It seems like it can't be possible that 2015 is in its final days. It feels like it could have been a month ago that it was New Years Day where I was cuddled up in my best friends basement having a movie marathon after ringing in the new year with her and some of our closest friends. That being said, time sure has flown this year! This year has been filled with happiness, friendship, heartbreak, homework, new opportunities and many lessons learned.
Here are just a few things that I have learned this year.
1. Every day might not be a good day, but there is good in every day.
A positive mindset can change how we see the world. We all have bad days. Heck, sometimes we have bad weeks. In the midst of the rain, I've always tried to find something to laugh about.
2. Take the leap of faith.
Whether it's asking the boy I've been crushing on since freshman year to my date party or writing for Odyssey, I've learned that I have to take some risks. I can't expect things to come to me; I have to chase them.
3. Change is inevitable.
Things are going to change. Friends are going to graduate and move away. Boy bands are going to go on hiatus. People come in and out of your life. Nothing stays status quo for long. Since I've accepted this, it makes it way easier to adjust to it when it comes my way.
4. Sometimes, you just need a hug from your mom.
Some people say there is nothing like a home-cooked meal or snuggles from your dog. But for me, there is really nothing quite as comforting as a hug from my mom after being extremely stressed out at school or am feeling blue.
5. Apologizing for something you did wrong is hard, but necessary.
We all make mistakes. Some are big, some are small. I've made my fair share of them. Sometimes, it can be really hard to swallow your pride and apologize for something stupid that you did. In the end, it's a humbling experience and it will make you a better person.
6. You can't force people to like you (even though you ARE awesome).
Whether it's someone you want to date or someone you want to be your best friend, you can't force people to like you. Even if they don't hate you, you can't force them to spend time with you. In the words of Dita Von Teese, "You can be the ripest, juiciest peach in the world, and there's still going to be somebody who hates peaches." Their loss, right?
7. It's better to be interested in others than to try and get others interested in you.
If you're interested in making more friends or getting to know more people, it does a great deal to be interested (actually interested) in others lives by asking them about themselves than trying to get others interested in you by dressing up or posting pictures of what you're doing or trying to be cool. Make the effort, it will pay off.
8. Relationships come and go — friendships included.
As sad as it is, not all relationships are permanent. Many of them are fleeting. Things you thought would last forever, fizzle out or end out of nowhere. Not all relationships are meant to be forever, but to allow us to grow or give us a new perspective.
9. You are going to have to learn to be alone.
Being alone does not mean being lonely. Learning to be physically alone is so important. It allows us to sort out our thoughts, decompress from everyday stresses, and figure out who we really are.
10. Keep your head up and keep moving forward.
Heartbreak, bad grades, general disappointments happen. It's a part of life. It is normal to take some time to yourself after these things happen but don't let it get in the way of you being you. Keep your chin up and keep chasing those goals.
11. The older you get, the faster time goes by.
I constantly feel like time is moving faster than I can keep up with. Every year I feel like the holiday's come quicker, my birthday comes and goes faster, and the new year has come and gone before I can blink. That being said, live in the moment and make every minute count.
12. Let things go.
It can be really hard to let go of things that really hurt you. In the long run, holding on to the hurt or the hate you feel is only poisoning you. Once it's let go, there will be a huge weight lifted from your shoulders.
13. Be kind, especially to yourself.
It's hard to happy when someone is always mean to you. This is a statement that can be meant both ways. Imagine what its like when someone is always mean; it stinks! Now, if you had a friend that treated you the way you treated yourself, would they still be your friend? Be kind to others and yourself.
14. It's never too late.
It's never too late too late to go on an adventure, to take a risk, to ask that person out you have been dying to, to tell someone you miss them, to take that history class. It's not too late to become the person you want to be. Don't wait, start now!
15. Be unapologetically yourself.
You are you. You are human. You are perfect as you are. Never apologize for being who you are, wearing what you want and expressing yourself. The people who are meant to be in your life will find their way.
