The year 2016 was an interesting year to say the least. But as a human being, this was my year of growth. This was my year to become my own person, climb mountains, run through the ocean, travel, learn my passions, love on my friends, and live. Truly live. And these are a few things I've learned along the way.
1. No matter how much time you have, it will never feel like enough.
You will always wish you had more than 24 hours in a day. There are always things you won't finish in a day. There will always be dishes to do, laundry to wash, people to see, and places to go. There are always things you'll wish you had time to do. However, the reality is that you can't change how much time you have. But you can change how you spend that time. Use it wisely.
2. Not everyone will like you and that's okay.
If you live your entire life living to make sure everyone likes you, you will live unhappily. Don't live to meet someone else's standards. Be you. Be bold. Be original. Because somewhere out there, there are people that will absolutely love you, flaws and all.
When we're happy and all in love with ourselves we can't be bothered with the bullshit.
3. You don't have to have it all figured out.
Can you think of a single person that genuinely has it all figured out? There's no age that life magically gets easier. Enjoy the ride, and treat every day as a new adventure. I promise you that a positive outlook can make a worlds difference.
"The big question is whether or not you are going to be able to say a hearty yes to your adventure." - Joseph Campbell
4.You can miss something without wanting it back.
My mama always told me that some people are meant to be in your life just as pals, and not significant others, and that sometimes they're in your life for a period of time--not forever. It's important to understand that, because you learn to be thankful for the time you have with those you love. And please please please love hard.
5. It's better to be the one who smiled than the one who didn't smile back.
Working in retail, you come to eat, sleep, and breathe this statement. You never know what path someone else is walking in when you come in contact with them. Their entire world could've been shattered. Cut them some slack, maybe your smile could be the reason their day gets better. Be the difference you want to see in the world.
6. Bitterness will shred you into a million pieces. Give it no room in your life.
Being bitter about a previous situation, will only hold you back from the amazing things life has to offer you in the future. Why waste your precious time being bitter about something you don't have the power to change? Think about it.
7. God doesn't waste anything. Remember that in the middle of the tough stuff.
You are loved. Massively. Ferociously. Unconditionally.
"You are perfect. To think anything different is as pointless as a river thinking that it's got too many curves or that it moves too slowly or that it's rapids are too rapid. Says who? You're on a journey with no defined beginning, middle, or end. There are no wrong twists and turns. There is just being. And your job is to be as you as you can be. You are the only you there is and will ever be. Do not deny the world it's one and only chance to bask in your brilliance." -Jen Sincero
8. Some things can't be fixed. Time can't heal everything. You will be okay.
No matter what happens, you will move on. You will be okay. Sometimes life happens and it throws you upside down. Right when you think you have your future figured out, sometimes it completely shifts, and when that happens, you go with it. You take your life and run with it without looking back. Time can heal most things, and I'm a firm believer that if it's meant to be, it will happen. Don't wait for people that don't choose you.
9. You don't have to know a lot of things to make a difference.
Growing up, I knew that I wanted to make a difference in this world. I didn't know how I was going to make my mark, but I knew that I would. You don't have to wait to make your mark. You just have to wake up one morning, and decide that you want to better something about yourself, or participate in a random act of kindness.
10. Your story is important. Share it.
Don't let someone dull your sparkle. You are the only you there is in the entire world. Why would you want to be anyone else? Speak out, and be authentic. I promise you that it will leave a smile on your face at the end of the day, because you'll be living for yourself. And if you get anything from this list, let it be this. Choose yourself. Every second of every day, because if you don't love and choose yourself, life will be miserable. And you my dear, are always worth it.
