Simply Misunderstood XO

So on January 1, 2015 I decided to start this thing I like to call a “positivity jar.”

It was a clear mason jar with a saying on it to remind me to appreciate all of the little things in life. In it, I decided to write notes containing bits and pieces of things that happened throughout the year of 2015 that I should be happy about. Then, once the year was over I was going to open it up and read them all to remind myself that no matter how bad life may have seemed, there were still all of these positives moments to be thankful for in 2015. Yesterday, I did just that. On January 1, 2016 I opened my jar and read every single note I put into it. After reading them all, here are my thoughts:

I consider myself to be a very humble and grateful person in general anyway, but after reading I still managed to be reminded of a few things. 2015 was a year of learning for me. After gaining my independence back in 2014, I was determined to make the most of 2015 as I could. Although it wasn’t perfect, I did manage to come to a conclusion about a few things. I tried to plan new and exciting adventures throughout the year. I wanted to be more spontaneous and outgoing. I wanted to be truly happy and satisfied with myself. Everything I read was basically a lot of what I still believe today, like that I should be grateful for what I have, even though some people have even more than me, but because some people don’t have nearly as much. Or that I am a successful, confident, independent woman and don’t need a guy to make life exciting and fun; that can be done with the help of my friends. But it was also filled with firsts that I will never be able to explain the feeling of, but I will remember forever.

Mostly, this was a year of growing. My seed was planted when I began the new year, I wanted to be a more positive and appreciative person, that’s why I started this. But, I still have room to grow. Right now I have only just started to hit the surface of the soil. I will continue to push through the dirt and struggle in order to see the light and open up to the world. Even though the goal of this was to be more positive, I’m learning that it cannot be forced. I have to truly be happy with myself and my situation before I can pass on the positive energy to someone else.

So for 2016, my goal is to take risks, continue to seek adventure, do things I never would’ve done before, change my attitude, change my outlook on life, and just be the me I’ve always dreamed of. I was always her, but as time goes along, situations change and people come and go. And since I’ll be graduating this year I know I only have about half of the year to get my crazy side out, because once reality hits, there may not be as much time for it.

So thank you to everyone who was a part of my 2015, big or small. Whether you make it to my 2016 we shall see. But another thing that I have also learned is that some people weren’t brought into your life to stay forever. They’re either a blessing or a lesson. But to be honest, those “lessons” are actually a blessing in disguise. I am someone who has learned a LOT through these “lessons” of people that come into my life, and as much as I appreciate what they have taught me, I wouldn’t mind catching a break for once and coming across a blessing sometime soon.

No one knows what the future may hold, but I stick to my belief when I say, “everything happens for a reason.” I am glad I took the opportunity to reflect on what was and continue to grow strong in the future.

Here’s to a more adventurous and risk-taking 2016! Happy New Year!