharing x
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Great list! I was your age when Friends was first broadcast, and I remember students crowding around every TV on Thursdays to watch the new episodes. Itโs so strange how itโs stayed so relevant.
Also, love the first one. There is strength and power in being yourself and letting other be themselves.
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Thank you! Yes it seems to have stayed just as popular, it’s mad ๐ yes I agree, thank you x
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Loved this post! 2020 has definitely been a year like no other and I am hoping that 2021 brings better things. Happy New Year, and I hope you reach all your goals for this year! PS Netflix has been unmatched in these tough times.
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Thank you! I hope so too, best of luck in 2021 x
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These are all really valuable things to have learned/experienced last year — thank you for sharing this as I know a lot of what you’ve discovered will be very useful to others (including myself)!
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Thank you ๐ I’m so glad you enjoyed it x
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I like the point about focusing on your own actions. I also get frustrated when others make bad choices but we can’t control other people. Shifting focus to what we can control – our own actions – makes sense.
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Yes! I’m glad it’s not just me ๐ in these tough times we definitely need to focus on what we can control x
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This is such a great post. I think 2020, despite all the crap, certainly taught us all some much needed lessons!
Congratulations on the new job, having one you love really makes all the difference! My Mum was a medical secretary and ADORED her job!
Happy New Year!
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Thank you Claire ๐ Thank you so much, I was just happy to get something in the current climate and I’m so happy that I enjoy the hours I do! Happy New Year x
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Great post. I especially agree that everyone is stronger than what we thought.
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Thank you Lindsey ๐ Yes that’s so true x
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Great lessons learned! I love this post!
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Thank you Amy ๐ x
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I love this post. I think definitely doing things that make you happy is a big one fore most of us. Glad you are enjoying your new job, it’s always good when you like what you do ๐ I think Netflix has got so much action this year, so many choices for things to watch. Happy New Year ๐ x
Lottie
LottieLately.com
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Thank you Lottie ๐ Yes I think that’s something we’ve all learned this year, and Netflix has really uped it’s game in the current situation- all of the different channels/platforms have! Happy New Year x
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Great lessons! I too would love to grow my blog more and I’ve also had a book idea in my head for several years. I simply need to sit down and put pencil to paper with it. I hope you have a great 2021!
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Thank you ๐ Ooh I hope 2021 is the year you achieve those goals! x
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You definitely learned so many good things for 2020! Wishing you all the best for 2021 too!
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Thank you, happy new year ๐ x
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Looks like you’ve learnt a lot last year! And it’s a nice mix of life lessons and practical skills so go you! I think a lot of these were things we all learnt in 2020 – a pandemic was definitely a steep learning curve for us all!
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Thank you ๐ yes I agree, I think we all found that there were learning experiences in this crazy year. Happy new year x
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I’ve really enjoyed home workouts this year! You get to pick what works for you without fear of judgement or having to leave your house! hahah! Would love to hear how you mastered Pinterest!
Katie | katieemmabeauty.com
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Yes I think itโs the fear of judgement that keeps me away from classes haha ๐ nooo haha I definitely have no mastered it yet- itโs been a learning curve but those templates have been a life-saver!
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