In this special reflection episode, the hosts answer journal prompts about their past year. They discuss their wins, challenges, and lessons learned. They reflect on personal growth and the importance of navigating difficult experiences. They also talk about expanding their reading preferences, reflecting on happiness and contentment, and navigating stress and the need for control. The speakers discuss personal growth, the challenges of communication, and explore the humor in feeling nervous.
The fleeting nature of health and the importance of gratitude for what we have.
The importance of surrendering to the unpredictability of life and accepting that not everything will go according to plan.
The value of existing friendships and the importance of finding like-minded individuals to connect with.
Deep dives
Challenges with Family Health
One of the biggest challenges this year was my dad being diagnosed with cancer. It completely changed the course of the year and required extended periods of time to be spent at home for treatment and recovery. It was a difficult and emotional time, navigating surgeries and complications. The lesson learned from this experience is the fleeting nature of health and the importance of gratitude for what we have. It also highlighted the need to prioritize self-care and appreciate the complexities of life.
Overwhelm and Setting Priorities
Another challenge this year was feeling overwhelmed by the hecticness of managing long-distance, work, social life, and podcast responsibilities. It was a constant struggle to find balance and feel like I was doing enough in each area. This challenge taught me the importance of surrendering to the unpredictability of life and accepting that not everything will go according to plan. It also highlighted the need to manage stress and prioritize mental well-being.
Settling into a New City
Moving to a new city and not having an immediate circle of friends or a built-in support system presented its own challenges. It required adjusting to a new environment, building new social connections, and feeling a sense of belonging. This experience taught me the value of existing friendships and the importance of finding like-minded individuals to connect with. It also shed light on the need to appreciate the positives of a new city rather than fixating on materialistic aspects.
Appreciating Life's Complexities
The challenges faced this year, both personal and global, highlighted the duality of life and the complexities it holds. From conflicts closer to home to concerns about the climate crisis, it brought forth a sense of uncertainty and the realization that we have little control over certain aspects of life. However, it also emphasized the importance of focusing on the present, living life to the fullest, and appreciating the moments of joy amidst the challenges.
Importance of Trust and Appreciation in Relationships
One main idea discussed in the podcast is the importance of trust and appreciation in relationships. The speaker shares their experience of living with their partner and going through long-distance challenges. They emphasize that going through difficult times together builds a strong foundation of trust and appreciation. The speaker also highlights the significance of putting oneself out there and building connections in adult life. Overall, the main insight is that trust, appreciation, and putting effort into relationships are crucial for creating a strong and fulfilling partnership.
Lessons Learned in 2023
Another main idea explored in the podcast is the lessons learned in 2023. The speaker reflects on personal growth and highlights several key insights. They mention the importance of gratitude in a complex world, the recognition that healing is not linear, the significance of having a strong support system during difficult times, and the value of setting boundaries and choosing oneself. The speaker also mentions the importance of focusing on what is important, creating a new home over time while cherishing one's roots, and embracing kindness and open-mindedness. The main takeaway is that personal growth involves gratitude, self-care, self-awareness, and maintaining healthy relationships.
āØ skip to 01:08 to listen to all of your voice notes! āØ
if you've been following our podcast for a while (aka for more than a year), you already know the drill with our end of year episodes!!! every year (this is our third year doing this now ... wth!!), we answer the same journal prompts and, most importantly, ask YOU GUYS what's one thing you've learnt this year. listen out for some familiar voices & even a musical reflection on the year from one of you. thank you from the bottom of our hearts to each of you who have listened along to us this year, and especially to those of you who've submitted your own voice notes!
see below the journal prompts we answer:
If the energy of your past year could be encapsulated by one word, what would that word be?
What were your big wins this year?
What were your small wins this year?
What were your challenges this year? (and what did you learn from them?)
What are 3 things you learnt?
What do you want to leave behind from this past year?
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE ! <3
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