17 Things I Learned in 2017
I am that person who likes to start everything on Mondays, the first day of each month, and, obviously, New Year is the best time to reset and start fresh. Every year I make a list of things I want to achieve, but since 2017 has been, well, let’s just say full of events and life lessons, I decided that my first post in 2018 should be about what I have learned.
1. Losing something can be good.
You really never know how current events can influence your future. Something that seems unfortunate today can have the most unexpected outcome.
2. You will only be able to see the full picture when the time passes.
Let go and let the Universe do its thing. You will thank it later.
3. Back everything up.
This spring I lost my blog of almost five years and 80% of all the pictures and texts. It was very unpleasant to say the least. Google Drive and Dropbox everything important. Put everything on a hard drive and bury it in your garden. Whatever works.
4. People come and go.
Probably one of the biggest lessons of 2017. Shit happens, people change and sometimes you and the person you shared many good moments with can become absolute strangers.
5. Leave before the party ends.
When you feel that things are coming to an end make the first move towards the exit (I am obviously not talking about the actual parties).
6. Drink water.
Download the Plant Nanny app. Literally changed my life.
7. Animals are truly therapeutic.
No explanations needed. But also read below.
8. Therapy can really help.
If you are going dealing with some issues it is a good idea to talk to a professional. Not that you can’t do it on your own, but you will just get where you need to be much faster. Also, don’t be afraid to look for the right person, whose style will fit your personality.
9. If you miss your first flight from your round-trip, the returning flight automatically gets cancelled.
Um.. yeah. No refunds.
10. Don’t go singing karaoke with your friends the night before the flight.
Because you will sleep in and miss it. No refunds.
11. Listen to your friends when they express concern.
Obviously, always listen to yourself, but if more than one friend is trying to alert you about red flags, shut up and listen. They want the best for you, and sometimes you are too blind to notice certain things.
12. Plan ahead, but be open to change.
Life is unpredictable. Adjust to the situation instead of complaining that not everything is going according to your plan.
13. Communication is everything.
People can’t read your thoughts. Express what you feel constructively.
14. Stand up for yourself.
Some things are not okay. By trying to be polite and proper, we can let some stuff slide. Don’t let others walk over you. This won’t make you a bad person, it will make you a strong one.
15. Your ego is your biggest enemy.
We all think that we are special, and we are. But don’t let your ego take over and rule your life. The faster you get over yourself, the easier your life will be.
16. Forgive yourself.
You aren’t going to become a better person if you keep punishing yourself for the past. What happened happened, just make sure it doesn’t happen in the future.
17. Just do it.
One. Step. At. A. Time.
There has definitely been way more lessons, small and silly, or major ones that led to important changes. I could probably write a self-help book just based on my 2017 experiences. And maybe I will. One. Page. At. A. Time.
Hey, 2018. I’ve learned my lessons. Let’s be friends. Okay?
