With the new year, many people make resolutions that they end up breaking. Rather than making resolutions, I think that the most important part of the new year is remembering the lessons we have learned in 2015 and all the years before. With each new year, I always make a list of all the amazing things that happened to me, along with a list of the lessons I learned. For me, this is a way to unwind the year and bring all the joys and new knowledge with me into the new year. Here are some of the lessons that have greatly impacted my life in 2015 and will continue to through 2016 and the rest of my life:
1. Never forget where you came from. Your past impacts your present.
2. When someone is down, help them back up.
3. Distance doesn't have to separate a friendship.
4. Do something out of your comfort zone every once in a while.
5. Family is everything, so make sure you family knows that they mean the world to you.
6. It is totally worth working most days over the summer. You will be thanking yourself during the school year that you worked so hard for your money.
7. But don't forget to take a break every once in a while because you deserve it.
8. Health is more important than grades.
9. Family is more important than grades.
10. While health and family are more important than grades, don't forget how important is is to work as hard as possible to get good grades.
11. Have fun as much as you can as long as you can balance it well with school work and your other priorities.
12. Take advantage of an opportunity when it is presented to you.
13. Keep in touch with friends, even if they are hundreds of miles away.
14. Heartache is normal. So is letting go of the person who caused the heartache.
15. Never forget to take time for yourself, especially when you are overwhelmed with work. That is when you need time for yourself the most.
16. Life gets in the way sometimes. While it may be horrible in the moment, it may actually be a blessing in the long run.
17. Let go of anything or anyone toxic in your life.
18. No one deserves to feel alone. If someone happens to feel alone in this world, do everything within your power to make them feel important because they are more important than they will ever know.
19. Read classic literature.
20. Politics are more important than you ever thought. Become informed and vote.
21. It is okay to question your future.
22. It is also okay to question why you are doing what you are doing with your life.
23. Call home. Your family misses you more than you know.
24. Your siblings and cousins will grow up right before your eyes.
25. Love yourself. You are more beautiful, more smart, and more important than you will ever know.
2015 was filled with lessons that have allowed me to grow. Going into 2016, I am going to remember these lessons and continue to grow as a person with many new lessons to be learned.
