23 Important Lessons From 2023

I was supposed to write a year-end post before 2023 came to a close, but a lot of things happened toward the end of that year and I simply lost track of time. But since we’re only five days into 2024, I think it is not yet too late to try to catch up. So, now, let me share with you 23 of the many important lessons I learned in 2023.

1. You need to forgive yourself for what they did in the past, as they were only acting based on what they knew was right and what they were capable of, especially considering the resources available to you back then.
2. Instead of focusing on what your body cannot do now, try to pay closer attention to what it can still do despite everything you put it through.
3. You need to be more open because you don’t know when you are going to meet people who will change your life or experience things that will change you for the better. After all, life is full of surprises.
4. You should not let people you are not fond of affect your relationship with those who matter the most. Don’t let your unwillingness to experience a bit of discomfort keep you from letting those you truly care about feel how much you love them.
5. There is really no shame in taking things easy.
6. Be careful with framing yourself as the victim in the stories you are in.
7. Anger isn’t always bad.
8. Some dreams may take time to come true, and that’s fine.
9. Certain moments in life, no matter how fleeting or small, are just so beautiful that they can instantly make you thank yourself for not giving up when you were on the verge of doing so.
10. It’s hard for life to suck when you have such amazing friends.
11. Planning a trip is so much more fun when you are not trying to run away from anything.
12. A single meal is sometimes more than enough to change what a person means to you.
13. Cramming is not cool, even if completing a task at the last minute can sometimes give you a little more satisfaction than usual.
14. There will always be people who will try their very best, regardless of their own hardships, to make life a little more bearable for you.
15. Some of the things you’re obsessed with are not as good as you’ve imagined them to be.
16. Your body remembers more than you think it can ever do.
17. Your competitiveness can ruin a lot of great things.
18. There can be beauty in losing control.
19. I’m so lucky to have known what I am most passionate about.
20. Although your art has some value, it can only do so much in this chaotic world.
21. Some people think so highly of themselves, and sometimes the best way to deal with them is to confront them.
22. It’s okay to admit that many problems in the world can be solved by money.
23. I can make miracles when I’m not anxious.