At the end of every year, we reflect back onto what our lives were like for the past 12 months. We look at all the good things that happened and even the bad. We like to focus on the things about ourselves that we could improve on in the new year. We make resolutions for the upcoming year and, most of the time, we fail. We don't fail because we can't resolve our problems. We fail because we expect too much of ourselves.
Instead of making one big resolution, like losing a ton of weight, make many small resolutions that will make you a better person on the inside. Look at the bad habits you hold and try to dispose of them one by one.
Here are some things you should leave in 2018.
1. A negative mindset.
Instead of thinking that everything remotely bad that happens to you is the end of the world, think of it as a lesson. What is it teaching you? How is it making you grow? Most of the time, bad experiences are good lessons.
2. Racial/homophobic slurs.
These should have never been a thing. Put yourself in their shoes. How would you feel if people judged everything you do based on something that you physically cannot change?
3. Toxic relationships.
Dispose of anyone in your life that doesn't better your mentality. If they make you feel worse more than they make you feel better, cut them out. You don't need anyone that treats you like you are dirt on their shoe. This goes for both friendships and relationships.
4. One-sided friendships.
It honestly sucks to be in a "friendship" that you feel like you're putting in all the effort to see and talk to them. If you're the one who obviously cares more, cut the other person out. If they really wanted to be in your life, they would text you first and they would make time for you, instead of saying they're always busy.
5. Impatience.
Patience is a virtue. Everything will work out in the end. Let life happen and don't rush it.
6. Closed-mindedness.
It's going to be 2019, people! There are gay people. There are trans people. There are people who don't conform to society! It's a good thing! Let people live their lives without your judgment. They aren't doing anything to you, so just let them be.
7. Self-doubt.
If you make a decision, don't listen to what others say. You made the decision for a reason. Trust your process. Everything will be okay in the end.
8. Selfishness.
It feels so good to give back to people, especially those who've done so much for you. Try doing a good deed every day. Not only will you make another person's day, but you'll feel good about it, too.
9. Bad hygiene.
Take care of your skin! Brush your teeth! Taking care of yourself will make you a thousand times happier AND healthier.
10. Your exes.
Honestly, sometimes I have a problem with this one. I think about the good memories, see the Snapchat memories, and get sad and text them. You cut them out for a reason. Let them live their lives and you need to live your own life.
Just because you miss the memories, it doesn't mean you should talk to them again. The past is the past for a reason. As Ariana would say, "Thank U, Next."
All in all, 2018 has been a year of lessons and blessings. I love looking back on all the good times and mistakes of my year. I love to look at all the areas I need to improve on and setting goals for the upcoming year to better myself and my life. Leave all negativity behind and focus on all the positivity in 2019.
Happy New Year!