2018 has been a rollercoaster, I will tell you that.  From insane ups and downs with my best friends and having to accept some things that I never wanted to, it’s been a year that’s made me think. Similar to Kylie Jenner’s 2016 Year Of Realizing Things, this was my year of Thinking about Things.  Maybe it’s because I’m the same age Kylie was when she was Realizing Things or maybe it’s because I’m finally ready to change my way of thinking about things.  I’ve switched my thought process so dramatically this year and a huge part of that is just accepting the things that are happening around me and figuring out how to still be happy in the process.  And it’s working.  I’m the happiest and most confident I’ve been that I can remember and I feel so self-sufficient with it too.  So here are the 5 lessons that 2018 has taught me this far.

1. Do Your Own Thing

   I can’t tell you how big this was for me.  To embrace my introverted nature, spend my time reading and painting instead of going out with my friends and exhausting myself took me so long.  I never expected the switch in how much better it makes me feel and how much more I enjoy being with friends when I’m all recharged and ready to go.

2. Stand up for yourself, but pick your battles

   Don’t get hyper-reactive the first time something happens that you don’t like.  Wait and make sure upsetting someone is worth it for you.  On a similar note, learn to back down and let it go once you’ve made your point.  When I’m really mad at someone, my initial instinct is to keep pushing and pushing but I’m starting to change that by trying to end fights on a very peaceful note and making sure that my main focus is making my point heard and understood and moving on.  The past year (since mid 2017) I’ve been standing up for myself and speaking up about things that I want to change and it’s been so good for me.

3. Mindset makes all the difference

   At the beginning of this year I decided to commit to switching to a more positive outlook from my usual negative way of thinking.  At first I knew I wanted and needed to do it but I didn’t see an immediate change.  I started writing blog posts that forced me to focus on the good, I began trying to reroute my thinking by asking myself “Does it affect me, is it really that big of a deal, is this life or death?” and it’s always no. It helps me to take a deep breath and think about that.  I used to get so anxious when people would do certain things that I didn’t like, but now I know that if it’s not hurting me (or someone else) then there’s no reason to freak out about it.  This has helped me become so much more encouraging, supportive, and a better friend.  I still do get pretty judgy when I know my friend is doing something that will end up hurting her or isn’t in her best interest but we all know that it’s just because I care so much and don’t want to see them get hurt.

4. Be open to new connections and friendships

   2018 truly would not be what it has become if I hadn’t been open to talking to new people, turning acquaintances into friends, and being willing to try new experiences.  From making friends with those around me in classes to having fun at work with my coworkers, I’ve seen the benefits of being open to new people. Talking and joking with the people around me has made the worst classes and longest work days enjoyable and I started to love those classes and fell in love with my job because of this.

5. Make the most of the little things that make you smile

   I’ve always been one to look at and appreciate the little things around me and get really excited about the smallest things but this year I think I learned the true value of them.  The little moments can be what gets you through the days and if you celebrate them enough it really can turn a situation around.

Here’s to a great end to 2018.  It has flown by so fast and it really has been a rollercoaster but a great one.  I’m grateful for all of these lessons and so happy about where they’ve brought me.