What 2016 Taught Me About Myself
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

What 2016 Taught Me About Myself

I learned a lot about myself this year.

15
What 2016 Taught Me About Myself
Alec Prince

Here we are at the close of 2016. This year has been one for the books, that's for sure. Between the many controversial issues and electing a new president (whoop whoop), 2016 also taught me a few things about myself.

I started the year off scared, honestly. For whatever reason, I was terrified to turn 22. Maybe it was the fact that I was only 8 years away from being 30, or maybe it was because nothing else great happens when you reach later ages. Whatever it was, it was surely silenced. This year has been the best year of my life, despite all the chaos in our country. I started writing for Odyssey in January, and by March I had written and published an article that went completely viral. We're talking being shared around the world, and reaching over 1.5 million shares, viral. It was crazy to see my work being shared and reaching so many people in the way that it did. I received a plethora of comments, friend requests, and messages from people all over the world that were so deeply touched by that article. After reading some of the comments, I felt peace with knowing that the world was being brought together by a commonality instead of being torn apart by what was happening around us.

This year I also entered into a relationship that taught me a lot about myself. Even though it didn't work out, I took a lot of life lessons away from it. I learned to always trust my heart, and to get out when something no longer serves you, or helps you grow. No matter how attractive you think they are, no matter how big of a crush you use to have on them, and no matter how settled they are, if you're not happy then walk away. I learned to never let a situation break you. If they don't look at you like you're the most beautiful girl in the world, or worse if they don't treat you like you are, then walk away. It can and it will damage you. I learned that I deserve better.

In turn, I learned how to truly find comfort in my own company. I started doing things that I loved again like painting and hiking. I went on many adventures with friends, and I healed old bonds between people. This year has helped me learn to become a better person.

Life is too short to waste it being a mean and hateful person. We all make mistakes, and we all deserve the chance to make them. Regardless of any situation that you go through, and regardless of what is happening in the world around you, hate and violence never solves anything. Everyone deserves love. Everyone.

I will be ending this year with my glass raised high in salute to the end of a good year, and the start of an even better one. So here's to a new year of many ups and downs to come. Here's to a new year of new possibilities and opportunities. Here's to a new year with a new president and a new hope for this country. Here's to a new year of striving to reach goals, and reaching goals you never thought you had. Here's to a new year, and a chance to live freely. Here's to a new year to be a better you. *Raises glass*

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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?

14860
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
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

944894
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

121974
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments