I cried a lot in 2021. I cried more than the last 20 years combined. Losing a parent hurts more than you can imagine. It’s not something you can prepare for. Fortunately, even that level of pain can still provide us with opportunities to grow. As you’ve heard me say before, we can’t grow in comfort. This year was full of grief, pain, challenges, and opportunities to grow. I learned a lot, and I hope you can also benefit from the lessons that 2021 taught me. I also encourage you to take the time to reflect on your year.
“I’M reflective only in the sense that I learn to move forward. I reflect with a purpose.
Kobe Bryant
All things related to grief, was the first lesson 2021 taught me.
My father was my best friend. Losing him to start the year hurt, it still does. Fortunately, even that pain comes with opportunities to grow and answers to questions I’ve had for years. I’ve always felt like I sacrificed some of my personal progress, future, and happiness to invest in spending time with my parents. Without knowing, I hoped that I appreciate the time spent in the future.
I can confirm, every minute spent with a loved one with time well spent. The personal sacrifices were a small price to pay for a lifetime of memories. Its important to me I allow my loved ones to get to know the real me. I know my father was proud of me and the man I have become.
Whether your parents are alive or not, I believe it’s important to behave in a manner that reflects how they raised you, a way you both can be proud of.
As a man, losing your father propels you further into adulthood. You’re faced with the opportunity to step up and become a leader, protector, and provider. Your own sense of security is challenged.
When that time comes for you, do not fold or hide in fear. Step up. Be the man you were born to be.
If your parents are still alive, take care of them and enjoy every second you have left with them.
“Macro people 101” was the second lesson 2021 taught me.
I believe that we, as a society, are divided. I also believe that division is by design. At the surface, it appears that I have nothing in common with the people I disagree with. After taking a step back, it’s easy to see that most of us are very similar. Most of us want health, peace, and prosperity; how we get there is usually where we disagree.
I don’t know why people trust authorities blindly. I’m the type of person to research and question everything. Quite honestly, there are times I think people are just gullible or inexperienced. There are times where I think because they are genuinely nice people, they struggle to see that manipulative people exist in this world.
Here is one thing I try to remind myself constantly, most of us have families we love and good intentions. Even when we disagree, we should keep those things in mind when engaging in an argument.
“Micro people 101”, another lesson further taught in 2021.
Different types of love.
People express their love for you in different ways. Some go out of their way to wish you well and check up on you; others send positive vibes your way. I try to appreciate those who go out of their way to show love, without thinking less of loved ones who may be preoccupied with their own problems.
There are always opportunities for us to go out of our way to celebrate our friends, check up on them, and show love. Take advantage of those opportunities, or create your own if you miss someone. Times are tough and we need to help each other get through it.
Disrespect.
There are people in our lives that love us, but constantly disrespect us. That disrespect is often subtle. It may be in the form of a back handed compliment, changing plans on you to accommodate a different friend, or being inconsistent. It’s important to call out that disrespect as soon as you identify it. Doing so will help you both figure out if you are able to communicate what’s not working in a healthy way.
Communication is key in relationships and in friendship.
If that communication does not resolve the negative emotions, it’s time to cut ties and move on.
Fear.
I’ve seen people I love, settle out of fear. I am once again reminded the importance of not settling out of fear. Better things are ahead, even if you can’t see it.
Things 2021 taught me about myself.
Hard work.
Optimism and hope can be as debilitating as crippling depression. Without taking the first step, you won’t progress. Being happy and hopeful does not yield results. Putting in the work does. I’ve had to check myself several times this year and remind myself to work extra hard, even when things were going well.
Energy.
I haven’t done the best job at portraying myself to the world, or at least what I want out of it. I’ve been really focused on minding my own business, working hard, spending little, and investing in my future. Despite all those goods things, I’m still not attracting certain things and people I want in my life just yet.
I believe my introverted nature and defensive walls have trapped the energy I should be giving out.
I’m very comfortable and safe, too much in fact.
In 2022, I hope to take more risks; try new things, meet new people, and chase the things I haven’t been able to admit that I want in my life.
An outward image is not enough to attract the things you want. You also have to truly believe that you deserve those things.
The importance in gratitude.
When you are arrogant, it’s expressed by boasting. When you are confident, it’s expressed in gratitude.
It’s important to take the time to express gratitude as often as we can.
I have high belief in myself and that is a product of all those who helped me get through the tough times in my life.
I am grateful for my friends, family, and Per Sources family. Especially the PNG in our discord group.
2021, a year in review.
All things considered, 2021 was a great year for me. I learned a lot about myself, the people I love, and the world in general. Life moves on, and that’s a great thing. I’ve been patient with myself at times, while also pushing myself when necessary. I’ve grown stronger in my beliefs, and more resilient in my willingness to express them publicly. My courage has helped me connect with those who needed me to be brave. I’ve connected with many people at a deeper level.
Mental health is everything. My continuous effort to spend time working on it has continued to pay off.
2021 taught me many lessons, but also gave me many great memories.
My hopes for 2022.
I hope 2022 is a year that society as a whole wakes up and recognizes that we all have many things in common.
Hopefully, I connect at a deeper level with those whose opinions differ from mine, and learn from each other.
I intend put myself out there more; meet new people and try new experiences. I am ready to grow as a man, and willing to face my fears to do so.
Taking Per Sources to the next level is priority and duty of mine.
Whatever positive impact on the world I intent to have in the next 5 years, starts with this year.
2022 is going to be a great year.
I am excited.
I hope you are too.