21 lessons I learned in 2021 / a year in isolation 

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“We are all afraid of the world ending.., whether you like living or not.” That’s a very good line, girl. Overall the best video I have watched on the Internet this year.

My biggest lesson was that every relationship is a mirror of what triggers me the most about myself

the thing that came to me was that nothing will get done if you don’t do it yourself. you can’t just whine and complain when something isn’t how you want it. you are the only person who can get you to where you want to be.

I learned the importance of documentation in my life. Without writing, photography, or some other form of concrete reflection of moments, I find that they drift too easily and are lost. thank you for sharing such a beautiful video

The biggest lesson I learned this year is that it is okay to not have a plan. I don't have a dream job, I don't know what I wanna do. But my life isn't defined by my career. It's okay to not know

what i learned this year, though i'll admit a part of me wish i didn't, is that grief has so many faces, and each of them is necessary. people are always talking about how you'll grow out of your grief, even when you're in the core of mourning everyone's saying how good it'll be once it's over - but grief is a good thing to feel, it allows us to release what would else consume us from inside out. and it doesn't just end, it doesn't get smaller with time, it's you that grows around it.

loving the vibe we’ve created this evening

my biggest lesson, i think, has been that i can be okay by myself and that we as humans will always prevail in finding something that brings us peace - whether long-lasting or momentary. if not now, then someday i will be okay.

Please dakota, start a podcast. I legit downloaded this video so I could listen to it everyday because your voice is soothing and the words you use are engimatical and I love decoding it. with love Hira

I’ve learnt that the journey of self love is actually really gritty but so so so worth it. And I’m grateful to be connecting with my core in such an intimate and precious manner I hope that everyone gets to experience that feeling

I learned this year that it's okay to fail and the mark of your character is how you handle your failures, not whether you failed in the first place.

This year I learned not to go back for them, that all relationships eventually end. And this isn't only about dating. This started pretty early on in the year for me, as I went back to my birth mother for visitation bi-weekly to try to regain some of the childhood I lost- only for her to attempt to murder me. I thought I had a girlfriend, but we slowly both realized we were aro-spec and were forced to move on. I thought I had two amazing bestfriends- when in reality one of them had turned out to be racist. . In all of these moments, I had fought myself in the urge to run back to them or be selfish and dishonest and say "it's not over yet". It is, and that's okay. I might not have a mother anymore, but I've stepped up into that position for my younger brothers. I might not have a girlfriend anymore, but we continued to be close and I found someone else I might be interested in. I might not have two best friends anymore, but one of them is the reason I wake up everyday and has become my platonic partner. Life carries on, and so will you.

no. 21: One day your journey will end, but until then always keep going. Life's hardships are often compared to a mountain you have to summit, but really that slope only ends when you do and the trick is to see how high you can go. One should only remember that they do not have to keep moving all the time- take a break; enjoy the scenery.

everyone needs philosophy, now more than ever

I fell into the depths of depression and anxiety to the point where I wanted to rip my skin off at one point. As time passed, I learned to take it easy on myself, for everyone is different. I don't necessarily have to hop on the bandwagon of diligently following the timeline that everyone sticks to and regards of great importance. It's totally okay to take things slowly even if I meet my success later in life. Age and time are just mere social constructs, and I shouldn't let them destroy me. That's my most important lesson this year. May I never forget it.

What I have learned this year is how important human connection is - with yourself and others and that you have to choose wisley who to surround yourself with. It really makes a difference

a lesson will not stop burdening you until you spend time to learn it

The main lesson I learned is actions only mean something if I care about them. As soon as I stop thinking and worrying about what I've done, it doesn't have an impact on me.

My lesson is very cringe, but it’s been very helpful, as someone who suffers serious bouts of self loathing and pity. However; as long as you’re alive, you have the chance to be happy.

PLEASE DO ANOTHER READ WITH ME! ITS A FAVORITE I WATCH OVER AND OVER AGAIN

18:00 I think I’ve learned that I don’t want to be someone who never changes, and hold on so tightly what has been done to me in the past that I can’t move on. Also you’re agonizingly articulate, I cannot wait for the release of your book!

My conclusion of 2021: My happiness only depends on me, myself and I and not the people I sorround myself with. I love this video btw

you don’t have to nurture all of your relationships - just the ones you want to keep!

these are 12 things I learned this year: 1. people don't always act the way you expect them to 2. sometimes it's better to ignore than react 3. it shall pass and you'll understand why it happened in the long run 4. doing what you want and what you love is the only way to go about in this life 5. trying to please one person will only disappoint another so live like nobody cares. 6. don't disclose every information, your goals and wishes 7. not everyone deserves your respect 8. everyone is battling their own problems so focus on yours 9. losing weight doesn't bring you happiness or satisfaction, you start wanting better and better results and it will leave u in agony 10. grades don't validate your worth or intellect 11. everything can be achieved if you manage your time correctly 12. it is OKAY to have downfalls and days when you don't want to get up from your bed.

