2016 was a wild year for me and the entire world, as each year always seems to be. A country mourned and worshipped a gorilla and everyone was at each others' throats in the battle of Clinton vs. Trump. No one partied like it was 1999 because Prince died and last Christmas was literally George Michael's Last Christmas. Then, the world had the audacity to not only take my dog from me, but also to take Carrie Fisher from everyone. If you ever say WTF, 2016 would be the year to say WTF to. It was one tragedy after another, and everyone found a way to complain about how 2016 was the worst. year. ever.
Personally, I went through a lot (because that's life folks) and while 2016 had plenty of awful times for me, I also grew and learned so much. 2016, you were an interesting one. Here's to you and everything you taught me.1. You're not gonna please everyone and not everyone is gonna stick around and it really doesn't matter all that much. There's more to life than who stays and who goes. Let go of the ones who have already let you go and life will be that much easier.
2. Focus on yourself. You're all you have at the end of the day. Always work on improving and loving yourself like your life depends on it, because it does.
3. There is always something to be thankful for, even when you feel like there isn't. Do you have a roof over your head, or clothes on your back? There you go.
4. People are going to love you and people are going to hate you for absolutely no reason. Sometimes, there is a reason and other times there isn't going to be. If people don't know you and also don't like you, then there's something wrong with them and not you.
5. Loss and death are inevitable. We are all born and then we all die. When someone you love dies, they take a piece of you with them. You'll never get that piece back, but they're always with you even when you feel entirely alone. It is out of your control, so accept what life gives you and accept when the same things get taken away.
6. You'll meet the nicest people at the most unexpected times and you'll meet some of the nastiest people at the most unexpected times, too. Appreciate the nice ones and don't let the awful ones get under your skin.
7. Allow yourself to feel. Stop putting up walls; let your guard down and
10. You will have a few lapses in judgement. Learn from your own damn mistakes and let life happen to you. The only way you will ever grow as an individual is if you let yourself get hurt. As they say, it is a blessing and curse to feel everything so deeply.
8. Spontaneous moments are the ones that will stick with you. The random, small moments in life are often the ones we end up cherishing most. Remember the sound of the birds chirping outside your bedroom window. Remember the feeling of the ocean waves washing over your feet. There is beauty and grace in the smallest of things. Never forget how those things make your heart feel.
9. Nothing lasts forever. Every good and bad thing will cease to be eventually. There are constant ups and downs, so do not let a bad moment define your life. Learn from your mistakes and learn from everyone else's mistakes, too. No one told you to be perfect. You're not supposed to be perfect, you're just supposed to be as good as you can be.
10. Love the people close to you with all you have. You only get so much time, so don't waste it being petty and angry. Just love.
11. It is okay to not know what is going on. It is okay to be lost, stressed, confused, and frustrated. You're allowed time to figure your own life out and to figure out the world around you. This is life, not a race.
12. Say g-o-o-d r-i-d-d-a-n-c-e to toxic relationships and toxic people. You deserve a healthy and fulfilling life without unnecessary drama. Life is dramatic enough. Toxic people are only good for teaching valuable lessons, and then it's time to say goodbye.
13. You deserve to be happy and smiling. You deserve to have a warm and full heart. If anyone makes you feel like you don't deserve these things, then they do not deserve to have a spot in your life. You deserve it all, and never any less. Act like it.
14. It may seem surprising, but you're not as broken or defeated as you have felt before. You are strong and constantly growing. The world can knock us down, but you are always strong enough to stand right back up.
15. Time goes by fast. Embrace every moment because we are never guaranteed time in this life. Be honest and straightforward. Sometimes you have to be a bit reckless, but never allow yourself to get too out of control. You're in charge of your own life, so make things happen and put an end to certain things. It is your life, your story, and you get a say in how things are going to go.
16. It wasn't the worst year ever. It was a year and like any year there were good and bad times. Now it's a new year and there are going to be more good and bad times. Here's to 2017 not being the worst. year. ever. again.
11. It is okay to not know what is going on. It is okay to be lost, stressed, confused, and frustrated. You're allowed time to figure your own life out and to figure out the world around you. This is life, not a race.
12. Say g-o-o-d r-i-d-d-a-n-c-e to toxic relationships and toxic people. You deserve a healthy and fulfilling life without unnecessary drama. Life is dramatic enough. Toxic people are only good for teaching valuable lessons, and then it's time to say goodbye.
13. You deserve to be happy and smiling. You deserve to have a warm and full heart. If anyone makes you feel like you don't deserve these things, then they do not deserve to have a spot in your life. You deserve it all, and never any less. Act like it.
14. It may seem surprising, but you're not as broken or defeated as you have felt before. You are strong and constantly growing. The world can knock us down, but you are always strong enough to stand right back up.
15. Time goes by fast. Embrace every moment because we are never guaranteed time in this life. Be honest and straightforward. Sometimes you have to be a bit reckless, but never allow yourself to get too out of control. You're in charge of your own life, so make things happen and put an end to certain things. It is your life, your story, and you get a say in how things are going to go.
16. It wasn't the worst year ever. It was a year and like any year there were good and bad times. Now it's a new year and there are going to be more good and bad times. Here's to 2017 not being the worst. year. ever. again.
Congratulations for being quite the year, 2016. See you never. But hey, at least Leo finally won his Oscar, right? Until next time, xxx.
