ensara's corner

Hello Beautiful People,

2021 has been an eventful year associated with many lessons and reflections. Some of those I think might be beneficial to other people. Though these are reflections that I was always aware of, and probably most of us have had in our lives, a reminder is always worthy and necessary. I made this list based on personal experiences I lived throughout the year. They are not in any particular order, except for maybe the last one. Here’s 21 reflections from my 2021.

1. Everyone has a story to tell, so listen. I have met so many incredible people in my life, and through the course of this year, and there is always something significant, interesting, and different about everyone. 

2. To go along with that last statement, there is always something you can learn. Whoever you meet and whatever you go through, there is advice or knowledge you can take from it. As it is said, if you do not learn something new everyday, you have wasted that day. 

3. Questions are necessary. It is true that too much curiosity can be damaging, but just the right amount of curiosity is what keeps us going. The world would be a very dull place if humans did not ask questions, and we would never know all that we know if we did not ask questions. Not just to others, but even to yourself. It can be about the smallest endeavors or about impactful events, whatever it is, keep asking questions. 

4. Take chances; big or small taking chances is what makes life more thrilling. You might end up discovering something really great through a little chance you take.  

5. Do not rely on others. As Orson Welles once said, “We’re born alone, we live alone, we die alone. Only through our love and friendship can we create the illusion for the moment that we’re not alone.” The only one you can always rely on is God the Almighty, people are temporary.

6. Quality over quantity is a true statement, with very few exceptions. There should be a balance between quality and quantity, and quality wins. 

7. There’s always someone who has it better than you, but also someone who has it worse.

8. Respect boundaries. I cannot stress this enough. Respecting boundaries could be its own post, because there is so much to say about this. To be a decent human being overall, one should respect boundaries no matter the person or the situation. 

9. Write it down – whatever, wherever, whenever  – you will not remember it to write it down later.

10. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. As much as you would like to, you cannot change everyone’s mind. 

11. It is okay to cry. I love crying. I think it is extremely necessary when appropriate. According to Harvard Health, researchers have established that apparently crying releases oxytocin and endogenous opioids, aka endorphins. As Elle Woods said, endorphins make you happy. So if you really think about it, crying can make you happy. 

12. Reading is the best thing ever. I just felt the need to restate this, because I am tired of people who think otherwise. Reading provides so much comfort and knowledge and friendship, but that of course, is a topic for another time. 

13. To quote Lorde, it feels so scary getting old. Growing up is something I always dreamt of, but now that it is slowly creeping on me, I really miss younger me.

14. Cherish the time that you have. To go along with that last one, time passes by very quickly. Whether it is a friend, or an experience, or anything at all, cherish your time with it. Time waits for no one, and lost time will never return. 

15. Reconnect. If you miss someone, tell them. This year I had the chance to reconnect with a lot of old friends simply because one of us reached out to the other, and it felt so good.

16. Enjoy your own company. Solitude is one of the most amazing things we all have access to and are capable of. Try it and practice it. 

17. Be grateful. The topic of gratefulness, like many of these, is an extensive topic, but it is a reminder I always need and reflect on. Just sitting down before bed or when you wake up, and naming ten things you are grateful for, is a great practice. 

18. Make time. It is very easy to get busy and forget what is important to us, people or hobbies. Making time for who/what you care about will be beneficial to your overall being.

19. Do not lower your standards, if you lower your standards for whatever situation, it will usually not end well.

20. Reflect. On what you have done, how you spoke, how you spent your time, what you want to do – reflect. Keep in mind, overthinking and reflecting are not the same thing. Reflecting is with the purpose to learn and grow, overthinking instills unnecessary fears. 

21. Carpe Diem.

There were plenty of reflections I wanted to include, and many I still might not have recognized. 

Happy Holidays, and Merry Christmas to those who celebrate! 

Thank you for reading!

Best wishes,

Ensara Sejko : )