I know I am not alone in thinking that 2016 actually flew by. It felt like just a few months ago we were all ringing in the new year and now we are getting ready to say goodbye to it. For me personally, 2016 has been quite the challenge. It has presented me with hardships, big decisions, failures, accomplishments, and new friendships. With only a few weeks left in this year, it's important to focus on all that you have done and all the ways you've grown along the way. No matter where this year has left you, if any of these apply to you, you're on the right path.
1. You've learned to put yourself first
One of the greatest lessons that we can learn is that we deserve to put ourselves first. Focusing on other's happiness before your own will only drain you. Putting yourself first has instant gratification and is something to remember as you age.
2. You don't recognize yourself from a year ago
Whether it be because you went through tragedy and came back stronger than ever or you just decided it was time for a change, it is a great accomplishment to say that you have changed so much within the last year that you do not recognize who you were at the beginning. Change is never a bad thing, it means you grew and you are learning who you are as a person.
3. You have learned to walk away
You have learned to say goodbye to things that no longer contribute positively to your health, happiness, or growth. No matter how hard it was to walk away, you knew it was best.
4. You've asked for help
No matter the task, no matter how small or big your problem was, you asked someone for help. Putting aside your pride and asking for help is a huge step that takes a lot of courage.
5. You have hit rock bottom
You may have hit rock bottom once, or a few times throughout the year, but you climbed up and became stronger each time. It could have taken you a month or a day to climb out, but you did it every time.
6. You've learned how to say no
You have stopped feeling guilty for telling people no.
7. You opened yourself up to a new group of people
You became friends with people you normally wouldn't interact with and they have become some of your best friends. It is so relieving to finally find your people who will help you find happiness and grow.
8. You've allowed yourself to fail
Failing only leaves room to grow and you've learned how to take that negative and let it help you.
9. You've found peace in being alone
There is a clear difference between loneliness and being alone, and it is a great accomplishment to understand that difference. It is okay to be alone, but it is not okay to let loneliness consume you.
10. You've learned to embrace the unknown
This year was full of surprises, both good and bad, but you've learned to not be scared of things that are unfamiliar and new. You no longer fear what's to come, instead you prepare yourself for anything.
11. You learned the importance of self-love
Self love is not something that just happens, it is a process that one must want to go through. You have decided to finally give yourself the love that you try to give to everyone who doesn't deserve it.
12. You discovered new passions
You let these passions draw you in and guide your happiness.
13. You grew to be more positive
You are ending this year, no matter how tragic it might have been, on a positive note. You are ending this year feeling proud of all you've accomplished and looking forward to what new adventures this next year holds.
