22 lessons I learned from 2022 

Please check the Vlog 'Cottage Fairy', in the US, she also talks about being a Highly Sensitive Person', I wrote her about you too. No matter what else, you are safe and with your dear husband. You've been thrown into a world none of us expected. So many changes are upsetting to many people. We all need a lesson in remembering that the basics of food, shelter and being loved are the most important things. Just surviving is sometimes enough for the moment. Sending you hugs and peace.

"Rest as much as you work". This really resonates with me.

We appreciate your insights. 2022 was a lot to digest, but we still continue on living no matter what.

As an Irish person living abroad, I 100% agree with the lesson about tea! We drink tea all the time in Ireland and I always make sure to have a stash of good quality black Irish tea when I'm away from home! Very thoughtful video as always Ana, thank you for sharing! Wishing you both a calm and happy end to the year 🙂

The tea lesson was my favorite one! I think the underlying lesson there was when you know you like something don't try and unlike it just for the sake of novelty.

My 2022 lesson has been that I need to accept entering the second half of my life and don't fight time, but gracefully go along with the changes and make the best of every moment :))

I have already begun speaking goodness into the world. Yours is a good reminder!

Hi Ana, 2022 has been a very difficult one indeed. For you and Brian I simply can't imagine the magnitude of the challenges you've endured. We are all very grateful to you for keeping your channel going through all the chaos and upheaval. For me, this year has made me feel a profound helplessness in the face of the war in Europe, the political unrest here in the US, and the terrible fires and floods worldwide. Self care is critical to be able to manage fear.....I got a chuckle when you mentioned your new best friend, the kettle bell. 🙂 I try to do more planks, squats, and cycling.

You have accomplished so much this year, even if not every step you took was a success. Looking back at my own life, some 70 years or so of it being conscious, I have to wonder at the paths I took - many were no so happy. I try to concentrate on living the few remaining years better, and that is some kind of challenge already ... Thanks for your insights and postings, Anna - and paka paka.

Thank you for sharing 22 things learned in '22. I think I'll sit and contemplate my own lessons from the past year. In looking back to a similar time in my life to your current age, I'm amazed at how changed my perspective is. As the years have passed and circumstances have been experienced, I see a positive evolution. I'm content, accepting, and generally peaceful. I couldn't have said that even a year ago and certainly not 20 years ago. Life is a mix of challenge and reward, isn't it?!

Listening to you is always so soothing

I just want to thank you for creating this channel and sharing your thoughts and wisdom with us. I admire your gentleness, your kindness, your generosity, your creativity and the person you seem to be. You are one beautiful soul. That is all. (I decided to follow the lesson of the need to say something nice if you feel like it.) Much love from Belgium 💚

2022 has been very challenging for me as well and you enduring videos through all of your own chaos have been a great source of comfort and encouragement.

Very wise words Ana. All the best! Hope 2023 will be better for you and all of us! 🥰😍😘

"Practicality is not always the best advisor", I can relate to this lesson. I gave away some treasured things when moving across the United States because I had no room i my car. I have often found myself, two years later, feeling like it would be nice to still have a few of the things. But as you said, there is more space to acquire new cherished items. Your expression of self is beautiful.

BIG YES to the point about tea 😀 green (matcha) and black (earl grey) are my fav. They add to my daily happy moments

How did I miss this gem? Ana I related to so many of your points. Thank you MUCH ❤

I had an opportunity to learn about kindness this year. With all the hate that is encircling the globe, there are many more individual stories of the kindness of others. I hope to focus on that in 2023 and be a kinder, gentler person.

“… But, very true to me “. This is why I watch your channel. You share who you are with such gentle bravery.

It's like you were speaking directly to me. I feel quite lost in my life right now. My heart is pushing me to where I used to live but this city has become to expensive for me and now I'm back in my hometown and finding it hard to adapt. Lucie in Canada

Excellent presentation full of wisdom. You touched my heart tremendously. Thank you for sharing 💐

Thank you, dear Ana.

