What a year! This year has been a crazy year for me. I have definitely had a lot to deal with this year as well as learned a lot about myself.
During the last month of every year I like to reflect on the past year, see what I have learned, what my achievements are as well as what I could do differently in the next year. Writing things down for me is therapeutic and I always feel better. This blog post is more of a diary entry than a post for others. The only thing I hope this post does is for you and others is to think about what you have learned from this year.
I think for me 2022 has been one of the bigger years for learning and growth. Not just physically but also mentally. What I have learned I hope to expand on in 2023.
Here are the things I have learned in 2022:
Photo by Daiga Ellaby on Unsplash
1. More about my health condition
Having worked with the Dorset Pain Clinic I got to learn so much from their programme. Learning about the science behind pain and about Fibromyalgia was so helpful in understanding how I can live with this condition. The programme has now given me tips and advice on how I can improve myself and reduce my symptoms.
Throughout this year I have continued to learn (sometimes the hard way!) about pacing and changing my whole life pretty much. Do not get me wrong, this is a continuous learning journey, I will have to follow to be healthiest and happiest I can be.
In the next year I want to develop more body’s strength and my body condition. My mission is to be the healthiest I can going into the next chapter of my life.
2. To know my worth
This sounds like a very simple thing but actually it is something I have struggled with. This is about me not being as confident as I would like to be. But, it is an area I want to focus on and develop. When I talk about knowing my worth I mean in all areas of my life. I know what I am willing to accept and what I deserve in my personal relationships. I know regardless of who the relationship is with I have to protect my own mental health and wellbeing – which can be incredibly difficult.
When it comes to my blog I struggle to know my worth, sometimes I would have pinch-me moments especially when I have had big brands collaborate with me. But, this year I really did turn a corner when it comes to my confidence in my blog and confidence, it has allowed me to say no to collaborations or work that I do not feel is fairly priced.
3. I am capable
After my work accident and then my diagnosis of Fibromyalgia my life changed, my health took a priority, it is still is but this year I learned that I am still capable of learning. This year I took an online Children and Young People’s Mental Health course and this was really informative. I love that I have this knowledge and can use it to help others. As my chronic illness affected my whole life it is also made me loose confidence in my abilities, especially when I struggle with brain fog. However, it boosted self-esteem because I hadn’t been in a learning environment for maybe 7 years, and to pass it with flying colours boosted my confidence and my self esteem.
4. Foods to avoid
Through my chronic pain journey not only did I learn about the science of pain but I learned what foods can cause me problems as well as making my symptoms worse. I learned about gut health and how your gut is your second brain. Your gut impacts your physical, mental health and the levels of pain. Definitely read up on gut health it is so interesting.
This has allowed me to learn about how I can change my diet and lifestyle to improve my quality of life. Next year this will be another one of my goals to work on.
I have probably learned much more including: to start standing up for myself, the positive impact of selfcare, blog contracts, more about SEO and who the people I can trust are in my life. This has allowed me to reflect on the past year and I feel confident going into 2023 that I am ready to embrace all the opportunities and growth I can make in the following year.
This year has definitely been a year of knowledge for me. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn more about my condition and tools to have in my toolkit to deal with symptoms. I am really excited to start a new year and a chance to learn and experience more things.
What is one thing you have learned the year? I’d love to hear in the comments.
I really enjoyed reading this list. It seems like you have grown a lot since the start of the year. 2022 was a slow year for me – if anything, I learned that I am still very disorganized/scatter-brained and want to become more organized in 2023.
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You’ve learnt so much this year. I’ve learnt to know my limits and recognise burn out
That’s great what you have learned. Thank you for reading and commenting.
It sounds like you’ve had quite the year, sending you so much love! Those are great lessons learned though, I especially love the one about your worth. I’ve learned that this year, too ❤️
That’s great you have learned that too. Thank you for reading and commenting.
I love these posts! I wrote my own lessons learned post for the end of the year not long ago and it was so cathartic! Some amazing lessons you’ve learned this year xx
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These are great things to learn and they will definitely stay with you. You’ve inspired me to think about what I’ve learned this year (it’s always good to reflect on life and growth, etc).
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Sometimes life takes difficult turns but it leads to better understanding of self. And we learn how to survive and make better lifestyle choices. This year I have learnt to let go of toxic relationships. I have also learnt that I can write daily even when I am tired from work. Blogging seems simple but it does requires you to become organised. I am an introvert and meeting so many bloggers online was unexpected and a bit overwhelming for me. But now it seems like a sweet ride.
You seemed to have learnt a lot throughout 2022, I have learnt things about my chronic illness too x
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I feel like I am on the same page as you, learning about my health and the foods that effect it! I recently found out that I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and at first it didn’t bother me too much so I didn’t think twice. Now that some time has passed I am in more pain and started to REALLY watch what I eat! I am learning that failure is okay but defeat is not. My Joy comes from my persistence, I am very proud of myself
I totally agree with all of these! When it comes to balancing my career and personal lives, I should be aware of my health and know my worth 🙂
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Gut health is a thing for sure. Not only that, eating for health (instead of focusing on losing weight) does help with mood, which can lead to more healthy eating. So you have a good set of lessons for the year. Thanks for sharing!
