The Year In Review
the best of the best and the worst of the worst of 2019
Life Is A Lesson
How, do I start?
Hmm
Ok, I think I know.
My 2019 was definitely not the best year of my life to say at least. In just 12 months so much terrible stuff has happened that my brain struggled to process them all. And don’t get me wrong. I know that bad things happen to all of us. I am just saying that there are moments in life when almost all the horrible stuff that you can possibly imagine happens at once, one after the other. Not giving you a chance to think, reflect or even take a deep breath of air.
I am talking about those moments, sometimes even hours when life becomes brutally hard and incredibly unforgiving. All of a sudden, you’re being hit by more than one life-changing catastrophes and you feel abused by your own existence. Those moments when nothing, absolutely nothing is okay and you feel confused, overwhelmed, terrified, powerless and just completely out of control. Those moments when sitting and crying on a bathroom floor seems to be the only thing that you are able to do. I’m talking about those moments when you hope you could just go to sleep and wake up when it’s all over.
I am sure you can relate…
We all have been through some tough times in our lives. We all have experienced significant personal tragedies at some stage of life. We all know this horrible feeling of “having had enough”.
When life becomes incredibly complex it’s normal to have terrible thoughts in the head about not being able to make it. Sometimes the pain is so intense and overwhelming that handling it becomes almost impossible. All of a sudden, your life becomes the worst nightmare you could ever imagine. But the difference is, it’s not a bad dream, but your life and that’s scary.
Well, this is how I could describe my 2019.
But to be honest with you, I started 2019 not really expecting how it would go. In early 2018 my dad got diagnosed with the worst form of ALS. He was given a maximum of three years by any doctor we spoke to. He didn’t make it. My dad passed away 10 months after receiving the diagnosis.
My 2019 was the year of personal tragedies, tough choices, incredibly difficult challenges, many disappointments, multiple emotional breakdowns and painful experiences I would not wish on my worst enemy.
A lot of tears have been shed…
A lot of life-changing lessons have been learned!
But I would be ungrateful if I didn’t acknowledge the good things that 2019 brought me. (I’m talking about them BELOW!!) Because there were some incredibly beautiful moments that have happened in the last 12 months that gave me the right amount of hope to survive the entire year.
2019 was definitely a year of personal growth and development!
The Best & The Worst Of 2019
The Worst Of The Worst Of 2019
- I lost my dad to ALS in February.
- I lost my grandma in August.
- I lost my uncle to Alzheimer’s in January.
- I had an extremely bad therapy experience - A therapy that should have helped me to cope with loss and grief turned out to be a nightmare. Completely unprofessional and unethical behavior of the therapist made things much worse. (REMEBER to always check your therapist’s credentials first!!!! I didn’t do it and I was a BIG mistake.)
- The stress I was experiencing during the year worsened my health problems (I’m better now!)
- One of my friends turned out to be a fake friend (“Sometimes you have to give up on people. Not because you don’t care but because they don’t.”)
- I had to go no contact with a narcissistic family member (Once you realize you deserve better, letting go will be the best decision ever!)
The Best Of The Best Of 2019
- I’ve understood that I am the creator of my own reality
- I’ve had a wonderful opportunity to watch The Tokyo Ballet “The Kabuki” in Teatro alla Scala
- I’ve experienced some magical moments at Lake Como & Lake Garda
- I’ve made countless wonderful road trips full of picturesque spots and took lots of photos
- I’ve made some great new friends and met some fantastic people on the internet
- I’ve used online self-helped resources (you can find them HERE) to cope with the worst experiences of 2019 (and it helped!!) -
- I’ve learned to appreciate more every moment of peace
- I’ve learned to see problems as opportunities to grow
- I’ve started a journaling habit
- I’ve finally fit self-care into my daily routine
- I’ve started a gratitude jar
- I’ve spent more time in nature (grounding myself)
- I’ve found my passion for cooking or more precisely cooking extravaganza
- I’ve detoxified my relationships
- I’ve learned to turn a negative situation into a positive one
- I’ve improved my emotional intelligence
- I’ve become more assertive and learned how to say “no” without guilt
- I’ve learned to honor and listen to my intuition
- I’ve managed to turn my hurt into healing, my wounds into strength and my pain into wisdom
- I’ve successfully adopted new healthy habits that made me a healthier, happier, more productive and definitely more peaceful person.
- I’ve DIY-ed so many cleaning products, natural beauty, and personal care products that I barely find the place in my house to store them.
- I’ve finally understood how the mechanism of psychological projection works and how to successfully use the gray rock method
- I’ve found the courage to delve deeper inside myself what helped me to understand and myself on a deeper more fundamental level.
