7 Life Lessons I Learned & Felt Deeply in 2019

This has been such a magical year. I literally started the first-day of the year in a foreign country alone. To see where that has taken me is so crazy and also of course disappointing sometimes as sometimes the human aspect of us wants to already be where we think we need to be. I am so grateful that I am here sharing this with you! Without further ado, here are some of the lessons that the cycles of my life have highlighted this year.

1. There Is So Much Power in Just Sitting and Observing

SOO much power. Literally, if you have so many ideas in your head or you just don’t know what to do and feel overwhelmed... You can always take a moment. Two seconds, three minutes or the duration of one sip of tea, just being extra present and extra still is SO powerful. Especially when you’re experiencing anxiety, especially when you’re experiencing fear or even when you’re really happy. You can just settle into the experience and let it be what it is.

A view out of the window on a road trip in New Zealand

2. The Power of the Heart Center

I really understood the power of the heart center this year. Last year I knew about the heart energy center and what it was. I know we are all hyped about the third eye which is great. But the heart… I mean WOW you can feel begin to feel and connect to this knowingness and intention behind life in no other way.

I created a Quantum Breathwork Ebook which flowed through me as I started to really work with that energy center and bring my awareness there more and more. It stunned me how powerful this area is. I feel like the whole year was absolutely bringing me into this space and I’m so grateful for that!

I highly recommend checking out the Institute of Heart Math, Gregg Braden, and my Free Quantum Breathwork Ebook. Did you know your heart has neurites? Yea, me neither until this year.

Seeing a physical manifestation of love in nature.

3. Difference Between Discomfort and Resistance

It might be scary. You might have to push through discomfort. Know this… we oftentimes mistake discomfort as resistance. We think that feeling scared to do something means it’s a sign we shouldn’t do it and therefore we use it as an excuse. There is a difference between discomfort and resistance. Pushing through discomfort (which is the fear, the laziness, the limiting beliefs putting yourself out there…) is so rewarding. That is what it means to commit to yourself. Learn more about expanding your self-awareness and personal growth journey here.

Hiking up Roys peak at 5AM with these two strangers.

4. Beginning to Truly Feel How Powerful The Human Being Is

I feel like this is basically what we are discovering while our time here on earth. We are figuring out during this whole life how capable we are. Yes, limiting beliefs are a thing and most of us will feel comfortable using those to hold us back. But WHAT IF you used those limiting beliefs to push through and discover your true power.

You don’t have to externalize your power at all. It’s fun to sometimes use and have rocks, crystals, tarot cards and invest in services but they are not a necessity. They can enhance and strengthen their intention. But you can do that yourself. I used to feel like I needed to have a crystal or book with me to remind me of powerful ideas in case I forgot but I realized that I do not have to do that. The truth is, you totally do not. We have just been used to relying on external factors to reflect us how powerful we are.

A below freezing gorge in the South Island that I walked straight into.

5. There is No Good and Bad Unless You Want To Believe There Is

There is no reason to try to convince anyone of anything. We all experience whatever reality we choose. There is power in communication and emotional intelligence allowing us to expand our perspective and hold a light on what fellow earth mates are experiencing. I swear at the end of last year I was watching so many videos on communication because I was so overcoming from a reactive space when I experienced conflict between another’s perspective. Now I feel I am able to express myself and I cannot expect other people to behave, act, see or accept things the way I do. Knowing I can just experience love and compassion for everyone and myself no matter what, is freeing as hell.

Reaching my hand out to feel the sun on my skin

6. Invest In Yourself

Whether it’s as small as taking time to do nothing or as big as taking yourself to a new country. Investing in yourself is learning and growing and believing in yourself. When you stop investing in yourself, that’s when you feel the most poor. Frustration can really arise especially when we know we are the ones holding ourselves back. Start growing your awareness around where you’re holding yourself back, and know I’m here to share with you what I’ve done. I promise I’m not perfect but really listening to your own needs and growing towards the highest version of yourself requires removing the fear of investing in yourself. Purchasing something that will help bring you to your next highest version even when it’s not material is SO powerful. Do it. Take the leap baby.

The mesmerizing view I saw out of my window while housesitting in Helensville.

7. You Are ALWAYS At the Right Place at the Right Time!

You can Never ever ever ever ever be at the wrong place at the wrong time. You can only convince yourself that that is the case. My god has the world really shown me that this year! You will find reasons to see what you want to believe so just take time to be honest with yourself and take a hard look at what beliefs feel good and which ones don’t.

What a coincidence meeting one of my best friends online in the most unlikely way. So much love to everyone who has been a part of my life experience<3

My beautiful friend that really felt like a sister since I first laid eyes on her.

So those are some things that I’ve learned this. Among the many others, these were the ones at the top of my head. I would love to hear what you really learned and truths you start living in. Of course, beliefs come and go. Nothing is permanent, but whatever resonates right now... that’s amazing! You are exactly where you need to be and that’s amazing. Check out my YouTube Channel Here for farther expansion!

I love you!

-Marina