Ana, I hope the new year brings nothing but good things to you and your family. Looove black tea 🤗

This was so thought provoking, thank you. Some of these (slow friendships are best comes to mind) are lessons I feel like I also have to relearn occasionally. And yes, there is no substitute for black tea- I’ve started drinking herbal tea in the evening, which I enjoy, but it just doesn’t cut it before, say, 5 pm :)

Dear Ana, loved this video and its messages very, very much, thank you! Oh, and I love your crocheted collar, too. And if maybe one day you decide to write down the pattern and sell it as a PDF - that would be gorgeous! All the best for you and Brian ❤️❤️❤️ PS: you can't imagine the amount of inspirations and things to think about you gave me through your valuable and amazing videos, thank you so so much for that 🥰

This resonated with me so much. By far my hardest year ever, but growth is the gift of hard times. I am allowing a sort of fluidity in life I never knew how to acieve before. It's about having a great imagination and a solution based mind - the last thing changes everything but is not my natural wire so it is nice to become that. It' all about allowing what is and what comes. And trying to have fun whenever possible because it really helps on the days or hours where we count the seconds. 2023 is going to be wild. For the planet. For you and I. Thank you for this slow friendship. You have no idea how much you have supported me❤

I just found your channel and this really hits me differently. I too am a very emotional person and have been struggling with pretty much similar situations in life right now. Thank you for sharing your views in life and experiences

I am not sure what I have learned. I am relatively stuck in can’t-make-decisions mode after many losses/much grief since 2018. It doesn’t feel like it will let up. It’s clear how important people in my inner circle are. One died 2 years ago and I am still reeling. I am extra careful about COVID/masking because my mother is 88 and I see her several times a week. We had our 26th wedding anniversary in October and while we took a walk, my beloved encouraged me to reach out to my inner friend circle again. It’s much harder than I expected. I always have been an extreme extrovert but I can barely stand to leave the house these days. I have so much to do and I can’t seem to start. So hard. I celebrate that you and Brian are finally together!!! (My husband is also a Brian.) I am grateful we and mom are still well, no covid yet though it’s coming through again. Love to you.

Great list of lessons. Also I love your crochet collar. I’m going to look for that around here in California. I mostly wear simple T-shirts but I would like to add something like a collar.

There is so much there that resonates with me - and I am sure with everyone else, too. I see flexibility as a strength most of the time. You are 100% correct about tea! Absolutely do speak up with kindness and support - there is so much bad in the world today. Those few positive words you say to a person, particularly to strangers, can completely change the outcome for that person. Listening can have an equal impact. Excellent video, Ana. 💕❤️💕

Ana, you are a beautiful person!

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For me nothing replaces coffee. But I love herbal tea lol.

As always, great advice, thanks, Ana!

A lot to make note of - improvements can be made in my life... As always, forthright, honest and thoughtful....thank you.

Ana, you are such a beautiful, gentle soul.. you truly are ❤ Thank you for sharing your life lessons with us, they are beautiful and so powerful. Wishing you, Brian and all the ones you love so much happiness and joy in 2023 🌹

You are so wise Ana.. I don't know what I learnt from this year.. it was a hard year, in many ways and yet I survived.. may be the lesson is that there is more strength and resilience within me, than I imagine...

Unfortunately not every family is like that. Some people don't have any family at all that genuinely care about them and they would not be by their side no matter what happened.

Always look forward to your weekly videos, Ana!

I know what you mean about the tea! There is nothing better than the first cup of tea of the day, comfort in a cup 😊

Dear Ana, I always enjoy your videos. They make me think about my life and learn me to appreciate the things I have instead of the things I don't have. Thank you! Love from the Netherlands! ♥️

Love your video, for me has been difficult in one parte, I came form Panamá to m country, thing that I don't like so much, but I have faith that is temporal. I prefer take focus in my next step. Wish for you the best for this new year, thanks for share your 22 lessons, I'll do my list too. A big hug for you!!!

I loved this. It made me think. Thanks Ana.

This is beautiful. My 2022 has been difficult to a point where i’m not sure i’ll truly understand what happened, or what i felt or learnt til some time from now… i hope perspective finds me soon.

Thank you for your honesty and vulnerability in sharing. You are not alone💖

Oh, how much I love sometimes to focus on how hard the life is, and that I am a victim to these circumstances😢. But, I always have a choice. To continue thinking that and cherish my sadness, or try to do something about my mood, or about my circumstances🎉.

I enjoyed this post and felt that some comments were specifically for me. I have had some family conflicts that have been difficult. I feel sad about them, but I also know that by opening those doors it will bring out drama and grief. It’s a struggle. I always remember what my 7th grade Geometry teacher told me: “Never assume anything.” She was referring to Geometry, but I have applied that quote to so many aspects of my life. Thank you for opening up to us and sharing your innermost thoughts. You always inspire me. ❤️

Dear Ana, thank you for another great video. You have such wisdom. I can resonate with every single lessons except lesson 14 😉. I am a coffee drinker and I have a complete aversion to tea. I wish you and Brian a wonderful life in 2023.

