The Year That Was

Hello folks! Happy New Year! Hope you all had a wonderful and memorable holiday season despite the negativities we’re all faced with. I sincerely apologize for being MIA these past couple of months. Life happened, you see! 😜 Anyway, I will try to be more persistent in posting contents this year! 🙏🙂

The year 2020 was anything but incredible. It has put the world at a stand still and everyone on their toes. Saying that the year was a good year, is such an understatement. Admittedly, I think there were some good things and experiences that have happened; little successes here and there. However, obtaining these successes were such an effort when normally it just comes easy and naturally. The year allowed most of us, if not all, to rethink how we face life and the very harsh realities of this new normal.

Looking back, the year has brought me tremendous learnings both in the professional and personal aspects of my colorful life. I have learned to be more mindful of my social responsibility so as to help protect myself, my family, and the people around me. I’ve learned and appreciated the value and gift of family, both near and far. I’ve learned that it’s okay to take things slow every once in a while so that a more sound decision/outcome happens.

The past year has opened my eyes to self care and self awareness. That it’s not being selfish, but rather it’s being responsible and respectful to yourself. It is loving yourself and that you owe yourself that much. As I’ve been holed up in the house for almost 24/7 in the past year, at some point my mental health took its toll even though I’m generally a homebody. It took me awhile to figure out how to handle my restlessness, anxiousness, and unease. I thought that I was just bored and haven’t adjusted well to the circumstances. Eventually, I’ve learned to cope. I started out rewarding myself even with small wins to keep me motivated and going. I binge watch series and movies on Netflix. I participated in online pilates classes with friends. I’ve learned to enhance my cooking skills. Slowly, I was able to get back to my old crazy and happy self. 😊

Professional wise, I was able to establish a working and effective routine which made me zone out all the unnecessary noise. Now establishing a routine from someone who dislikes routines and who happily embraces spontaneity, is actually a feat considering!

With working from home, I learned to manage my team remotely with ease. I’ve learned to appreciate our scheduled one on one sessions with the team to check up on them and talk with any topic that comes to mind. I’ve learned to trust my gut more, as well as my technical skills as I don’t have anyone beside me to tap on and ask for help during times when I want immediate, accurate results.

With the work from home set-up, I was able to validate my team’s awesomeness and cohesiveness. It has brought us more closer than ever even with the physical distance and not being able to see and argue with each other everyday. I’ve learned to value teamwork and knowledge transfers on a whole new different level. To be honest, it was awkward and a bit chaotic when we started out. However, eventually we were able to establish a rhythm that worked for us.

The past year might not have started and ended great the way we all would have wanted it to be. Nevertheless, I think I’m still in a good place in life. I’m still grateful for the learnings and experiences the past year has brought me. I’m not so sure yet though if I’d like to repeat them all again. Maybe in the next life?

In any case, I’m hopeful for a better year for all of us this time around. That we’ll be able to beat and conquer this pandemic soon so that all will be well. ❤️