We Are 16 Going On 17
Start writing a post
Student Life

We Are 16 Going On 17

Learning lessons from mistakes and embracing the lows as much as the highs.

47
We Are 16 Going On 17
Fustany

Another year, another dollar.

Oh, that's not how that goes?

Regardless, this is the time of year for us to reflect and hit refresh. With 2017 right around the corner, it's about time I look back on what I learned in 2016.

It's okay to quit your job — they'll survive without you just like you'll survive without them. Don't ever feel bad for following your gut and doing what's best for you.

It's okay to put yourself first — those who love you will be patient and understanding and those who don't will let their true colors shine through. Use this as an opportunity to not only discover yourself, but to also find out who you matter to.

Your body really is your temple, so it's important to treat it as such. It needs to sweat, it needs to stretch and whatever you put into it and on it really does matter. It's an invigorating feeling to completely understand your body — and its needs — inside and out.

It's okay to ditch current hobbies, find new ones and pick up old ones — and it's even okay to ditch new hobbies if they don't end up as great as planned. Life is a continual process of figuring out what fuels your soul and happiness. It could be something you enjoy doing for the rest of your life, or for one month. Just go for it — what do you have to lose?

It is okay to postpone life plans and goals and do whatever makes sense for now. Life happens and things change. You can't spend your entire life beating yourself up just because something didn't work out exactly the way you planned at the exact time you planned — if you did, you'd be miserable. If you're still hopeful about this goal, keep it on your list. If not, take some time to reevaluate and re-plan!

It's okay to make new friends — life is ever-changing and people are always coming and going. If you're anything like my friends and I, we work really hard at seeing each other as often as possible. But with more girls to count living in too many states, it's not the easiest task. Just because you make new friends doesn't mean your old friends have to disappear. "Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver, the other is gold."

Life is too short to hold anything back so if you feel like it needs to be said, say it. If you don't, you'll regret it.

Chase the dream, even if it doesn't make sense to anyone but you.

Be true to yourself and be honest with everyone else around you.

Learn from your mistakes so you can be better than before. Appreciate the lows, because they bring greater highs. And remember that your happiness is only as fulfilling as you allow it to be.

Here's to a new year, a new you — or even the old you. Whatever.

Cheers!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

86071
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

51960
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments