With 2015 coming to end, I would like to reflect on everything I have learned in the past 365 days. However, in order to do that, I have to seriously think about this past year–how I started it, how I am ending it, and everything that took place in between. I remember the beginning of 2015. I began this year by being happy. I had never had a New Year’s kiss before, and I began this tumultuous year with some of the most wonderful people I have ever known. I began this year with drunken amusement and a notion that 2015 would be my best year yet. I move forward to now. I am ending the year single and with an incredibly anxious mind. I am ending the year with apprehension because, as a senior in college, I seriously need to figure out my future plans. But really, how will I actually end this year? Much like the beginning of 2015, I plan to end this year surrounded by people I love and with the hope that 2016 will prove even better than 2015. I plan to make a wish when the clock hits midnight, and I plan on making that wish come true throughout the upcoming year. So as I say goodbye to this wonderful and crazy year, I also say thank you. Thank you 2015, for the many lessons learned in the past 365 days. You will be missed.
This is what I learned in 2015.
1, People get older whether you want to admit it or not. Call your parents. Tell them you you love them. Visit them if you can because just like you, they’re getting older too.
2. College is a luxury that not everyone can afford. If you have this opportunity, cherish it. Do well, and do the best you can do. Appreciate and acknowledge how lucky you are to receive an education. Not everyone can.
3. Strive to do well in school, but know that grades do not define you.
4. Good manners will open doors that a good education cannot. Be kind to people. You are no better because you believe yourself to be smarter.
5. Learn to work with your hands. Get dirt underneath your fingernails. Know that manual labor is never beneath you.
6. Walking does wonders in terms of mental clarity. Go outside and take a walk.
7. "I love you" doesn’t have to come in the form of words. People can say "I love you" through their actions. Open your eyes and pay attention to what people do.
8. Vulnerability is OK. Crying in front of others is not weakness.
9. Take time to cook food. Try new recipes, and alter them to your liking. Savor your food. Add garlic to everything.
10. Acknowledge people when they enter a room. Greet them, say hello, and smile. Acknowledgement is a form of respect that shows you do not think you are superior.
11. Follow through with plans. Be considerate when people are waiting on you.
12. Arrive 10 minutes early, because you never know.
13. Look people in the eye and smile when you speak with them. Every interaction has value.
14. Indifference is often more insulting than hurtful words.
15. Sometimes life sucks. Eat some good food, listen to your favorite song, and go to sleep. Do the little things that make you happy and force yourself to move on.
16. No matter how badly you want something to work, some relationships aren’t meant to last. Cherish them while they do.
17. Go out of your way for people. Hold a door open. Say "please" and "thank you." Smile at a stranger. Show that you care. Thoughtfulness can make a difference.
18. The transition from friends to strangers is a weird and sometimes difficult process. Be kind. Laugh it off if it becomes awkward. Remember that at one point you liked that person for a reason.
19. Remember yourself as a child. Be the person you needed when you were young. Life becomes a little bit hazier when you ignore your childhood.
20. Admit your feelings to yourself. Be moved to tears.
21. Never belittle yourself. Your existence is a miracle.
22. Resting is important. Eight hours of sleep can make a huge difference.
23. Books provide an escape. Utilize the library and read as much as possible. Write down your favorite quotes and save them for later.
24. If you love someone, tell them.
25. Friendship is a form of love.
26. Keep a journal or a blog. Record moments from every single day so you can look back and learn. Technology makes this possible.
27. Take pictures of people, places, and moments you want to remember.
28. Stress does nothing good for the body. Relax and take a deep breath. Everything will be alright.
29. Everyone has a different idea of a good time. Some people like to stay in and watch Netflix. Some like to go out and party. It’s about what makes people happy. Do what makes you happy.
30. There are things that you can’t communicate unless you clash. Confrontation is OK. Sometimes conflict is necessary to make a point.
31. Pride is a deadly sin for a reason.
32. It’s OK to spend some time by yourself. Go to the movies alone. Have a lunch date with yourself. Sometimes solitude is necessary.
33. Kiss your significant other as much as possible. Hold their hand. Bring them food when they are busy. Do the little things so they know you care.
34. Compliments don't always have to be about physical appearance.
35. Be honest with yourself and with the people around you. If you have to lie, it’s probably wrong.
36. Everything is a learning experience. Keep an open mind so you can learn something new every day.
From the lessons I have learned this year, I appreciate every moment because it has allowed me to grow in some way. So, as 2015 comes to an end, I urge you to think back on this year and ask yourself, "What did I learn?"
