If you can read this next sentence with complete sincerity, then good for you.
“2016 was the best year of my life.”
Most of the people that I have talked to have agreed with me by saying that 2016 was certainly NOT their highlight year. But hey, guess what? It’s almost over. As we approach this new year with open arms, here are some things I think should be left behind in order to go into 2017 with a push in the right direction.
Sitting around and waiting for good things to happen to you
In order to be successful, you have to go after what you want. You have to be willing to put in the effort in order to see the results you want to see. Want to have a summer body in time for summer? Then sorry to break it to you, but that means you’ll have to go for the smoothie instead of the milkshake, and go to the gym instead of binge watching Netflix all weekend. Stop waiting around for good things to happen to you. Is that what you did this past year? Sit around and wait for that job offer or expect your professor to email you first saying you have an extra day to turn in an assignment? If the answer is yes, that’s probably why 2016 wasn’t all that. You may be one of the ones who are mega blessed and have the unbelievable happen to them, but I would assume most of you do not fall under that category. So my advice is to go out there and get it!
Being Scared
“To understand your fear is the beginning of really seeing” – Bruce Lee
How true is this? Extremely true. You have to be able to identify what scares you and really understand it and all that lies behind it in order to get past it. Live life. Do things that involve taking risks. Whether it be saying “Hi” to the cute guy in your class, going skydiving, changing your major, etc… You’ll never know what the outcome might be unless you go for it. Being scared is normal, being hesitant to do things that require change is normal. BUT don’t settle for being normal. Make new friends, explore different hobbies, and open yourself up to endless possibilities! Life has so much to offer and hiding behind fear won’t get you anywhere other than nowhere.
Toxic People
Yes, this is cliche, but it doesn’t matter because this is very important. We are young! Time is passing us by and allowing people who are only hurting you to be a part of your life is a huge mistake.
You have a choice as to who can be a part of your journey. If they aren’t helping you grow as an individual, aren’t pushing you to become a better you, control, manipulate, or don’t appreciate you, LET THEM GO. Burn the bridges that need to be burnt. Yes, usually these are the people that are the hardest to let go of because there is just something about them that is enticing to us, but you have to be strong.
Write out a list of pros and cons as to whether or not having this person in your life is healthy for you. This goes for both relationships and friendships. Know your value. Sometimes you burning those bridges is what will trigger something in their head that makes them want to make a change in their own life. If you care about them, you’ll be helping them by doing so. Maybe they’ll be a part of your life again someday, maybe they won’t.
I think those who decide for themselves to make a change and work on becoming a better them are the ones who end up with either the person they love or back in a friendship with the “someone” who decided to take the first step in letting them go. Yes, it hurts and yes it’s hard to cut people out of your life who have been there for such a long time or who know things about you that no one else does, but it’s a part of growing up. Being able to recognize when something is no longer benefitting you, and removing it from your life takes a lot of strength. Be strong.
Bad Memories
Leave these behind. It’s a new year so make this a new you! What happened in 2016 might affect some of the things that happen in 2017, but don’t dwell on it. Get up and make new memories! Go on spontaneous trips with your friends, go to more on-campus events, join clubs/organizations. There are so many opportunities around you that allow you the chance to create fun filled memories.
Of course the bad ones will sneak up on you whether it be by listening to a certain song or driving by a specific landmark, but do your best to smile and say “I’m okay, it’s okay.” Take advantage of your college years because once you hit the real world there will be less time to make those memories that’ll keep you laughing forever. Your baggage and memories are what made you who you are today and what led you to where you are now. Trick is, you don’t have to carry it around forever. Create baggage that you’ll be more than happy to carry around next year, you’re more than capable.
Happy New Year, Collegiettes! Make this year the best one yet!