Now that it's officially 2017, I've had some time to really reflect and look back on the inconceivable year that was 2016.
2016 was an astounding, busy, and packed full year with big changes for me. When I reflect on it now, I can't believe everything that has happened just in the course of 365 days. My life now is entirely different than it was even just the first half of 2016. Kylie Jenner said it best at the beginning of last year: "This is the year of realizing things." (No matter how stupid she sounded saying this, she was one-hundred percent correct-at least in my case.) I learned and deeply realized so many different things last year; good and bad. While some things were difficult and painful to learn in the process, I don't regret any decision I made because I have become increasingly wiser, smarter, and kinder.
I learned how to stick up for myself, and to use my voice even if it shakes. I learned how to love myself, and to never ever settle for any less than I deserve. I learned how to laugh, cry, smile, and love more than I ever have before. I learned that I should follow my dreams, and work hard for them. You can do anything you set your mind to. People will always doubt you--prove them wrong. Imagine the insanely rewarding feeling when you do things they never thought you could do, or even you thought you could do. I learned that my life itself and I will always be changing. My education has changed, I am no longer in high school. I'm lucky enough to have the ability to receive a college education. I have more than one job. My goals have changed. My mindset has changed. I've started a new, amazing relationship. My friends have very much changed, and that's okay. Not only am I changing, so is everyone else. This is completely normal, and I definitely learned that too.
However, there's a good amount of things that I'm definitely changing in 2017.
I will no longer put up with the selfishness, or fakeness of others. One of my very favorite quotes by Maya Angelou "When someone shows you who they are, believe them." describes this perfectly. Yes, people are always changing but what's deep inside someone's heart and what they believe is right and wrong morally does not always change.
I will no longer let negative people affect me, upset me, or get into my life at all. Positivity only.
I will have more confidence in myself, and I will learn to love myself even when I feel like I absolutely can't, or when someone attempts to make me believe I should not.
No judging others. I'm not perfect, no one is perfect. Everyone's story is different, yet we all have the same ultimate goal. That's one of life's beauties. We are all unique, but we all want happiness. So why judge the way someone chooses to try and achieve this goal? Why make it harder for them to achieve it? We have all made mistakes and we will continue to make them for the rest of our lives. That's just life. Make the best of it and try to make the smallest amount of mistakes you can.
I will work much harder to have a healthier body and mind. This should be one of the most important things.
I will stop trying to constantly please everyone--people liking you isn't most important. Don't ever change for others. Some people just won't like you, honestly who cares. Surround yourself with the people who do like you and care about you.
No more letting people walk all over me. One thing's for sure, I have grown much stronger and I am no longer afraid to cut people off instead of giving them 995757587340 chances. Yes, I forgive, but I won't forget. Life is too short to constantly let people hurt you over and over and it's definitely too short to continuously be around those people who hurt you.
I'm going to change my fear. I will stop letting it control me and what happens in my life. Fear is a huge roadblock and it can get you stuck; it won't benefit your growth. I will take more risks and I will learn new things. Another one of my favorite quotes from one of my favorite songs is, "Never let your fear decide your fate.", from the song Kill Your Heroes by Awolnation.
I will also continue to work on myself, loving others, and treating others with kindness and respect. Most of all, I will work on my faith and my relationship with God. Although sometimes pretty bad things happen in life, I am extremely blessed and I need to realize that more often.
I leave with two quotes below, don't be afraid to make some changes this year. I definitely am.