- I’ve understood that sometimes a moment of silence is all you need to feel better
- I’ve survived 2019 (thanks to my fiancé, my friends, new fantastic people I met by coincidence and self-help resources I’ve found online)
life-changing lessons from 2019
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- We create our reality with the power of thoughts and words we use to describe our experience - “life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it.”
- Only the present exists - “The past exists only in our memories, the future only in our plans. The present is our only reality.”
- Not giving a f*ck about the things that don’t matter is a form of self-care (The Ultimate Guide To Not Giving A F*ck About The Things That Don’t Matter HERE)
- Perspective is key
- “What if” does not exist
- Pillow punching is great for anger management
- A travel coffee mug is a lifesaver
- I love audible! (AMAZON US / AMAZON UK
- Himalayan Rock Salt Lamp is a must-have AMAZON US / AMAZON UK
- Quality “me time” is the best form of self-care (6 Ways To Make The Most Of “Me Time” HERE)
- Pain is inevitable but suffering is optional - we create our suffering with catastrophic thinking, negative self-talk, and toxic relationships (6 Steps For Turning Your Pain Into Wisdom HERE)
- Time is an illusion
- A powerful morning routine is a key component to success. (5 Step Daily Routine To Start Living Your Best Life HERE)
- Everything starts in your head (12 Healthy Rules For A Strong Mental Health HERE)
- Action leads to motivation (10 Powerful Ways To Stay Insanely Motivated HERE)
- People judge things based on what they believe
- Questioning everything is actually good for you
- If someone treats you badly, it’s the reflection of their insecurities
- You don’t need to explain yourself to anyone! (10 Things You Don’t Owe Anyone An Explanation For HERE)
- Binge-watching comedy series on Netflix is a form of self-help
- Your past is not an excuse for your current behavior
- Comfort zone is not that comfortable as we tend to believe it
- “Sometimes letting things go is an act of far greater power than defending or hanging on.” (The Power Of Letting Go HERE)
- Even the worst experience has something positive in it
- Look people in the eyes when you talk to them and you will know who you’re dealing with.
- Intermittent fasting does wonders for your physical health and mental wellbeing
- You lose when you quit
- “The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don’t know.” - learning is a humbling experience!!
- Everything happens for a reason
- You are stronger than your struggles
- What goes around comes around
Absolutely Favourite Books From 2019
- The Happiness Equation: Want Nothing + Do Anything=Have Everything
by Neil Pasricha AMAZON US /AMAZON UK - Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds by
David Goggins AMAZON US / AMAZON UK - The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion by Jonathan Haidt AMAZON US / AMAZON UK
- The Power of Now Audible by Eckhart Tolle AMAZON US / AMAZON UK
- The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg AMAZON US / AMAZON UK
- You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero AMAZON US / AMAZON UK
- You Are a Badass at Making Money: Master the Mindset of Wealth
by Jen Sincero AMAZON US / AMAZON UK - So Good They Can’t Ignore You: Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love
by Cal Newport AMAZON US / AMAZON UK - The Productivity Project: Accomplishing More by Managing Your Time, Attention, and Energy by Chris Bailey AMAZON US / AMAZON UK
- A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose by Eckhart Tolle AMAZON US / AMAZON UK
- Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World by Cal Newport AMAZON US / AMAZON UK
- Everything Is F*cked: A Book About Hope by Mark Manson AMAZON US / AMAZON UK
- How to Be Yourself: Quiet Your Inner Critic and Rise Above Social Anxiety by Ellen Hendriksen AMAZON US / AMAZON UK
- Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It by Chris Voss AMAZON US / AMAZON UK
- The Book of Awesome by Neil Pasricha AMAZON US / AMAZON UK
- Unfu*k Yourself: Get Out of Your Head and into Your Life by Gary John Bishop AMAZON US / AMAZON UK
- The Power of Positive Thinking: A Practical Guide to Mastering the Problems of Everyday Living by Norman Vincent Peale AMAZON US / AMAZON UK
- Mindset: How You Can Fulfill Your Potential by Carol S. Dweck AMAZON US / AMAZON UK
- The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson AMAZON US / AMAZON UK
- The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem by Dr. Nathaniel Branden AMAZON US / AMAZON UK
- Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport AMAZON US / AMAZON UK
create a vision board for the ultimate inspiration and motivation
" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/holisticlifebykate.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/acompleteguidetosettingandreachinggoals.png?fit=200%2C300&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/holisticlifebykate.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/acompleteguidetosettingandreachinggoals.png?fit=683%2C1024&ssl=1" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 735px) 100vw, 735px" srcset="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7">Best Posts From 2019
- From Vision To Results - A Complete Guide For Setting And Achieving Goals HERE
- 6 Self-Improvement Habits To Adopt Before 2020 HERE
- Get into the Habit of Being Seriously Organized Before 2020. HERE
- 8 Simple Steps to Set Yourself Up for a Successful 2020 HERE
- Powerful and smart ways to manage your time efficiently and effectively HERE
- 5 steps to success in achieving your goals HERE
- The ultimate way to overcome procrastination and become a highly productive person HERE
- 10 powerful life-changing healthy morning rituals HERE
- 6 Simple Ways To Live A Healthier Lifestyle HERE
- Put Yourself In A Positive Headspace HERE
- The science of motivation HERE
- 10 powerful habits to boost your confidence HERE
conclusion
" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/holisticlifebykate.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/self-improvement-2-scaled.jpg?fit=200%2C300&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/holisticlifebykate.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/self-improvement-2-scaled.jpg?fit=683%2C1024&ssl=1" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 1707px) 100vw, 1707px" srcset="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7">Conclusion
Life is busy, stressful, chaotic and completely unpredictable. It constantly alters our plans, tests our courage and makes us choose between two horrifying options. Why? Well, probably because personal growth requires discomfort and painful experiences.
So if you think that life is testing you for absolutely no reason you’re wrong. There is a specific reason why certain things happen to you. To find it you need to face life challenges, learn your lesson, discover and own who you are.
Life is the best teacher. Some lessons are more difficult than others but every single one of them is crucial and much needed. So don’t get discouraged if the lesson is more difficult than you thought. Harder lessons are designed to challenge you and build upon your knowledge. Choose to grow and learn from this experience. And remember that time is the best healer.
Remember that you are stronger than your struggles! You are a bada*s! Be proud of yourself!! Belief in yourself and never stop pursuing your dreams!
This year I participate in Helene in Between’s 2019 Review and Link Up, go check it out here and add your link as well if you have a blog and have posted a 2019 review.
P.S.
Stay Positive
Be Mindful And Have A Wonderful 2020
xo Kate
10 thoughts on “My 2019 Year In Review.”
I had a really rough 2019 too, with everything happening at once. If I may say so, looking back now, I admire the way you didn’t let your difficulties interfere with your writing. I know I let my bad mood interfere with my work way too many times in 2019, and that’s something I really need to learn how to deal with.
Your PS at the end says “have a wonderful 2019″… I’m not sure if you meant that on purpose or if it’s supposed to say wonderful 2020… if it is intentional, though, it works, because 2019 already happened, but I can still have a wonderful 2019 by choosing to focus on the positives that happened in 2019.
I hope you have a wonderful 2020 🙂
Oh my gosh, you’re right! Thank you for pointing my mistake. That was completely involuntary. Of course, I meant to say “have a wonderful 2020” Well, Freud would have something to say about that… I guess on some unconscious level I still believe that my 2019 might have gone different if I’d done something differently. You know it’s really hard not to think about that even if I know that “what if” does not exist. But I absolutely love your approach and I think you’re right. I can still have a wonderful 2019 if I focus more on the positives that happened in 2019!! That’s brilliant!! THANK YOU!!! I wish you a wonderful 2020!! 😊😊
Thank you! 🙂 I’ve had to remind myself of that too… while 2019 was a difficult year overall, there were some very significant bright spots.
I am so thankful for your comment!! It really gave me a different perspective on the entire experience. It was extremely challenging to write this post but at the same time, I really wanted to do it. I thought, well, if someone who reads this is going through a tough time in life, maybe my words will give them some hope. P.S. I am sorry to hear that you’ve also had a tough year and I really hope you feel better and more peaceful now. This year will be a great one!! Take care and have a wonderful weekend!! 😊😊
You too 🙂
😊😊
A very good point on how therapy can make things worse. It depends on the person, the situation and the therapist. I’ve had similar in the past, finding it made an already bad situation even worse. You really have had one heck of a year, Kate. So much pain and heartache. So much change. And so much growth and learning, too. I really do hope you can carry some lessons into the New Year, like with stressing less (a lesson I have learned over and over again and yet can never actually practice what I preach!) I truly do hope 2020 can be a brighter one for you. You’re a tough cookie with a heart of gold and you deserve all the good things the new year has to offer ♥
Caz xx
I am sorry to hear that you have had a bad therapy experience. Being re-traumatized by a therapist is definitely the last thing you expect during a therapy session but from what I hear from others and from my personal experience, I can tell that you that it happens a LOT. It’s really disturbing… Anyways, I don’t want to give you any negative feelings. I do believe that this year will be a better one for all of us! Caz, it’s time to make 2020 our best year ever!! P.S. 2 Have you created your wheel of life yet? How is it going? 😀😀
This post is so good, I don’t know where to start! With so many negatives, you really showed strength finding all those positives. I think you have the foundation for a wonderful 2020!
And I’m going to check out some of those books.
I’m so thankful for your kind words!!! Now I am even more motivated to make 2020 the best year ever. I really feel that 2020 will be a great year for all of us!! Take care and have a wonderful Sunday!! 😊😊