Though 2016 isn't over, I've taken some time recently to reflect on my year. There have been many ups and downs, but I've learned a lot over the past 11 months. Here's a list of 16 lessons I learned and accepted during 2016.
1. Tell people how you feel
You never know what tomorrow may bring. It could take people out of our lives or introduce new people. Don’t succumb to passive-aggressive acts when someone starts to get on your nerves. Don’t let someone become “the one who got away” because you’re scared of how he or she might react. Don't put up with people who treat you in a way that is anything less than what you deserve. Instead of keeping your feelings bottled up, watch how much simpler your relationships can become when you’re honest about how you feel.
2. Friends who you believe will be in your life forever might not be there at the end of the year
People grow and change, and that’s okay. People are put in your life for a reason, and there’s a reason they’re no longer there. Appreciate those who make your life better, and distance yourself from those adding toxicity and bringing you down.
3. Take as many pictures as you can, but don’t live in the moment through a screen
I love having albums of pictures. I love being able to look at a photo and be filled with happy thoughts from the memories they capture. I always try to take as many pictures as possible, but I also make it a point to stay in the moment. I don’t want to look back on the memory and only remember seeing it through a screen.
4. Seek God
Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” (John 14:8)
There are so many verses and quotes that say it better than I can, but God is alive, and faith in Him gives me strength, positivity, and hope. He is here even when we push Him away. It's time to stop pushing Him away, time to "let go and let God," and time to live the life that He has created for us.
5. You won’t regret not procrastinating
It’s a great feeling to complete an assignment days before the due date. It’s also nice to only have to do one load of laundry as opposed to three, to not have an overflowing pile of (literal) trash sitting in your room because the smell of the garbage chute makes you cringe at each thought of taking a trip there, and to know every dish is squeaky clean and ready for use at any moment. One tip to help you stop procrastination of the little things: if it can be done in two minutes or less, do it now.
6. Always kiss your dog goodnight
So when you have the chance to give your pup a kiss goodnight, even if he’s already snug as a bug in a rug in his bed, give him a kiss goodnight. And in the morning, remind him how much you love him by taking him for a walk or a trip to the dog park. Our fur-babies have our hearts, but they won't be here forever.
7. Don’t go to bed angry
Don’t carry today’s problems into tomorrow. Apologize, forgive, and attempt to move on before settling your head down on your pillow. Deal with problems as they come and don’t extend them for longer than necessary. Your relationships and overall mood will thank you.
8. Rest
If your body is begging for a day off from the gym, don’t go. If your head is pounding as you try to finish reading for an assignment you pushed aside a day too many, put the book down. If you’re struggling to keep your eyes open as Netflix brings you one episode closer to finding out who the alleged killer is, turn off the TV. The gym will be there tomorrow; the assignment will be there tomorrow; Netflix will be there tomorrow. Sometimes it’s best to just take a break and relieve your body from the cycle of exhaustion.
9. Look good, feel good
As much as I love the simplicity of a bare face and the comfort of black leggings and a sweatshirt, I know spending a few extra minutes to apply some makeup, style my hair, and pick out a “presentable” outfit does wonders for my self-confidence. Increased confidence has a pretty great impact on my mood, and as a result my days are significantly better. At least for me, the statement “look good, feel good” rings true.
10. Don’t let the fear of change prevent you from growing
Be open to trying new things. The best night of your life could be a simple “Yeah, I’ll come” away. Go when your comfort zone tries to limit you, say yes despite the fear, and allow experiences-- both good and bad-- to help you grow.
11. Stop gossiping
Although it can be fun to watch the chaos that can emerge from being a part of the grapevine, it’s not admirable to be the person known for starting drama, spreading gossip, or putting other people down.
12. Stop worrying so much
Take it from Zac Brown Band: “Save your strength for things that you can change, forgive the ones you can't, you gotta let it go.” Stop worrying about things out of your control. Sometimes you’re dealt a lousy hand, and there isn’t anything you can do about it. Things don’t always work out the way you want them too.
13. Pay attention to current events
It’s important to know what’s going on in the world outside your own personal bubble. Read and watch the news. Try to stay on time of current events. Being informed is always a good thing.
14. Don’t be afraid to have different opinions from people around you
Differing opinions can often lead to tension and arguments. If someone has opinions so different from you that you can’t bear the thought of talking to them, stop talking about it. Agree to disagree, and move on. With that being said, don’t change what you stand for just to have approval from people around you.
15. Don’t harp on the past
When I relayed a piece of advice to a friend, she responded with a seemingly contradictory statement. I said, “don’t look back; you’re not going that way.” She replied, “look back only to guide your future.” I try to apply both of these statements to my life. I look back on my past and try to avoid harping on the “what-ifs” and “should haves,” and instead I focus on how my experiences can better my future.
16. Time flies
It feels like it was just Christmas, just the first day of summer, just the start of the school year. It’s hard to believe it’s already almost the end of another year, but it is. It’s a reminder to take each day as it comes, and to appreciate the time you have and the people with whom you share it. Time flies, but memories last forever. So chase your goals, smile often, be yourself, and say “no” to fear, anxiety, and self-doubt. Seize the day, and conquer 2017.
