Well, folks. It’s here. The last month of 2020. It certainly has not been an easy road for many of us. But, we can confidently say we learned a lot about ourselves, the world around us, and the things that matter the most in life. This month, our team is reflecting on 2020’s lessons and perspective shifts and silver linings. Check it out! 

WHAT I LEARNED

Working on your relationship with yourself should be a priority. You have to find ways to love yourself, rely on yourself, and be comfortable with the person you are. Because when push comes to shove and sh*t hits the fan, that’s what you’re left with – its what will get you through the tough times. 

MY SILVER LINING

A lot of people hated lockdown, and, don’t get me wrong, it definitely took its toll on me too. But, I will say, it was nice to be rid of FOMO for a few months and to feel ok with slowing down, nesting and spending time with myself.

HOW I ADJUSTED MY SPENDING

2020 forced me to examine how my spending wasn’t always aligned with my values. This year put into stark focus why I was no longer ok with carrying on that way. I’m doing the work I need to do to become a more conscious consumer.

WHAT I LEARNED

The importance of spending time with family and friends. Not being able to see people in person really makes you appreciate those face to face moments.

MY SILVER LINING

2020 has forced me to really get serious about my savings. I’ve been able to really nail down my financial and long term goals.

HOW I ADJUSTED MY SPENDING

Since saving has been my main priority I’ve been hyper aware of how I’m spending. I am a huge foodie so I continue to support my favourite local restaurants. And I can confidently say, I have barely spent money on clothing (maybe a few sweatsuits – but who hasn’t?).

WHAT I LEARNED

This year helped me realize that life is too short to settle for anything less than what I’m worthy of. Every day that I’m alive is a gift, so what am I going to do with it?

MY SILVER LINING

2020 has helped me slow down and get very clear with what matters to me. It helped me become more intentional with how I spend my resources (time, energy, and money).

HOW I ADJUSTED MY SPENDING

I spent more money this year on my own personal development than every year before combined. I understood that the person I needed to be had to change for me to have the life I want. This required me to invest in myself.

WHAT I LEARNED

The importance of having an understanding and mission-driven team. We had to scale things back a bit in our business, including cutting a few hours for all the staff in order to keep afloat around the beginning of the pandemic, and everyone was so willing to work together and do whatever it took.

MY SILVER LINING

Both mine and my husband’s work went fully remote, so working from home together, being able to go for morning coffee walks or outdoor lunch dates, or working together from a park bench in the Summer was an amazing blessing and silver lining amidst the tumult of this year.

HOW I ADJUSTED MY SPENDING

I’ve saved hundreds and hundreds of dollars on transportation, take-out coffee and lunches since no longer having to commute to an office. We’d just order in for Friday “date nights” to support local restaurants in our neighbourhood. And, of course, I’m not buying and clothes or make-up, just “elevated sweatpants”, and good sneakers for my much-needed outdoor walks.

WHAT I LEARNED

Something about a global pandemic that closed borders and forced everyone online made me reassess my interaction with/on digital platforms. I am more intentional about community while taking the time to disconnect often digitally

MY SILVER LINING

One word – motorcycle!

HOW I ADJUSTED MY SPENDING

I redirected my spending to focus more on activities that allowed me to explore my local surroundings in new ways.

WHAT I LEARNED

How unimportant my “stuff” is and how very little spending is needed to do the things in life that actually make me happy.

MY SILVER LINING

The pandemic forced me to prioritize my mental and emotional health and was the catalyst I needed to walk away from a very toxic relationship. This was someone I loved deeply for a decade of my life, yet leaving was necessary. It was the hardest, most terrifying yet absolute BEST thing I have ever done for myself.

HOW I ADJUSTED MY SPENDING

I’m making more of a conscious effort to shop/dine local. It actually helps me save money because typically prices can be a little higher and this forces me to think deeply and meaningfully about each purchase.

WHAT I LEARNED

The true importance of having an emergency fund when a pandemic hits and work dries up.

MY SILVER LINING

The pandemic forced me to slow down and focus on my self care and mental/emotional health and I feel so much better than I did a year ago.

HOW I ADJUSTED MY SPENDING

I’m more aware of my needs vs my wants and am a lot more cautious with spending. I’m also more cognizant of my spending being political and spend more on small businesses who need help to stay afloat during the pandemic vs. corporations.

WRITTEN BY VICTORIA BEVILACQUA