2015

So after last years post where I described 20 things I learned in 2014, I decided I wanted to do it again and describe what I’ve learned this past year. 2015 has been one of the best years of my life. From turning 21 to spending my summer interning at Cosmopolitan/Seventeen Magazines, to working for ASOS from my university where we won the Big 12 title I have absolutely nothing to complain about when it comes to thinking back on this year. One thing I’m most grateful for is how much I’ve learned about what I want and myself this past year.

I’m beyond stubborn and that’s something I’ll never apologize for. My Dad #blessed me with a stubborn sense of knowing what I want and when, and it has been one of my greatest and worst traits my entire life. I’ve learned that I have an extremely bad temper, but always mean well. I’ve learned that I’m opinionated and it ties in with my stubbornness because when I believe in something I believe in it wholeheartedly. I’ve learned how to use all of these traits that would normally be seen as flaws to my advantage, and spin them into positives.

I can’t stress how much I’ve changed in the last year it honestly blows my mind. I’ve become more optimistic but also more laid back and casual about different things I would have considered the end of the world last year. I’ve learned to be independent and truly be content by myself. All in all, it has genuinely been a great year and I can’t wait to see what’s in store! Here are 20 things I’ve learned this year:

1. Let it go. (Cue James Bay ‘Let it Go’ in the background) Regardless if you’re holding onto a grudge or someone that once used to be a huge part of your life, I’ve found it so important to learn to let go. More importantly it’s okay to let go of things that used to be a big part of your life.

2. Be selfish with your happiness. This may be a personal thing for me, but I’ve learned that I am the creator of my own happiness and at this point in my life it’s okay to be selfish with what makes me happy at the time. We’re way too young to be concerned with consequences or obstacles that get in the way of our happiness.

3. Be independent. I’ve struggled with this so much this last year. I’ve had to learn that it’s okay to be alone and it’s okay to depend on yourself. I’m at a point where I’m thinking about my future and what’s best for me, and I can’t explain how big of a weight is off my shoulders now that I’m not worrying about any other factors when it comes to where I’ll go after graduation.

4. Do everything you can to better your path. For me, this applies to my career path. This summer I had a dream internship at Cosmopolitan and Seventeen, and I did so much market research and helpful things I never had insight on. When procrastinating for a test I applied for a remote internship with ASOS and got it! I’m constantly trying to find what’s next in terms of my career and getting me on the path that I want to be on.

5. Take advantage of living near your friends. It’s hitting me hard and fast that I only have a few more months left living in the same town as all of my closest friends and I have a feeling we’re going to realize we didn’t take advantage of it like we could’ve! It’s okay to have a sleepover when you’re 22 y’all.

6. Worry less. I’m such a worrier I can’t even stress how much time I spend stressing out about things way out of my control. It’s hard to learn how to not worry, but as soon as you do you’ll be a much happier person.

7. Take risks. I used to be so shy this time last year. I’m still awkward meeting new people and I can come off as shy, but this past year I took personal risks where I went to NYFW by myself and attended events alone and ended up making so many new friends and connections and it was still to this day one of my greatest experiences!

8. Travel often. In the last month alone I’ve been to d=four different cities and two countries. I love traveling and seeing new places, and it’s something to take advantage of especially when you’re young. Whether it’s a spontaneous road trip or family vacation there’s always so much to see!

9. Learn to love yourself most of all. There are still days where I sit there and question who and what I’m becoming, but overall I’m proud of who I am and what I’ve become. It’s taken me a long time, but I’m learning more and more everyday how to love and accept myself the way I am instead of striving to be anyone I’m not.

10. Learn to forgive. I pointed this one out last year but I’ve learned how important it truly is this year. Whether you’re learning to forgive someone else or yourself, the second you at least try to you feel such a huge weight off of your shoulders. I’m grateful for learning to forgive this past year and I’m more grateful for people learning to forgive me.

I hope everyone has the best New Years! Stay safe y’all and as always thanks for reading!