Wait, social media is not real life?! Five things I learned in 2021

Be your own cheerleader

Praise and accolades are nice and all, but they aren't always given. There are many reasons why you may feel your accomplishments are being ignored. For one, people are just too wrapped up in their own lives to acknowledge what's going on in someone else's. Another could be that your success makes them feel some type of way about what they're doing with their own lives. Whatever the case may be, don't let it affect your grind. When you find yourself achieving goals and making progress in life, celebrate it! Please don't wait for the credit from others; it is 100% okay to pat yourself on the back for a job well done. I've discovered that the more I acknowledge my successes, the easier it is to applaud the success of others as well. It just creates one giant full circle of feel-goodness!

Health is wealth

Living through a pandemic has undoubtedly highlighted the importance of health. Good health encompasses the physical and mental wellbeing of each of us, and when we are healthy, we feel strong, focused, and are able to be of service. Health builds not only financial wealth in the form of showing up for a job/career consistently but also spiritual wealth in the form of showing up for others who need support. Regular exercise, nutritional supplements, a healthy diet, plenty of sleep, hydration, and time spent in the fresh air are critical factors to maintaining peak vitality.

Social media is not real life

I'll be honest - if I lived solely on social media with no real human interaction, I would have a very bleak opinion of the human race. Social networks can get pretty dark sometimes, and it's too easy to use the platform to vent frustrations, allowing people to form one-sided opinions. It can be tough to see the forest through the trees.

Luckily, I regularly have pleasant exchanges with people in places like the grocery store, the gym, and even walking my dog around the neighborhood, reminding me that we are so much more than the one-dimensional beings we display online. I remembered there is life to be lived outside of a screen, and it is lovely.

Toxicity is so last year

I guess I can thank social media for bringing many undesirable circumstances, situations, and people to my attention. Still, honestly, I think it's just stepping into my 40s and finally feeling secure enough in myself to stop putting up with the BS. 2021 brought me into my fourth decade here on Earth, and this was the year I began to authentically speak up for myself and make choices that are best for my physical and mental health. It's a work in progress, but I have committed to aligning myself with people that lift me up and do not drag me down. Sometimes people go in different directions and are not meant to be in your life forever. I wish them well because life is too short to be in a place with people who do not motivate you to be the best you can be. I give thanks every day for the tremendous support system I have in my husband and small network.
 

Things have a miraculous way of working out

When I look back at the past year (and beyond), I see all kinds of blessings in disguise. There have been immense challenges and lots of uncertainties, but in this moment of reflection, I realize I have overcome them all. I'm doing okay. Actually, I'm doing GREAT! I'm grateful for the fear, uncertainty, and self-doubt I've encountered because it provided room to grow in some capacity. If 2021 has taught me anything about myself, it's that I am resilient as hell. And I believe you are too. Keep the faith that the universe has your back. Keep chugging along, cheering yourself on, celebrating your achievements, and taking care of your health and wellbeing. Remember that real-life human connection is healing, and people that lower your vibration have no place in that space.

I sincerely wish you a happy, healthy, prosperous, and blessed new year. Let's take the lessons 2021 has taught us and use them to make 2022 our best year yet!

Love and light,

Jennifer