Thank you for sharing. I find that your videos can be hard for me to watch, but only because they make me more aware. And that is a good thing.

Beautiful video Ana. I would be interested in a video that explores lost friendships. I have had many. I am envious of people who stay in touch with many people for decades, and I know how to do that but I’m not confident enough to reach out to the people in my past who I most want to reconnect with.

Great video and I agree Ana. We get wiser when we learn a certain lesson 😊

I love your wisdom Ana, thank you for sharing it :) all the best for you!

Thank you for this private video! You made me think about some events in my life! I hope that you both are well and send you my best wishes and a hug❤️

Those lessons are very encouraging. Thank you ❤️🌸🇨🇦

Ana, such a thought provoking video. I'm intrigued by it and believe I will do some deep inner searching myself. Best thoughts and hugs to you and Bryan.

Hi Ana, thank you for sharing your thoughts. I would definitely agree that family are important. This year, I too, have been trying especially hard to let go of the past and I do feel better for it. Also, the more I accept myself for who I really am the greater peace I achieve. Take care x

You look sooo good with this hair style (not that the other ones made you look bad :) ). I love your channel. Thanks to you I discovered I am also a Highly Sensitive Person and now I am learning to live with this knowledge. I also discovered I have an anxious attachment style and need constant external vaildation. Now I am thinking what to do with this one. Therapy? Acceptance? I used to live in Spain, where external validation is a part of the culture. That's why I was so happy there. At the moment I live in UK, where people keep to themselves. I do grieve the loss of Spain in my life for almost twenty years now. And I never accepted this loss. I realized that now, listening to you. What did I learn this year? I love the fact that you inspired me to think about it. I think most lessons are comming to me at the very end of the year, and I am still in the process of learning. At the beginning of the proces probably. 1. Trust yourself. If you don't think something looks good or if you don't think that something work or if you don't think you've already learned something - change it, give it time, work more on it, untill YOU are satisfied. No matter what others say. Listen to yourself and trust. Only you know what's inside you, what pleases you and what is your standard. 2. You don't have to be nice. (Yes, this one resonates with me even more than all of the other lessons you mentioned). I recently spent all evening being nice to someone, trying to listen to her and be interested, just to appear attractive, nice and fun to somebody else. Somebody who spent all evening, showing me he doesn't care...And the person I was nice to, didn't care either. I just feed her ego, that's all. Didn't get anything in return. I feel so hurt, mainly by my own behaviour. For my lack of authenticity. I've learned that I am only happy when I am authentic. 3. You can stand up for yourself. And you should. Respect what you know and what you can do. Others not always know better, no matter what attitude they have. I will go on thinking about what I have learnt, in my head or my notebook. Such a good idea to think about it... Hugs for you and Brian. Thank you for being here and sharing your thoughts.

Thank you for this beautiful video Ana! I was raised drinking black tea and it is forever my favorite beverage so I understand completely!

I appreciate your thoughtfulness. All the best x

For the algorithm.

😊 loved your comment about tea; that’s how I feel about coffee. Completely agree with you. ☕️🍵♥️

Oh, gosh. This one made me cry so hard. I love your insights. I’ve lost almost one whole side of my family to our different perspectives and my unwillingness to tolerate things like racism, sexism or most recently actual celebration of harm being done to others whom they disagree with. I tried for so long to be quiet but after two decades, I finally spoke openly about how/why the things they say hurt me as a multiracial woman. Doing so causes them to turn their backs on me. Trying to be okay with it but it’s so hard when it’s family and I thought people who would always be there. Ugh. I love what you said about rebuilding strength not just flexibility. Same for not labeling oneself. I think that those two things are such powerful tools. Thank you for all of this.