21, the pain doesn't disappear, you just find it a space and if you are lucky, it will occupy less with time, but i will probably never disappear.

Vulnerability is key for mankind, it's going to bring us closer together and we can't let our FEAR of vulnerability eat us alive.

I have learnt that the desperate longing to be percived a certain way was not only killing me but also not authentic to myself

Your videos denote such a calm but wise aesthetic. I just love them

The lesson I learned in 2021 was, it's okay to talk to people. you are allowed to tell people what's going on and what's bothering you, that doesn't make you a burden to them. If your feeling fucking awful today you don't have to say 'I'm fine' to not bother your friends, if they are your friends they want to know and you can just say 'I'm having a bad day' or 'I'm not feeling great', no explanation needed if you don't want to, but you should also not be afraid to tell them what's going on if that's what you want

My biggest lesson of 2021 was that oftentimes, having the wisdom to know when to quit is more valuable than determination. Being a "hard worker" is an overrated trait. Do what ya need to do, then get outta there and have some fun.

this video was so beautiful. I'm not great at reflection, but I cried when you asked me to summarise what I've learnt this year. It was this: that failing something you really want is better than not trying to get it at all. thank you for this video xx

I learned that there is something horrid about this reality, something disturbing, that one can do the right thing but it can feel so wrong. Learned that more than just suffering, there is a senselessness to suffering. Not an arbitrariness, this is also so and we’ve all, sooner or later, discovered this. But that all the little rules and constructs are like Legos to barefooted step on, and you can be a monster and angel at the same time. And you can strangle a cat to end its suffering. And the trauma can make you phobic of copper and of salsa, and scared of love itself. I agree with you, Ms. Warren, there is something inspiringly brave about declaring your fears. I learned a lesson this year, a lesson in culpability. Another instance of me seeing trauma as a teacher, or perhaps a guide.

I learned this year that life doesn’t work out if you face it with indecision. A sure decision is better than an unsure one even if it’s wrong. Regret from inaction is worse than regret from action. This lesson was costly.

I learned that no matter how much you don’t want it to be true, no matter how much you might despise vulnerability, you need to be vulnerable with (some) people. You need to connect with them and help them and if you do that, you’ll be the better for it.

this is absolutely wonderful PD: you gave me visual ASMR tingles, I would love you to do an ASMR video talking about books

"Everyone you love is the most important person you know. Don't take your time with them for granted." That's my conclusion.

in 2021 i learned that i am not an angel that can do no wrong, i am not always the victim, i unintentionally hurt people and i was completely oblivious to it because i was so self absorbed.

despite the inner longing we feel for the picture to be complete, the swift movements of the brush will never come to a complete stop. there will be ups and downs, the colours may fade over time, but there will always be the marks on the canvas, the marks only you can make.

i have two life lessons that have made me the person i am this year. The first is obvious but something i didn’t fully understand till this year and it’s that people are gray were all products of our environment nobody is all good or all bad every perpetrator is also a victim. The second i truly lived this year and it’s that sometimes things have to get better for you to realize how bad they were. This kind of prolonged grief is natural and necessary at times, it’s okay to grieve what you lost a decade ago it’s okay to grieve a relationship you thought was perfect before your rose colored glasses were removed and it’s part of healing.

time goes on so absurdly fast and that is terrifying, but it means that wounds can heal pretty fast

Dreams come true. The biggest dreams you ever dared imagine. Dream big, dream intuitively and whatever you do very, very cautiously 2021.

I reached two conclusions. The one in 2021 was to seek comfortability in lockdown. As much as their was panic and distress. Getting to spend more time with my family. Doing activities together such as puzzles and listening to music was some of the best times I’ve had in recent years. Whilst the lockdown felt like a loss to many for various reasons, it felt like more of a gain to me. The second conclusion I’ve reached at the mid point of 2022 which isn’t earth shattering but has been useful to me. Don’t get jealous over other people’s success as all that will do will entrap you in negative energy. Instead express happiness for them show your support. It’s likely those positive feelings will link in with the person well and not only will your friendship/relationship grow but you’ll feel better about how it got to that point. 🙂

Dakota is a living, breathing classics book

words can hurt more than any punch.the words that we say can kill someone,can shatter their heart,souls,brain,kidneys,lungs,everything.its as simple as opening our mouth and saying letters,whom create words then sentences creating pain.

Let people love you. Let them know you love them. Let them leave. Appreciate what they gave you, how much you learnt from them.

Love this video!!

This was so good, I'm glad I found you. Lots of love

Not caring what others think about me has honestly changed my life for the best, just express yourself however you want

i needed this honestly i love eye opening things

That's so inspiring i love it

This vid was so comforting

this was so calming, i am deeply enamoured with you and all of your creations :,)

21. from a moment of pick and explosion will arise rebirth. the caos creates calm. (i’m sorry if it’s not grammatically correct)

I loved everything about this video.

you are so poetic, i love you

i am obsessed with how much you’ve been posting!