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It sounds like you’ve been through plenty this year but have learned a lot. Thank you so much for sharing.
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It really does sound like you’ve learned a lot from the past year, and I hope you continue to learn and grow in 2023. I know you mentioned studiesin the year ahead and it seems like you’ll be in a good position for that.
What have I learned from the past year? Self-compassion- we read a lot about self care, which I agree is important, but I think sometimes we can be too critical of ourselves, so im learning to go easier on myself. Like you, I’m learning how to live with a chronic illness but as I’ve been eating healthier and exercising more I’ve discovered I can have more control over the energy levels I have and the quality of my life. I’m now more likely to be assertive in stating what I need. I’ve learned that I’m not willing to return to the life I was leading in 2021 so I’m more determined to ‘fight’ for that too. In some respects I just wish I’d learned this earlier, but maybe I am just ready to listen now.
You have learned so much during 2022! I like that you have learned more about your condition and how to reduce symptoms of fibromyalgia. I hope you have an amazing 2023 Lauren! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
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Such an eye-opening read. You have encouraged me to reflect upon my own actions in 2022. Wishing you as much progress in the coming year!
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Great things to know, I’m trying right now to figure out the food I need to avoid. Some food give me health issues and belly pain.
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Knowing your worth is so important, and I’m still learning that lesson. Great post!
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It’s great that you learned so much this year. The one that stuck out to us the most was knowing your worth. It something a lot of people struggle with and we’re happy that you’re prioritizing yourself.
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Really enjoyed reading this, Lauren. Thank you for sharing your journey I’m glad to hear you’ve been learning to manage your chronic pain sorry to hear this has not been easy for you sounds like you’ve learned a lot to take care of yourself and listen to your body. Wonderful post 😉
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Thanks for sharing this list. I think I’ve learned to finally say no and set boundaries. Protecting my mental health now comes top of the list!
That’s great things to have learned. Thank you for reading and commenting.
I really relate to knowing your worth, for me it’s going to be to start to distance myself from those who don’t make me feel good, or who aren’t genuine friends. Good luck in 2023.
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I love to read things like this. I learned so much more about myself this year – and here I thought I was done! Boy, was I wrong! I do plan on reflecting on what I’ve learned in the new year – but quite a few of these resonate with me.
I am glad you could relate to some of these. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Thank you so much for sharing. We’re so sorry to hear about your chronic pain. It’s amazing though that you’re working on your self-worth and enjoying learning.
Thank you and thank you for reading and commenting.
Every year we learned important life lesson. I like lesson no.2 that you mentioned in this post. It is so important to know our worth. It’s self-love.
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Always nice to come away at the end of the year with the knowledge that we’ve learnt something we can take forward into the next year.
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Thank you for sharing your personal life experiences. Despite the few hiccups that life threw at you in 2022, you never stayed down. You seemed to have grown stronger. All the best for the 2023 New Year.
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I think this year I’ve learned a lot, but most of all I’ve learned to adapt quicker than I have in the past. I’m glad you’ve learned more about your condition this year. I hope it makes things easier going forward.
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I share your lesson about self worth. It’s been a journey, that’s for sure! May we all carry that into the new year and find ways to continually affirm one another.
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Appreciate the candid post. It must have been tough on you with the medical condition. Glad to note that you are not getting overwhelmed by it and are looking forward to a better 2023
In my case too, I kept getting illnesses throughout the year, although nothing overly serious. Thank God for that.
Keep writing.
Thank you for reading and commenting. I hope 2023 is a great year for you!
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It sounds like 2022 has been an eye opening, introspective and positive year for you. You have learned quite a bit glad you have more confidence and I hope your condition approves in 2023.
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
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It is important to take care of ourselves and know what makes our bodies feel worse. I finally went for a health screening after a ton of symptom scares. YES on knowing your worth!!!! Forget what other people make you feel, your worth comes from yourself. Big yes on being mindful of your diet!!
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I’ve learned not to be too hard on myself. Chronic pain and and other illnesses limit what I can accomplish. I’ve learned that all I can do is the best I can, and not to worry about whether it’s enough. It has to be.
As long as you do your best you should be happy. Thank you for reading and commenting.
I have learnt a lot about myself this year. As I near my half century mark of living on this planet I feel more confident about myself. Hope you have a great new year.
That’s great you feel that way. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Such a great post. To know my worth is what I learned as well. I love this Post!!
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Love how much you have learned in 2022. It definitely was a year of lessons for me as well.
Thank you for reading and commenting. I hope you have a great 2023!!
Knowing your worth is incredibly important. Thank you for sharing. Perhaps some items on my blog would be of interest to you!
This last year was very rich in changes. I realized that you just flee from toxic people and toxic places infested with this kind of people. You can’t change the world but you don’t have to suffer for the sake of those demanding lunatics that make life hell for all parties involved. I decided to let them live with their own demons as far away from me as possible. This is what they mean by self-care, it’s healthy egoism to keep sane.
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of course, it’s my pleasure