There are only two months of 2019 left. Though it seems like it was just January, we now approach December. It has certainly been a whirlwind of a year. Reflecting on this year is like looking back after climbing a mountain- the climb was difficult yet rewarding. When you reach the top and witness the view, all of the hard work becomes worthwhile. I believe it is important to reflect on what you have learned and how you have grown. A substantial amount can happen in a year, as it can dictate the person you were versus who you are now. In eleven months, I have changed for the better. I have cried happy and sad tears, laughed until I couldn’t breathe and most importantly, I have experienced. I have experienced things I never thought I would endure and learned lessons that were essential to my growth. I thought I’d share what I have learned and encourage you to reflect on your year as the new year rapidly approaches.
- Not everything that you want is always what you need.
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There were several things I thought I wanted and several things that I thought would be best for me. Due to my extreme desire for them, I would make them happen. Being hung up on needing something will allow you to lose sight of other possibilities. You cannot force something that is not meant to be. It is a way of God saying, “I have something better waiting for you.”
- God helps those who help themselves.
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You can give your advice to someone all you want. However, if they decide not to take it, that’s on them. While it may be difficult to watch someone you love to suffer, unfortunately it is their life. They have the right to make their own decisions, even if they are destructive. Eventually they will learn from their mistakes.
- Real friends stand by you through anything and everything.
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True friends will help you brave the storm. They wait with you until the rainbow appears. And in the meantime, they’ll hold the umbrella for the both of you.
- When things get tough take a drive.
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Sometimes you just need to grab the keys, drive with Big Time Rush blasting full volume and let all the windows down.
- Embrace drastic change.
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It’s not easy to accept drastic change- it’s scary. Friends leave, people move away, your heart will get broken, and school doesn’t always go your way. Embrace what happens to you, and let it change you for the better.
- Put your hoops in and remember who you are!!
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When in doubt, put your hoops in and remember that you are a fierce, capable, badass woman.
- The expression “right person, wrong time” is not always valid
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Sometimes you think you met the right person. But in reality, they are not. Do not blind yourself of a toxic relationship based on timing. If a person treats you like garbage, it is never the right time to date them.
- The best things find you when you least expect it.
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People kept telling me this all year, and I never believed them. It may be cliché, but it is true. Stop looking for it. It’ll come when it’s time.
- It’s okay to have a quick meltdown, cry, and eat some Ben and Jerry’s.
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Sometimes that’s all you really need, but don’t let your meltdown set you back; let it push you forward.
- You cannot make someone feel the way you feel about them.
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You may really like someone. But if they do not feel the same way, it will not happen. Emotions should not and cannot be forced. If they are, it is time to say goodbye.
- Call! Your! Parents!
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After being in college for three semesters, I’ve learned that calling your parents helps everything. Whether it be for advice or just to talk, your parents know you better than anyone. Call your parents, because they miss you (even if they may not want to admit it).
- Time heals all wounds, but you also have to work towards healing.
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While giving yourself time to heal from the wounds life has scathed you with is necessary, it is also imperative that you actively attempt to mend those wounds. Healing is not linear; however, you will not heal unless you try. Healing is a lengthy, painful, and difficult process. Yet, it can teach you more about yourself than anything. Give yourself the allotted time to heal.
- Do not be afraid to say no.
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It’s okay to not do everything. Do not feel obligated to do things for other people 100% of the time. Sometimes you must put yourself first.
- But don’t be afraid to say yes either.
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Some of the greatest experiences I had were the result of taking a leap of faith and out of spontaneity. Do the things you’re scared of. Wouldn’t you rather say, “oh well” than “what if?”
There are 56 days until 2020. 56 days until a new decade. A new decade of change, memories, lessons and new beginnings. We have 56 days until this decade is gone forever. Do yourself a favor- make the most of it while it is still here.
Make mistakes, roll the dice and take risks, spend time with the people who really matter and live life to the fullest. You’ll thank yourself later.