This video made my day

Thank You.

cant wait for your book!.!.!.!.!

You are the best chanels in youtube i m so glad to discover you

omg you're giving me such a✨rich parents✨ vibe i love it 💕 dreamy

number ten really took me back to secondary school English, when we talked about Shakespeare. it's a timely reminder to get, I've almost forgotten whose script im supposed to play, for so many times this year. ty :))

This video is so comforting

this year has been telling me that everything shall pass. in a comforting way.

"To exist is to perform so we dance". It sounded so beautiful

this is what we all needed to hear i suppose

The most important thing I've learnt this year is that there are many people in this world who are capable of understanding me, who think and feel and want the same things I do. I'm not special or unique and that's great, because it means I'm not (and I won't ever have to be) alone.

i think this may be the best video i've ever watched

I love the setting, it’s so cozy. I feel at home here

I definitely learned to be patient, but also to take decisions during the waiting

What I learned this year was that it was solely my choice to not be open and vulnerable to people. It's a cycle of me projecting a 'I have 2 brain cells and neither of the 2 are capable of producing any form of complex emotions' personality, people around me falling for it and never bothering to look twice at what at least I consider, pretty obvious signs of help. So now, I am stuck in a place where I truly just have my own self helping me out during my times of struggle. Fun.

new comfort video honestly

I love your voice it’s so calming

gratitude is the key to every door you will ever come across

I learned that Home is important and that moving back can be so healing.

Dear Dakota: I found your channel and started watching with no expectations really, but you made me fall in love with words❤️ I’ve always been a reader, but thanks to you, whenever I found a beautiful sentence I just want to scream it so everyone can hear it Love you

dear Dakota, you're an angel.

one lesson I learned this year and live by is to sorround myself with calmness in every aspect of my life.

Omg I would totally listen if you had a podcast❤️

i learnt alot about mysle i learned about love and how painful life really is i learned this year that no matter how many material objects you surround yourself in it can never fill that dark void inside you which is loneliness its a void that is painful so you ignore it and step around it you buy stuff to fill the void but at the end of the day its still there and when you have no one it only becomes more unberable as time stretches its harder to ignore it just gets bigger no matter how often i tell myself im ok with having no one and being lonely forver and i want that for myself i know thats not true im young i feel lonley and out of place i just wanna tear of my flesh and melt into my bed its scary, ovcerwhemling being lonely is scary and overwhelming

I am comprised of more than what I myself thought I was comprised of. ... Thank u for this, you beautiful swan for whom the earth is lucky to hold.

it's okay to feel what you feel and only you know what to do with it.

Mine is that: if you’re afraid of failure, remember that we live on a giant floating rock. Anything is possible.

I love the way you speak.

Number 20 hits hard

my most valuable lesson i've learned is that surrounding yourself by positive media and activities makes living and socialising a lot easier

how being alone is okay, you can learn so much about yourself. I used to not enjoy it but I love it now I can understand how I am feeling

i learnt that you have to be comfortable in yourself to be truly comfortable around other people - and this is how you build deeper connections

I cant sum it up but it was......changing. This year opend me up like a shell.

That nothing is permanent happiness,joy, euphoric feeling it's all fleeting so are the bad ones that feel of being stuck will pass

my life lesson this year is that being comfortable being alone is a life lesson just as important as anything else, being in lookdown and just being alone in general has taught me a lot about my anxiety and how it affects me, but also how to be alone but not lonely. and being independent of anyone else to bring you happiness, that is how you truly find yourself and who you are.

I love people, I am amazing and there is value in every interaction ever done

I love more deeply than I ever thought was possible.

i dont really comment on youtube videos anymore but I thought I should because I truly enjoyed this video and I also wanted to say you are a real poet, you can hear it clearly in the way you speak and i wish someday i too can speak like a poet, but for now i will keep struggling with my words. My biggest lesson out of the many that I've had this year is don't be afraid to tell someone how you feel, and i mean this in all ways but heavily on if you have positive thoughts about a person, let them know. You have no clue what it might bring to not only yourself but them. Many postivie things and new relationships have been made through me simply speaking my postive words into existence for all to hear.

sometimes the thing that hurts most ends up being your greatest comfort later on

My biggest lesson was that I am allowed to be alone but I shouldn’t become lonely

Thanks Dakota! Just saved me a bunch of money on self help books 😌

biggest thing i’ve learnt is that everyone fucks up from time to time and it’s mostly not because they are inherently evil but because they are dealing with shit. don’t take it personally (mostly) if someone takes it out on you.

This feels like a late night chat at a sleepover and I love it Edit: You said exactly what I was thinking 😂