I know I’m not the only one who feels like 2019 went by in a SECOND, but here we are — it’s once again New Year’s Eve. This time we’re not only celebrating the end of a year, but also the end of a decade.

As we count down the final hours to the new year, we often look back and reflect on the opportunities we received, chances we took and any regrets still lingering with us. Personally, 2019 was an incredibly wild ride — so much happened that it took me some time to sort through my camera roll and notes to remember everything that happened (and I’m sure I still missed some key moments!). Overall, it was a really positive year filled with so much learning and growth, and I hope to continue that in 2020.

Now, what’s next? I don’t necessarily believe in making New Year’s Resolutions, but here are five of my 2019 lessons as we head into 2020 and the decade ahead.

1. Learning doesn’t stop after school. In fact, it gets better.

I graduated university this past spring, marking the end of my formal education journey. I quickly started getting the typical questions like “Do you miss school?” or “Do you prefer working or being in school?” I’ve always said, without a doubt, that I preferred working. Truth be told, part of me always felt trapped at school — I had so much I wanted to do, but my time was taken up by assignments and studying. However, once I lost that daily source of learning, I actually started to miss parts of the routine. I realized that I cherished the never-ending opportunities to challenge myself, question things and work my brain, and I enjoyed being around people who asked questions that had me thinking in new ways.

In 2020, I want to continue to stimulate my brain by reading daily, listening to new, exciting podcasts (if you have any recommendations, please send them my way!), and, most excitingly, travelling more. I’ve realized it’s about finding the avenues that complement my learning style best and allow me to incorporate education back into my daily life.

2. Getting to know yourself can be scary — and that’s OK.

This year, I had the unexpected opportunity to take my first solo trip, which led to me falling in love with the city of Portland and, in many ways, myself. I’m an only child, so doing things by and for myself has never really phased me. I’m not ashamed to admit I LOVE going to concerts alone — not only because I’m completely free to meet new people, but I also don’t need to tone down my excitement or feel bad about my terrible singing. I’ve also always pushed myself to get out and walk around, try new cafes and coffee shops and attend other events solo. But somehow, the thought of doing those things in another city/country/etc. was beyond daunting.

That said, spending my first night in Portland travelling to my hotel, exploring the city, trying a bar I had fallen in love with on Instagram and watching TV in my room felt so good and normal. Moral of the story here is I had nothing to be afraid of — I was the only one holding myself back. It took that one uncomfortable situation to get me comfortable with being uncomfortable, and I honestly can’t wait for my next solo trip, wherever it may take me.

I’m 22, and this year I learned more about myself than I ever have before. I reconnected with friends who truly have my back, tried new experiences, set new goals and reminded myself to live in the now. Along with this, I also learned, once again, to trust my gut; it never lies. This applies both to multiple choice answers on tests and deciding whether or not you’ll wear a $40 shirt you want to buy, but also your intuition on situations and people to stray away from. Always listen to yourself.

3. #CancelCancelCulture2020

If you spent time on Twitter this year, you likely witnessed someone getting automatically shunned, or “cancelled,” for expressing an unpopular or intolerable behaviour or opinion. It seemed to happen so often this year that “Cancel Culture” was at the forefront of the mainstream. Listen — I’m all for toxic, gross people getting called out (rightfully so), but I’m not here for people tossing around “cancellations” in a way that leads to no discussion about the harm done. I’m also not here for people getting dragged for things that either didn’t happen or were taken completely out of context.

“Cancel culture” has become so spiteful to the point that it’s now trendy — and that approach needs to be cancelled. In 2020, let’s take the time to fact check, hear people out and educate ourselves AND others on the real issues at hand.

4. Silence is a VERY clear response.

We’ve all probably been told in some way or another that it’s a good idea to “pick your battles” and that not every disagreement requires an argument. While I agree, I also understand wanting to defend yourself and those around you by responding to every lie and ill-informed claim floating around. As backwards as this sounds, I’ve learned the best way to respond is by not responding at all. But I should also clarify that by doing so I am responding — silence speaks volumes.

If someone wants to spend their time speaking poorly about you, let them — realistically nothing you say or do is going to change their mind anyway. Stand tall, own your truth — the truth — and let those that matter stick around. Those are your people.

5. Do you, boo — always.

When it comes to people who carry nothing but negative energy — who want to bring others down instead of lifting them up — and people who want to rain on your parade, I want you — yes, you reading this — to go into 2020 with your head held high, feeling like the badass b!tch you are, ready to rock the decade. Don’t let anyone stop you from achieving your goals, following your dreams and being the best you.

Take that trip. Buy that bag. Do you, boo!

With that, I want to wish you a VERY Happy New Year!!

What lessons did you learn in 2019? What are your resolutions for 2020? Let’s talk! Comment below or tweet me @angelamcleanx.

Here’s to the new year xx