As the year comes to a close, we reflect on our past year and how we have grown in our lives to who we are today. Through all of our trials and hard times, to the days that make us feel happier than ever, we try to live each day to its full potential. Along the way, we slip up, fall down, and work our way up back to our feet. We make mistakes and try new things, and learn new things about life that we never thought of. 2015 was a year to remember, and here are the things that I learned this year.
1. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. This statement means that the people who treat you like dirt are going to treat you like dirt again. These people are known consistently for their deceitfulness, and usually think less of you. It's not easy to cut them off, but it helps for the long term.
2. Nothing is forever. The candy bar you are eating, your time in college, and your time on earth is not guaranteed to be eternal. Don't take life for granted and take every chance you have.
3. Never forget who you are. When I came to college, I saw a new world around me. I was blessed to grow up in a wonderful family, and I was able to stay true to who I am, and a chance to grow up into the adult I am today. I will always be that little girl who dreamed of being Peter Pan, no matter where I go or where my life takes me.
4. If it's hard, keep going. No matter how tough it seems, it is definitely not impossible. You were not put in a life you couldn't handle, and if you feel like you've hit rock bottom, you can only go up from there.
5. Don't expect much of anything. What is meant by this is to live in each second and to not expect anything from anybody around you. This leaves out the room for getting your hopes up and the potential of being let down by a situation. Take everything with a grain of salt, and every situation will exceed your low expectations.
6.Be your own person. Once you leave high school, you learn to let go of all of your worries about what others think about you. You do not have to please anyone, only yourself. People are worried about their own lives, so live your life how you want to.
7. You can learn something from everyone. Each person has lived their lives differently and have learned to grow from mistakes. Having knowledge on anything and everything is the greatest thing to have, and everyone can teach you something, no matter how tiny.
8. Be supportive. Having compassion for others can actually go a long way. When your friends need help or just someone to talk to, it's important to just to help comfort them and to allow them to work through their own thoughts.
9. Be smart. Have reasoning (not excuses) for everything. College has allowed me to grow up into an adult and gain wisdom to make choices that will help me in the future. Be aware of your surroundings and think before you speak.
10. Be passionate. If you have a talent that you love, feeling the passion and happiness that you feel when you are working is one of the best feelings in the world. Do everything with love in your heart and you will never be disappointed.
11. Own up to your own choices. As 18 to 22-year-old adults in college, we are independent and are not living under the roof of our parents house anymore. We make our own choices and it's important to acknowledge the not so good choices and learn from them to better ourselves. It's time to be held accountable for my actions and deeds.
12. You can do whatever you set your mind to. Don't ever stop working hard, you are able to get where you want to be and you are good enough.
13. Enjoy the moments of nothingness. It feels amazing when the agenda is clear and you have no plans for a while. Your body and mind need rest for its journey through life, so take a break every once in a while.
14. Remember the past, don't relive it. It's time to start a new chapter in your life. You're still able to grow and become who you want to become, but dwelling in the past does not help in your forward progression. Remember your life and then look toward where you want to go next.
15. Live for each moment. You never know when you might lose something, or how much longer you have on planet earth. Look around you and be thankful for the things you have and be aware of who you are at the current moment. Make the most of your time on earth.
At the beginning of each year, we sit down to write out our new years resolutions to work out more, or to stop drinking so much soda. Take that time to reflect on your life in that year and work to better yourself as a person. Keep your head up and work hard.