What wonderful lessons to take away from a challenging year! Many of them are lessons I have learned as well--especially to rest as much as I work and to allow myself to grieve big (and even little) losses fully. I hope that you find some teas that fill your soul to overflowing. I have a whole cupboard of teas--black, green, red, white, herbal--for whatever my mood calls for. 🙂 One favorite is actually a chicory based Vanilla Nut made by Teeccino. It's the goodness of chicory with the bitter strength of coffee with the smoothness of tea and the little bitty hug of vanilla. Mmmmm. It's so important to counteract all of the conflict and tension and hate in this world with little gifts of joy and wonder to ourselves. Watching your lovely, calming, thought-provoking videos is another gift I like to give my soul. Thank you for using your time and energy to bless all of us with your wisdom. ❤️

Thank you Ana! You seem to me amazingly structured in all this chaos.I would not be able to come up with a list like this. I am still too much effected, too much involved in all the losses, all the pain and the lack of perspective.

Dear Anastasia, Sve si divno rekla.Svaka ti je reč na mestu.Nadam se daće nam niva 2023 biti bolja i sa manje izazova.🥰

Hi Ana, thank you for your video. I really value all your discussions and I resonate with all of them🙏. Wise words, heartfelt and true. Wishing you and Brian all the very best for 2023. PS i agree about the tea, its the one thing I cannot give up. To use up your herbal teas, I find them more palatable chilled with slices of lemon or apple. Take care Gale x

#10 is an AA principle. And I make friends easily. And I am loyal. I have had 4 friends since I was 12 and 2 friends since I was 3, and I am 67 years old. My best friend and I have been friends since I was 23. She helped to see me through the deaths of my boys. I have had to let go of expectations and allow myself to be vulnerable, understanding that no one is perfect, helping me to be more forgiving. You have posted a wonderful list, my friend.

You might already know them, but there is a very nice place in Stari Grad, called Youran Tea House. They serve Asian food and Chinese tea, and you can also buy tea from the menu to take home.

Hi Ana! This week I'm journaling as I review my year of 2022 ...! Its my birthday week too so it's a big review. It is eye opening and ather difficult ... I'm challenged to balance a lot of negativity about this year (how I did) with gratitude. I'm making an effort!! There are changes I want to make. Your video is super helpful and though provoking... I'm back listening again!! Thank you for your open and honest reflections!!!

I love your collar..can you give us a tutorial on your craft channel pls...?

I always hesitate to say nice things or compliments, because I am afraid of seeming arkward 😂❤

Another great video content. Loved the photos inserted with each lesson. Yes you have had a very difficult year & I hope 2023 will be much kinder to you both 🙏 loved the collar so pretty on you 🥰 you are very talented lol ❤

I learned that I cannot give my sanity away in order to maintain a bad relationship. I learned that "multipotentialite" is a really, really cool term for what I am, replacing the "I can do a lot of stuff but I can't really stick to one thing" which is how I used to describe myself. Since I moved from the USA back to England after a failed relationship recently, perhaps I'll call myself a "multipotentialite without borders" (Internationally cool person who can do a whole load of s**t without being able to stick at one thing") Still waiting for that branded teeshirt Ana. Think about it! I learned that this RU-vid channel is one of my favorites as it has stretched and reshaped my thinking about a lot of subjects. As an aside: don't think I'd survive 24 hours without a cup of real, black tea. I'm English, its Vitamin T...we can't live without it!

Thank you for inviting me to think.

As another commenter said..... would love to purchase a pdf of your collar pattern. Love it!

Thank you for a thoughtful video ❤️ I was thinking since yesterday about the lessons od 2022...and I met again with anger. It was an awful year. Loss, grief, an enormous feeling of helplessness. Having a loved one that you cannot help destroys you inside. The lesson is sad - that there might not be happy ending, that we cannot control world around us. I am grieving, learning about my anger and how to love with it... PS. The 'love' in the earlier sentence was a typo, but I realised that this is what I am trying to do so desperately. I am trying to still love the life with this rightful anger I have inside. That's what I wish you my dear friend, that your love for the beauty of small moments in life is always with you. Ok, maybe not always, - you cannot enjoy being an introvert with a tine dash of sadness 😉

Thank you beautiful Anastasia

Great and inspirational video!

❤💞💕

Omg Ana, your first shot with snow in this video scared me so much 😄, I stand up and looked out from window thinking that is snowing in Belgrade. I was sleeping after first shift and didnt look outside.

I did enjoy this one, Ana. It sounds like you have had some rough experiences with people this year. I don't know if it's people on youtube making mean comments or people in person or both, but I am sorry you had those experiences. I know having to leave your homeland so abruptly in the middle of a war was a very difficult experience and it sounds like you are processing the aftermath. Thank you as always for your willingness to share how your journey is going.

I love your how you can express your feelings, truths. I agree with you on them. Did you crochet the collar? It's beautiful!

