23 THINGS THAT 2023 TAUGHT ME
1. Resilience: 2023 taught me that resilience is not just bouncing back; it's about adapting, learning, and growing from challenges. Of what use and value is an experience you don't take a learning from? Experience can be a good teacher.
2. Adaptability: Life is unpredictable, and the ability to adapt to change became a valuable skill in 2023 for me. Adaptability is not merely a conformist, but a predictor of change.
3. Connection Matters: Despite digital advancements, genuine human connections remain essential for our well-being.I learnt so many times in 2023 that it is much more valuable to be deliberate about relationships with friends, family and fans by stepping out and seeking genuine connections.
4. Mindfulness: In a fast-paced world as we are today, taking time for mindfulness is crucial for mental health and clarity. It is veritable to focus one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.
5. Health is Wealth: The importance of physical and mental health became even more evident in 2023. Prioritize self-care and self-love; take your health seriously; exercise regularly; know the state of your health. This is even more important as one grows older.
6. Remote Work Skills: Balancing work and life in a remote environment requires discipline and effective time management. I actually achieved more in my deliverables working remotely in 2024.
7. Learning Never Ends: Continuous learning is key to personal and professional development in an ever-evolving world. 2023 made me acquire new skills that has changed the complexion of how I now approach and do business.
8. Tech Savviness: Being tech-savvy is not just for the younger generation; everyone needs basic tech skills to navigate the modern world. The days ahead sure looks interesting from this perspective.
9. Environmental Consciousness: The urgency of addressing climate change became even more apparent, prompting a shift toward sustainable living. The least one owes this ecosystem is to be aware and act in strict adherence at protecting it as much as possible.
10. Financial Literacy: Understanding personal finances is a crucial life skill. 2023 emphasized the importance of budgeting and saving (even if it isn't much). It can be very exhilarating and gratifying when one's financial goals are met at the end of the year.
11. Gratitude: Amidst challenges, cultivating gratitude for what we have brings positivity and resilience. I learnt to be grateful for what I have instead of worrying about what I don't have. Gratitude strengthens my trust in God and the things and the people He brought into my life.
12. Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others became a cornerstone for stronger relationships. More endearing relationships are fostered where empathy is fully displayed. That, for me, is an important learning of 2023.
13. Time Management: With various demands, mastering time management became essential for productivity and work-life balance. This has given birth to my blog, Chat On The Turf with Emmanuel Obu, where productivity and time management is the focus.
14. Global Citizenship: 2023 highlighted the interconnectedness of the world, emphasizing the need for global cooperation. I learnt that being isolated in a world of my own breeds irrelevance around me. There is relevance in global participation. Take advantage of the interconnectedness of the world.
15. Creativity: Navigating uncertainties often requires thinking outside the box and fostering creativity. 2023 taught me to reach within and pull out the best of what's inside. It taught me to use what is inside to be a blessing to my world.
16. Prioritizing Mental Health: Mental health is as important as physical health, and seeking help is a sign of strength. It is okay to seek strong shoulders to rest on when the challenges are surfacing all around. Learnt also to avoid negative energies.
17. Crisis Preparedness: From personal crises to global challenges, having a plan in place is crucial for navigating uncertainties. 2023 taught me a BIG lesson in crisis. BIG stands for "Boldly Implement Goals." Embrace ambitious objectives and take decisive steps to turn your plans into reality.
18. Grit: Perseverance and grit are indispensable qualities when facing obstacles and setbacks. The things I worked on consistently eventually paid off.
19. Balance is Key: Striking a balance between work, relationships, and personal time is vital for overall well-being. I learnt that "work isn't everything; rather everything is work." It is absolutely important to strive hard not to drop the ball in any area of life.
20. Kindness Matters: Small acts of kindness can have a ripple effect, creating a more compassionate world. The Bible cannot be faulted when it affirmed that "the liberal soul shall be made fat."
21. Embracing Diversity: Embracing diverse perspectives enriches our understanding of the world and fosters inclusivity. The difference we share is part of what makes the world an interesting place. There is beauty in diversity.
22. Letting Go: Sometimes, letting go of things beyond our control is the wisest choice for our mental peace. There is absolutely nothing you can do about what you don't have control over - it will happen regardless. Your virtue is demonstrated on how you react to those things you don't have control over.
23. Hope: No matter how challenging life gets, maintaining hope for a better future is a powerful mindset that 2023 reaffirmed for me. Always seeing the bright side of life regardless of what is happening around has become a valuable asset.
© December 30, 2023
Pastor Emmanuel Obu
The Apostle of Joy
