2016 has been a year where darkness thrived in the worlds of many, taking light with each step. The result? A world overwhelmed with loss. Love lost to hate, tolerance lost to bigotry, calm lost to panic. But perhaps the most surreal losses that shook the world were that of its most beloved people. There are too many to count--when I remember one, I remember two more.
(Photo credit: Music Times)
We do not mourn celebrities because they were celebrities. We mourn them because they taught us about ourselves through their boldness, bravery and individuality. Seeing people like us daring to be themselves in the face of adversity sparked endless inspiration.
2016 took far too many of those celebrities who managed to capture our fickle hearts.
(Photo credit: LA Times)
These starry souls have returned in the night sky, taking residency in long awaited places in a distant elsewhere, but they left a piece of themselves behind. Many of the most heartbreaking celebrity deaths taught us the infinite definitions of being human.
I've made a list of seventeen lessons--and New Year's Resolutions--inspired by them so that we may carry the inspiration they gave us into 2017.
1. Masculinity and femininity are self-defined.
2. Self-love holds a radical power that no one can take from you.
3. Give no f*cks.
4. On that note, f*ck bigotry.
5. Remember that you are the definition of beauty.
6. Always give when you can.
(Photo credit: BBC)
7. There is no shame in struggling.
8. You are worth more than the judgments of people who never have and never will take the time to know the beauty of your soul.
9. Your worth is not determined by your flaws.
10. Everyone is going through their own complex problems. The least we can do is be understanding and empathetic.
11. Chase your dreams.
12. Fight injustice.
(Photo credit: CNN)
13. Practice, learn and internalize tolerance.
14. Do not underestimate the power of kindness.
15. Keep an open mind, listen to others and don't be afraid to be challenged.
16. There is no such thing as a world without silver linings, even at the worst of times.
17. Spread love--there is always a need for lovers.
(Photo credit: Snopes)
Here is a complete list of all of the stars who passed away in 2016. May they rest in peace.
