16 Things I Learned in 2016

I’ve been chasing my wildest dreams as soon as soon as I was able to get college out of the way (*). 2016 was the light at the end of rough three years for me.  Despite what you see on my social media, which tends to show the glamorous side, I made a few mistakes and definitely learned some major lessons in this weird transition from baby adult to somewhat  real adult.  With the 2016 year wrapping up, I’d like to take this moment of self-reflection and make a list, because people like lists.

16 Things I Learned in 2016

Captured by Dylan Jon Wade Cox Photography

1. Let go of what people expect me to be, and be who I want to be.
   
2. Chase my pursuits with ferocity and passion.  
   
3. Always be genuine and always seek genuine people. Life will be much easier.
   
4. If I can’t trust someone, there is a reason.  Even if it does not make sense.  This was a hard one for me to learn.  Do myself a favor, listen to my intuition, and cut them out.
   
5. Good friends are priceless.  Distance or time spent talking with them won’t affect the strength of our friendship, but our level of commitment and support to each other will.  Fight for the good friends and love and support them no matter what.
6. Loyalty is underrated.
7. Always strive to be learning something, especially now that I am no longer in school.
8. I will be happier if I help other people. Little things go a long way.
9. When an opportunity manifests itself, say “Yes” and figure out the details later.
10. Morning routines make me feel a lot better about getting my life under control.
11. Reusable fabric grocery bags can hold twice as many items than plastic grocery bags, plus I'm not being an a**hole to the environment.
12. Social media is designed to get me addicted to looking at my dang phone all the time.  Turn off the alerts, delete the apps, and find a healthy balance.
13. There are a bazillion better things to do with my time than watch tv, but sometimes you should treat yo'self.
14. Most problems I have, or people will have with me, are trivial.  I will be the best person I can be and don’t let it get under my skin.
15. I thought I was open-minded until I experienced things for myself.
16. What I “consume” determines my “market”, and the biggest lie people try to sell us is that we don’t have control.  Don’t settle for the BS… in food, in politics, environmental impact, and even relationships.