It's the day of move-in for my junior year of college, and I'm thinking, 2016 has surely gone by fast. I've gone on new adventures and have traveled to the other side of the world. I gained new friendships and have lost some as well. 2016 was a mixture of growing up and falling down. I've learned new things about myself that I didn't know existed and new things about myself that I tried hiding but couldn't. I've fallen in love, out of love, back in love, and in the love moment where you're just confused on what's going on. As I reminisce all the good and bad 2016 has brought me, there are 23 things I've definitely learned about myself and life, including things I already knew, but needed to be reminded of once again.
1. Be yourself, everyone else is taken.
2. People come and go. It sucks and it hurts, but not all will stay and stand by your side, no matter how close you are.
3. Travel as much as you can and see what the world has to offer.
4. Don't have the mindset of everyone you know being nice. Just because you're friends with them, it doesn't mean you know how they truly are.
5. Trust takes time. Trust the right people, but don't give it away to people so easily.
6. Love is beautiful, not hurtful.
7. Don't give your heart away. Guard your heart. Once it's out there, it's hard to get it back.
8. Be silly and laugh. Laugh brings a smile to not only your face both those around you.
9. Go out there and meet new people. Make connections and bonds.
10. Make sure you eat right according to your body and health.
11. Although you should eat healthy, remember there are so much to try in this world. Try a variety of diverse foods and drinks.
12. Go out and have fun! When you get older, you won't have as much time since you'll most likely be working full time.
13. Don't forget to sleep though. You can't do anything if you're constantly exhausted, which can lead you into becoming unhealthy and sick physically and mentally.
14. Put 100% of effort into everything you do even if you don't succeed.
15. In everything you do, you never lose. You only win or learn.
16. Forgive. We are not perfect. We make mistakes and make decisions that not only impact ourselves but those around us. Life is too short to hold onto grudges and hatred towards others when you can move forward and grow.
17. Love unconditionally. In a world that's turning into hate, all you can do is love and hope the rest will too.
18. Follow your dreams and passions. Don't let anyone bring you down or tell you you're not good enough.
19. Love yourself. No human being will love you as much as you should. If you can't love and cherish yourself, how can you expect others to do that for you? There are people out there can help you to realize self love, but in the end, you are the one who decides to love yourself.
20. Don't rush to find a boyfriend or girlfriend. Don't force it. Having a significant other takes time, effort, and being open, and if you're not willing to put that into the relationship, don't look for one. Wait until you're ready. Your time will come.
21. Learn, learn, learn. There is never nothing to learn and you can never learn too much.
22. Life can get hard, but stay strong! You got this. No one's life is ever easy, but that doesn't mean it's impossible.
23. Breathe.
