If you talk to a majority of people about 2016, chances are you will hear some not so great things. Somehow, no matter who you are, something bad happened to you throughout the year. However, with the new year approaching, it is time to say goodbye to 2016 and say hello to 2017. In order to do so, you need to start off on the right foot. Think optimistically, because chances are there is a silver lining, no matter how thin.
1. You grew apart from a close friend.
This is one of the hardest things you can go through. Things change as time goes on and friends grow apart; whether it's because of the distance at school, changing types of humor or personality, or maybe one final, huge fight. However, this doesn't mean it's the end of the world.
How to look at it more optimistically:
Take this as a chance to make new friends. This person could have been a toxic part of your life, and being friends with toxic people takes something from you. Make new friends, learn new things. You're making memories with new people now, and that's okay.
2. You struggled with your classes.
This is something that is certainly disheartening, but it doesn't mean you aren't an intelligent person. Maybe you were distracted by other issues in your life or you didn't like the topic. Failing, or even getting a grade that you aren't proud of, is never a good feeling.
How to look at it more optimistically:
This is your sign that maybe you don't really enjoy your major or you know you will never become a doctor. This is your chance to learn more about who you want to be and work toward that goal.
3. You were disheartened by the election.
A lot of people I know, including myself, were saddened by the 2016 presidential election. This is a completely normal thing and it doesn't mean 2016 was completely awful.
How to look at it more optimistically:
Think about how many people rose up to do something. Think of the (few) good outcomes of the election. You can now join people with similar beliefs to do something about it. Go out there, encourage people to vote, make sure to get people to get out and vote in local elections, lobby with groups you support, and help your friends through it. It may be hard for you, but with a little hope and encouragement, we can make this Presidency a little less... sucky, for lack of a better word.
4. You lost someone you loved.
Losing someone this year was probably one of the worst things you went through. In fact, if you had to rank things with "worst of the worst," this would be it. It's so hard to imagine why this had to happen, but sometimes there is no answer. When I lost my grandmother to cancer in the middle of the year, it truly made this entire year a lot worse than it had to be. However, with encouragement and a whole lot of love, you can get through it.
How to look at it more optimistically:
This is hard to do. There will be days you're mad, I mean really mad. However, think of all the love that came out of it. People who reached out to you, time spent with family and the generosity and sympathy of others. It's a hard thing to fathom, but only time can help you through it.
5. You and your partner broke up.
Look, there is no way of getting around this one. This just really sucks. Sometimes things don't work out the way you want them to, but sometimes it's for the best. What you learn from this experience, however, will be more rewarding than you think.
How to look at it more optimistically:
Look at it this way: this happened to show you how to be you. Not just a "me and him" or "me and her," but a single unit. You probably learned a lot about yourself, how you handle your emotions, or how strong you really are. Take this time to work on your mental health, make new friends, try out for that team, or treat yourself. Whether it was you or your partner who did the "breaking up" part doesn't matter. What matters is making the situation less awful than it has to be. Look at it as an opportunity, not just a sad event.
Here's to 2017! Start the year with a blank slate, because the best is yet to come!
