Reflect. Learn. Two words that we often use when the new year is upon us. I am sure many of you can say that 2016 was a tough year. In case you lived under a rock the past twelve months, here is the “2016 should burn” recap that circulates the internet: An abundance of celeb deaths, the shocking results of the presidential election… oh and who could forget the death of the beloved gorilla, Harambe? If you watch UFC, you can even add Rowdy’s despicable excuse for a fight from last night, too.
For me, (keeping the above listed events aside) 2016 was bittersweet. I cannot complain entirely because (1) I am alive, well, and rich in love. (2) I have been blessed with the most wonderful husband and nephew. (3) I learned some valuable lessons that one can only learn through “pain.” The sweet will always outweigh the bitter because that’s how I choose to look at life. Despite all the bitter moments from 2016, I have come out on top with one hard learned lesson.
I want to share this lesson with you all today, along with some of my favorite moments (in photos) from 2016. I will also end with my final song of the week that I hope will encourage you to take on 2017 with a positive mindset! So, let’s get to it, shall we?
Going into the specifics of how I learned this year’s valuable lesson is not necessary. I will save that for a novel one day. Instead, I will just discuss the basics.
You cannot change a person who doesn’t see an issue in his or her actions.
This lesson is one I learned years ago as a teenager, but forgot once I hit “adulthood.” It seemed silly to me that adults could completely disregard another person’s feelings, thoughts, or opinions simply because they are just that stubborn and selfish. Well, I learned (thankfully at the ripe age of 24) that I was completely wrong.
Many adults do not act his or her age. They just don’t. Instead, they thrive off of drama, stirring the pot, and refusing to believe that they may be in the wrong. I have experienced this for ages when people expressed their opinions on politics, religion, sports… you name it. Unfortunately, I recently experienced this with people that were considered close to me.
After much turmoil, it has been made clear to me that we cannot change people who do not see issues in their actions. It will never happen. So why bother? I chose to move on and forward without people like that in my life. I am proud of my choice.
With the help of close friends, family, and a therapist, it is clear to me that toxicity is never going to help me heal, remain happy, and bring out my best potential in life. I’ve written about toxic people before, so I will spare you the lecture. I will say that you should use the new year to evaluate who is in your life.
You can forgive from a distance. You can delete people who cause you harm on Facebook (I promise it will bother them than it will you). You can choose to say goodbye to someone, or something, that is not adding positivity to your life. Simple as that.
So, in the words of Shia LaBeouf and Nike: JUST DO IT! Eradicate yourself of pain. Take on 2017 with the clearest mind possible! You won’t be able to change a person who doesn’t see an issue in his or her actions. Why take those people to the new year with you? In my opinion, you don’t.
I vowed to leave any pain I have felt from toxic people in 2016… where they belong. On to things that make me happy! Here are my 2016 highlights. The moments that made 2016 so much sweeter than it had to be. Enjoy the photos (in no particular order) and share with me your favorite moments, too. Also, listen to the song posted at the end. I hope it inspires you the way it does me. Remember to embrace happiness and allow yourself to enjoy the last day of 2016!
Click to view slideshow.Farewell, 2016.
Completely unwarranted life lesson from a married woman #37: As you reflect on 2016, PLEASE remember to bring only the amazing/happy moments with you into the next year. You can bring a lesson that was learned from pain/mistakes, but drop the specifics. Remember the lesson. Make a change. Learn from it. Move forward.
