What I’ve Learned So Far This Year — 10 Insights to Inspire Your Growth

As we reach the middle of the year, I want to take a moment to share ten insights from my journey so far—the books I’ve read and the moments that have shaped me. I hope they inspire your journey toward growth.

1. Realizing Impermanence

In recent months, my meditation practice introduced me to the concept of Impermanence. My teacher, Mingyur Rinpoche, shared that life is like a stock market—it goes up and down constantly. But we crave stability, so when things change, we worry.

Now, when I face a difficult situation, I remind myself that it’s temporary. Having this outlook on life has helped me deal with life’s ups and downs, whether it’s the loss of a friend, a job change, or adapting to a new town. 

2. Being Kind to Yourself in Transition

Over the past few months, I struggled to be productive and stick to a consistent work routine. I found myself procrastinating with distractions like TV or elaborate breakfasts, and I beat myself up for not being more productive.

Through journaling and reflection, I realized that what felt like laziness was part of my transition to my new identity as a writer. I was using procrastination as a way to deal with self-doubt and fear of the unknown.

I wasn’t just procrastinating; I was becoming a new version of myself. This experience taught me to be kinder to myself during times of change, recognizing that all transitions take time.

3. Respecting Your Internal Speed Limit

Earlier this year, Tsoknyi Rinpoche, in the book Open Heart Open Mind, taught me about the internal speed limit. An internal speed limit is the pace at which we can accomplish our daily tasks without receiving a mental or physical speeding ticket. 

We know we are exceeding our speed limit when we are exhausted, restless, and have trouble sleeping. The key isn’t to drop the number of tasks but to change how we approach them. 

Rinpoche asks us to approach each moment with kindness rather than rushing through them, like allowing someone to pass at an intersection. Practices like breath meditation and paying attention to my thoughts and emotions have helped me keep track of my daily speed limit. 

4. What Kids Can Teach Us About Life

Watching my son grow teaches me things I don’t learn from books.

Since the beginning of the year, I’ve attended several of his swim meets. These young children, aged 6-18, have taught me a great deal about facing fears, dealing with setbacks, and persevering.

Even when things don’t go as planned, such as your goggles falling off mid-race or accidentally swimming the wrong stroke, these kids carry on fearlessly and are ready for the next event without missing a beat. 

They support each other by cheering their hearts out while their friends swim. They take feedback from their coaches constructively and apply it to their next races. There is so much to learn by watching these young athletes develop crucial life skills.

5. Why Moms Need Breaks Too

Is it okay to take a break from being a mom? Being a mom is a never-ending job; you feel unconditional love towards your children, but it takes a lot out of you. 

I had decided to step away for a mini-vacation to Carmel to relax and get some alone time. Chatting with artists, trying new restaurants, and spending time at the beach helped me recharge so I can be more present for my child. It taught me the value of taking time for myself as a mother without feeling guilty. 

6. Choosing Connection Over Checklist

Earlier this spring, my family’s trip to Barcelona allowed me to experience travel in a completely different way. We usually go from one sightseeing spot to another, and I always leave feeling we didn’t fully understand the local culture. 

During our trip to Barcelona, we focused on experiences that would help us understand the culture. We attended a football game between Barcelona (FCB) and Borussia Dortmund (BVB), Germany, which gave me front-row seats to Barcelonans passion for their city. 

Their constant support and cheers for their team, before and during the game, made me realize something important. That sports are more than just games—they are windows into a culture’s soul.

7. Understanding Others Instead of Being Right

In ‘When Things Fall Apart,’ Pema Chödrön explains that being right in a conversation gives people a sense of security and ground. Being wrong threatens it. So we cling to our opinions so we can feel more stable.

This insight has made me more aware of how I react during conflicts. Instead of immediately evaluating or judging what others say, I’m trying to practice understanding first. I’ve started asking myself: “Am I trying to understand, or am I trying to be right?“

When someone insists on being right, I’m learning to recognize that this might come from their own need to feel secure. Instead of trying to prove them wrong, I can try to listen and accept them as they are. It’s not easy, but as Chödrön reminds us, true communication only happens in an open space.

8. Seeing Mistakes as Missing Skills

As humans, we all make mistakes, but making mistakes is how we learn.  Thich Nhat Hanh teaches us that when we see someone making mistakes, it’s not because they are bad; it’s because they haven’t yet developed the skills.

Instead of viewing someone who has made a mistake as bad, we can view them as unskillful. Learning the skills to navigate life effectively requires conscious practice, such as focusing on choices that lead to long-term happiness rather than instant gratification. 

9. What Really Matters in the End

I came across an obituary of someone earlier this year that read more like a resume than a reflection of who they were. It got me thinking about how I want to be remembered. 

Instead of achievements, I want to be remembered for making someone else’s life better. For all the memories I made with my son, my friends, and my family. After all, our legacy is more than our resume. 

This reflection reminded me of Robin Sharma’s book, “Who Will Cry When You Die,” where he discusses the importance of being intentional about the life you want, the value of surrounding ourselves with meaningful people, and how practicing self-discipline can help us achieve the life we desire. It taught me about finding happiness along the way rather than putting it off until we reach our goals.  

A lot of these lessons brought me closer to my core values—especially this next one.

10. You’re Not the Brands You Wear

For a long time, I identified myself with the brands I wore and carried. But somewhere along the way, I realized I don’t want to be defined by what shoes I wear or what bag I have, but by who I am.

Eckhart Tolle, in the book The New Earth, writes about how people see brands as identity enhancers. He suggests examining whether we use our possessions to boost our self-worth.

This reflection helped me realize that what I wear or own doesn’t make me more valuable. I can enjoy beautiful things, but not because it makes me look good to others, but because I genuinely appreciate them.

Heading to the rest of the year

My life experiences, books, and conversations have shaped my growth so far. As I head into the rest of the year, I’m focusing on trusting my instincts, staying consistent in my work, and making meaningful connections.