The Year of The L’s: The Things I’ve Learned in 2015

This year is (finally) coming to a close. While randomly reflecting on my year, I realized that I’ve actually grown.

Here are few lessons I learned this year that I wanted to share.

1. Don’t fall in love with someone who makes you feel as if loving you is a chore. You deserve better than that.

2. Step outside your comfort zone: I’m a very awkward girl. Sometimes doing things out of my comfort level can make me feel anxious, go back to my wallflower ways, or just pretend to use my phone as security blanket. But this year I’ve realized that there’s no growth inside the comfort zone!

3. Don’t be afraid to go places by yourself: This is actually one resolution I kept up with this year! In the past, there have been plenty of events, exhibits and even concerts that I missed out on because I was too nervous to go by myself. This year, I pushed myself  to just get up and go. In turn, I’ve met a lot of great people, (ate a lot of free food), met my all time favorite rapper/producer, and even made some connections. The point is even if you don’t have a plus 1, even if you don’t feel like leaving the bed, get up and go. Netflix will be there when you get back, I promise.

4. Take care of your mental health: I found and lost my best friend in the same year and it hurt, bad. After my breakup, I was in a bad place for the first month. I wasn’t eating (not even on Thanksgiving). I didn’t want to get dressed or go anywhere. I didn’t even want to talk. It took me to a really dark place of insecurities and self-doubt. Meditation and daily affirmations have helped me to pull myself out of my dark cloud of overthinking. Having supportive friends who are down to listen always helps. I still have my moments but everyday I try remind myself of the good person I currently am and the even better person I’m growing to be. Everyday gets a little easier.

5. Learn to budget: Okay, so maybe I’m kinda sorta still working on my budgeting skills.

But by using Mint, a budgeting app, I was able to pay off one credit card entirely. Every time I get paid, I pay myself . I take at least 20% of what I made and put it in my savings. It might not be much, but it’s great actually seeing my money grow. With festival season and my dreams of going to SXSW literally right around the corner, I’ve started to save more a bit more so I can finally start to travel.

Lastly…

6. His/Her success is not my failure. Comparing myself to others is something I’ve had to trouble with since high school. Whether it was looks, clothes, or grades, I’ve always second guessed myself. My bad habit only got worse after college. I would often see someone else “getting on” or moving up as me not working hard enough or just simply not being good enough.  It’s taken me a while to understand ,but everything happens with time. Everything that I’m working towards now is leading up to my own success and it wouldn’t be as sweet if it were given to me right away. I’ve learned to be patient, respect my process and have faith in myself all while still being proud of others and their journey.

What are some of the things you’ve learned about yourself this year? Let me know in the comment section!