Great video Ana hope you are well

Ana, you warm my soul. xoxo's Sandie🤗

Hi Ana, so many of these lessons fit so well with myself too. However I couldn't the number 9, I'm not sure what labels you refer to 🙈 I think minimalism and vegans are manmade labels as well, so I'm really not not sure what you meant 😅 apologies if I'm being thick 😂😂

Hey Ana! Just arrived here and feel good to listen you. Thanks for sharing by the way what is the name of the song you mentioned in the video “waterfall song”?! Is that the name of the song? Happy 2023 ❤

I like to mix herbal teas with black tea. This way you can improve the taste of both of them :) My favorite combination is black tea + a little bit of lavender buds and thyme, highly recommended, if you can find ingredients.

I really love your beautiful, fragile, intelligent being 🤩

You can take a walk to USCE shoping centar and look for a "Small Tree" boot. They should have quality black and green tea. Here we drink a lot of herbal teas, some taste great, some are yuckey, but we do take it to prevent or even cure some health problems. And, of course, coffee is a beverage No1, taken for just pure pleasure :). What I like to drink is a "coffee" made from chicory, which is good for a liver detoxication. But without soy milk powder is really very bitter and hard to drink. Soy milk make it creamier and kills the bitterness, but you can add a bit of honey if you want it sweet. I also like to add 3-4 cardamom seeds. You may want to try it yourself :). I believe you have a hard time to adjust to new surrounding, but don't give up. It'll be better, weather you decide later to stay, go back or go somewhere else. We are living in tough times, just surviving is a succes.

Great video 👍👍👍👍

Loved this video, I will have another listen later. Can I just say how pretty you are looking, longer hair suits you. Sending love from UK

Oh great question what lessons have I learned from 2022 - have to think about this

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Many good lessons; thank you for sharing. I’m going to need to watch this two or three times to fully absorb everything. But one thing jumped out at me: the right to not be nice. I struggle with when it is appropriate to be nice, and when it is safe to not be. I am still struggling to get my house ready for the tenants who are coming in January to live in my house for 3 months. The woman I had hired to help me got mad and walked out on me. So I’m thinking it is going to take me longer than I thought. I hope I can be done in time. I’m so eager to go join my friends in the desert. I guess I needed to be nicer? Although in the moment I thought she was being rude to me. Sometimes I think I will never understand. It sounds like you had a productive year Anna, with many good lessons learned. I’m still so happy things are finally working for you. Much love to you and Brian.

Dear Ana I have a question not out of a flicker of criticism ofcourse but just out of a curiousity to know about ur opinions on the matter(I deeply appreciate the content on ur channel❣️)....can anything in life be so objectively defined as a miscue? And if at all doesn't sticking to a rigid solution really deprive us of the true essence of uncertainty?(I mean yes I understand the functionality of life will go kaput without a conscious awareness of things we instinctively consider to be mistakes...but what about the world that exists beyond functionality?)

The right of not being nice I will write it on fire. Rest as much as you can. Sometimes life is a work itself. I want to thankyou for the skilshare suscription I am enjoying it plenty time . Unfortunatelly because of financial issues I can’t afford the suscrpition neither pay for your patreon. I will as soon I can but meanwhile I will recommend your channel on my podcast. Thank you very much

I am so glad you and Brian are together again, and your creativity As well, myself, I have had contact (just sms) with my first boy friend for 2 years. He is still the king of my heart, but we have our seperate lives with adult kids, and he is a love caring grandfather, helping with baby sitting and dog walking all days. So I let it stay with text messages, a couple/day 💖 I have the uncurable blood cancer to take care of. Just now the Cure with anti drops/immune therapy have put it back to invisible, at doctor's screen tests 💖💖💖 AND the body is slowly healing itself💖💖💖 Thanks for your videos, and I can recommand you to order GOOD tea from 'Kung Markatta' in Sweden. They produce eco products, with good taste. Myself like red Africaan tea Rooibo, because it is without coffein/ tein so I can drink it in the middle of night. Let us Hope for a Good New Year, with a World in Peace Love and Understanding mode 🍀🌺🍀🌺🍀

A question I wonder about the guys from Russia that had to move to Georgia, Belgrade etc - is it very easy to get a place there ? Just because in U.K. and Ireland and eu it’s very difficult- you needs loads of references documents proof of job etc and even sometimes a guaranteor - thanks @ana