Realization

Hello 2018! You have quite the year to follow up. A year filled with firsts and lasts. I fear that you might not be able to live up to your predecessor. 

With the end of 2017 comes the importance to look back and reflect on all of the little moments that turned into big moments.

At the beginning of last year, I assigned a word to 2017: realization. 

Realization (rē(ə)ləˈzāSH(ə)n); noun- the fulfillment or achievement of something desired or anticipated; an act of becoming fully aware of something as a fact

I wanted to grow and stop living in my perfect bubble. I wanted to acquire knowledge. I wanted to learn things about myself. About others. About the world. I wanted to become a conscious member of society. Challenges and hard times were constantly thrown my way. With these challenges came lessons. With big moments came memories. These many lessons made my 2017. 

One

Things will go to shit, and that’s ok. If something doesn’t work out the way you want it to, you probably weren’t meant to take that path.

Two

Stop being fake. You don’t have to change yourself. You don’t have to be just like everyone else and at the end of the day, you sure as hell don’t wanna be.

Three

University is better than high school. I thought that my high school experience was pretty great- but trust me, it gets better.

Four

Public transportation is actually the best thing in this planet. If you live in a city that is lucky enough to have, use it. You’ll get to your destination faster and you’re helping the environment.

Five

Document everything. And not just on your phone. A sturdy camera, colorful pens, and an aesthetically notebook are the memory banks best friend. Write out your feelings. Take pictures of your friends, other people, and your surroundings. Don’t be afraid to be that person.

Six

Emotions are not always a bitch. Sure they can be, but they are also a revolutionary tool. They help you realize what you want, who you want, and how you’re gonna get it. Use them to your advantage- don’t shy away.

Seven

Talk. Like, a lot. Talk to your friends- old and new. Talk to your family- immediate and distant (especially your mom). Talk to that random stranger in front of the tube station. Spark up a conversation with that cute guy/girl you’re sitting next to. Talk to your classmates. Make connections, start conversations, and watch your knowledge grow.

Eight

Read at least one book a month. Plain and simple. Sure, it takes up a lot of time, but it will be worth it.

Nine

Always tell people how much you love them.

Ten

Let things fall into place. Don’t sweat the little things so much. If things don’t fall into place, don’t go, “fuck.” Accept the new journey and embrace the opportunity to follow a new path.

Eleven

You have to leave the nest at some point. One day you’ll have to leave something in order to grow. Whether it be your home, your family, your friends, etc. Eventually you have to leave in order to fulfill your own destiny.

Twelve

Be brave. The best moments are created when you let go of fear and just do it.

Thirteen

Be a peaceful fighter. Make love, not war. When you don’t agree with someone or something don’t go crazy. Don’t lash out. The energy you spend yelling at people can be cut in half if you properly discuss issues. This goes are all arguments: friendships, relationships, politics, etc.

Fourteen

Make new friends, but keep the old. Your new friends in university will become your best friends. Those three am flat conversations about boys, weird YouTube videos, and hilarious Snapchat filters can’t be beat. But, make just as much time for your old friends who are 5,000 miles away as your new mates who are two minutes away.

Fifteen

Go out, have fun, be responsible. Let me tell yah- I’ve had my fair share of nights out this year. But, let me tell yah what else- the nights spent responsibly having fun were WAY more fun than the others. Know your limits. Know the limits of those around you. Always have a back up plan.

Sixteen

Texting is the worst. Call me a grandma, but a phone call is way more personable. Nothing is better than hearing someone’s voice.

Seventeen

Let go. Let go of the past. Let go of the future. Live in the now. Let go of that boy who hurt you two years ago. Let go of the girl in sixth grade who tore down your self-esteem. Let go of expectations for your future. The only way to survive, thrive, and live a balanced life is to let go of negativity. Let go of everything that is holding you back. The weight that is lifted off your shoulders will leaving you standing tall with confident, positivity, and happiness radiating from every part of you.

Your word, 2018? Thrive.