Lessons From 2016 | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Lessons From 2016

2016 has been a roller coaster of emotions.

70
Lessons From 2016
Pinterest

2016 has been a roller coaster of emotions and there’s still some days left to make a change. On the verge of giving up, I decided to try one more time. One more unlikely, doubtful time. The past was evident that this chance might not work out either, but giving up on myself was not an option anymore. Others have given up on me and never believed in me from the start, but this time I was going to choose myself.

There’s a saying that if one door closes, another one opens. There’s also another variation of that saying that suggests a window will open if a door is closed. Either way that you interpret these thoughts, it’s easy to keep re-opening things that should stay closed. And it’s also possible to make things harder for yourself by never taking the opportunity when those windows or doors do open.

This past year has held several doors that have opened, re-opened, never closed all the way, or simply slammed shut and I was forced to walk away. I sometimes wonder how my future will play out after all that’s happened this year, but I’ve learned to not worry about that. This year has taught me to remain fully grounded in the moment that I’ve been given.

Another lesson that has made it's way to my doorstep is the necessity to be happy with myself and being on my own. I believe this is a vital quality that humans should possess because it allows you to make decisions for yourself, requires that you not rely on others, and it gives you a sense of freedom when you do not care what others will think. That is the moment when you can truly start living your life.

Others that I have spoken to have reflected my thoughts about this year and why it’s so important to be a shining light in this world. So much hate, prejudice, and violence has masked a majority of this year in the news and on social media. Humanity has lost its ability to make connections with others even though we may be different. Open-mindedness is sometimes rare these days. It’s no wonder people are looking forward to what they hope will be a clean slate in the New Year.

But looking back on all of the experiences that one year could hold, it’s amazing how much you can change in that time. This time of year is a good way to reflect on what’s happened and what needs to change in the coming year for happiness. So if you’re feeling worn out or doubtful that 2017 will be anything better, try to give hope another chance. 2017 might be the new door that opens up for you.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
an image of taylor swift standing center stage surrounded by her backup dancers in elegant peacock esque outfits with a backdrop of clouds and a box rising above the stage the image captures the vibrant aesthetics and energy of her performance during the lover era of her eras tour
StableDiffusion

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

79620
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

8241
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments