Good Riddance
Start writing a post
Relationships

Good Riddance

Cheers to a new year and a new chance to get it right.

20
Good Riddance

It is amazing the difference a year can make. In the grand scheme of things, one year doesn’t seem like such a long time, yet so many changes can be made. Jobs, schools, friendships, relationships, homes, pets, loved ones. In a year’s time, you can grow into a better person or even lose yourself in a vice. Many people make resolutions in new years for goals they wish to achieve, and some even keep up with it. For me, my goal every year is to grow into a better version of myself.

2016 has been a banner year for me. I have grown up so much and in so many different ways. I have added new faces, learned new skills, I have started writing on a regular basis, and I have learned just how strong I never knew I was. I have realized that things do not have to go my way for me to be happy, I have friends and family that make me happy even when life gets hard. I have so many good people looking out for me. As grateful as I am for 2016 and all that has happened to make me who I am today, I am so ready to say goodbye and leave so many things and people behind. I am ready for a new year with new experiences and new friendships and new relationships. I am ready to leave my past in the past.

I began 2016 in tears, and for the first few months I continued in the same fashion. I was unaware of my own self-worth and was stuck in a situation that made me question it. My decision to walk away was the best decision I could have made, but it was not easy. It is very fitting that Summer is my favorite season because these are months when I began to truly be myself again and to finally realize that I was enough, that I had always been enough. These months did not come without struggles, though. I lost my job not long after signing my paychecks away on a new car, and I struggled to find a new one. Eventually, I returned to a job that I did not love and allowed myself to be stressed out over the fact. Soon after gaining stability and comfort in my finances, that job closed its doors forever and I was out again. Thankfully, one of the many people looking out for me was there to offer me a new financial opportunity so I wasn’t totally screwed.

Because of all of the obstacles I have faced this year, I have realized that I am much stronger than I ever thought possible. I have learned to be unapologetically myself, a lesson I hope to never unlearn. I have learned that actions speak louder than words, and I have tried implementing this through my own actions. In the words of Albus Dumbledore, I have learned that “it does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live,” meaning that I cannot hold onto a past that is gone or worry about a future that may be, but rather to live now and enjoy what I have in the here and now.

B- I won’t miss you. I haven’t missed you in a long time. I have grown up since we said goodbye, and I have so much clarity now. You hurt me and left scars. I thought I was damaged because of you, but I am not in spite of you. I no longer need you for comparison or to look back at what not to do. You were a big part of me for a long time, and I don’t regret a second, but I am too happy to leave you in my past. 2017 will be free of you.

Applebee’s- You were a home away from home for nearly 4 years. We began our journey together this month in 2012. I sought for ways out for so long, and at one point I found one, but Applebuddies always find their way back. I guess it was a blessing in disguise when I got the news that you were closing your doors on me. I would have preferred to leave on my own terms, but I recognize a sign when I see one. I will miss all the friends and memories I made there.

I am grateful for all of the lessons of 2016, but I am so ready to move on and to see what new adventures and friendships and memories await me.

Peace out 2016, it’s been real but…good riddance.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

54848
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

35291
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

957475
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

184127
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments