Now that we have made it through one month of 2019, I feel that it is important to talk about what I learned throughout the past year. 2018, to simply put it, was a year of adventure. There were highs and lows, laughs, and happiness.
Here are a few things that I found important to share with everyone as the year continues on.
1. Stop caring what others think about you
I am someone who is self conscious about everything and what people think of me. What will they say if I am sitting alone? Will they make fun of me if I say the wrong answer? Other people's thoughts and opinions on you DO NOT MATTER. Say it with me everyone, DO NOT MATTER. They aren't going to care if you are popular, if you are sitting alone in the library, or eating a peanut butter and banana sandwich for lunch.
2. Working hard is important
The first semester of my sophomore years I had a lot of work to do for academics. I was in four classes that were based on writing and projects, one class that was test heavy. Every minute of downtime, I was working on class work. The pain of the constant work was worth it in the end when I saw the grades I got in the end, besides one, but we don't need to talk about that.
3. School is important, but a social life is, too
Academics are very important (as I said above) but just as important is having a social life. It is important to stay focused on the studies, that is why you are at school, but there needs to be an equal balance between the academics and a social life. Do not spend all of your time studying, but do not spend all your time partying either.
4. It is okay to be selfish
Ladies and gentlemen, that's right, I said it. It is okay to be selfish. Sometimes, as individuals, we spread ourselves too thin. We schedule meetings, dinners, classes, and work, without even thinking about life. We forget to schedule time in for just ourselves. It is okay to say "no" to things when you need some time just for yourselves. Set aside some time to read a book, go to the gym, or go shopping and reconnect with yourself.
5. Nobody is perfect
Be humble and admit your mistakes. Every day is a new day. It is okay to make a mistake because nobody expects you to be perfect. You are human.
6. Stop worrying
You will pass the class. You will get the job. You will make it through. Do not sweat the small things. People spend too much time worrying about what is going to happen to them, and we all need to understand that life is going to happen and that is just it. You cannot anticipate it, just allow things be put into place on their own. Period.
A huge thank you to the year 2018 for teaching me life lessons that taught me how to grow and learn about myself and others. Cheers to another year full of life lessons and friendships that are will show up along the way. It is going to be an adventure.