It's hard to believe that the end of 2016 is approaching us quickly, and yet, I'm not sure if it can come soon enough. 2016 has been a whirlwind. Between the multiple highs and lows, it's almost impossible to not look back on the year and think about what was great and what could have been better. Either way, I think 2016 taught us a lot.
1. Traveling is important.
Whether you dipped your toes into foreign seas or dug your fingers into foreign pastries, traveling allows for you to grow as an individual. It makes you aware of cultural differences, of different lifestyles. It forces you to become adaptable, because traveling isn't always pretty, but it is always beautiful.
2. How to take a compliment.
When someone tells you that they truly like your work or that they love your shirt, smile and say thank you. It reassures them just as much as it reassures you.
3. People leave.
Whether you want them to or not.
4. But people also stay.
Although the pain of someone leaving may linger long after they're gone, don't forget that new relationships, or rekindled ones even, are just as important. People are placed into your life at specific times for specific reasons. Realize this and make sure to appreciate them for all they do.
5. You can have more than one best friend.
It's important to realize that the "best friend" label can be applied to multiple people. Just remember to emphasize quality over quantity.
6. Respecting someone means respecting your guys' differences.
This includes their political preferences.
7. It's okay to utilize your connections.
Connections are meaningful and valid. Use them. And don't be ashamed of them, especially if you've worked hard to maintain them.
8. You are not always responsible for others.
As someone who prides themselves in trying to appease everyone, I know how easy it can be to become overwhelmed with trying to ensure that everyone is happy and comfortable. But this comes at a cost. I'm not saying to neglect other's needs, however, it's important to take care of yourself too.
9. Family isn't always blood.
Sometimes it's your roommate. And your roommate's family. Or the 19 people you lived four months with while being abroad.
10. Always back up your computer.
Seriously. Use a flash drive, because when it's gone, it's gone.
11. Home won't always feel like home.
As you grow older, it's weird to return home and feel.... off. The room you grew up in, the kitchen table you spent late nights doing homework at, they're the same, but they're altogether different. And that's okay, because you're different. Just don't let the nostalgia become too overwhelming.
12. Not to feel guilty for your emotions.
It's easy to get caught up in the heat of the moment, and often, it's hard to look back on those moments without feeling embarrassed. It's okay to feel ashamed at how you reacted, but don't feel ashamed for what you felt or still feel. Your emotions are valid. Never forget that.
13. Change is okay.
Change is a part of life. It's up to you to decide if it's a good thing or not.
14. How to hold onto love.
With all the hate going on in the world lately, it seems hard to hold onto love. But do it. Hold onto it so tightly that the tendons in your hands ache for days at a time, because love is what is important. Whether it be romantic love, self-love, family-love or whatnot, hold on and don't let go. It'll keep you sane in the end.
15. 2016 happened.
Whether 2016 was primarily good, primarily bad, or a whole lot in between, it happened. It's time to accept this.
16. 2017 is on it's way.
Remember that the future is open to those who accept it. Don't let the setbacks of 2016 bleed into the new year, but don't neglect 2016's good moments either. Take them in stride. 2017 is yours. Make it a good one.
