It's that time of year again.
Another year is coming to a close, and a fresh new set of 365 days will be upon us.
This time of year usually calls for periods of reminiscing. Reflecting and reviewing about what went right, or lamenting the fact that not a single thing went in your favor.
To those of you who claimed to have the "worst year of your life" or felt that nothing could go right, I have a few words of advice for you: don't be a victim.
Now, I can imagine what you're thinking.
"What does this guy know? No one knows what I've been through but me."
Yes, both these statements may be true, but one thing I can tell you is that self-victimization is a very real problem, and many, many people fall victim to this year after year.
So what do I mean when I say, "Don't be a victim"?
Don't let the disappointment in life define you. Don't compartmentalize. Don't think life is out to get you. Everyone has their bad days, weeks, months and sadly, even years.
Success is not promised to everyone—neither is happiness, but everyone, regardless of where they are in life, has a chance to be happy.
Life is hard. Nothing can be so rewarding one moment and then devastating in the next breath. We are all going to go through trauma, we are all going to face disappointment. That is a given. But how you respond to these situations is what will ultimately define you.
A good family friend once told me, "Control what you can control." This is probably the best piece of advice I have ever received, and this is a perfect way to regulate your mental health as you go through the trials and tribulations of life. Don't put the weight of the world on your shoulders. Don't allow yourself to take the blame in every situation. Yes, one must take responsibility for their actions when they are at fault, but even in the event where you have in fact done wrong or made a mistake, understand that this is a learning opportunity and not a time to beat yourself up.
Don't be a victim.
When reflecting on 2016, I encourage you to not dwell on the dark days. Don't focus on what went wrong, or why or how the problem or the situation you were in went south. Instead, look to whatever empowers you in this world—sports, religion, music—whatever it may be, and use this to escape. Give yourself time to breathe. Think about how you can do better next time. Think about the ways you have grown throughout the year and focus on how to build on these aspects for the new year.
Life will always have its ups and downs—often times the downs seem to come much more than the ups, but you have to remain mentally strong. You are your own armor. 2017 is your year. Tell yourself that every day for the remainder of 2016. Embrace the success that you are destined to achieve.
Don't be a victim.
