Dose of Prose

Happy New Years Eve, Style Prose Readers! Isn’t it amazing what can happen in a year? As cliché as it sounds, I must say that 2017 truly was a year of growth for me. I went through some pretty significant life changes and experiences that I will never forget. To give you a brief overview…

I got accepted into my dream school, I moved to my dream state, my ‘adulting’ skills were put to the test when I moved in my first apartment, I got the opportunity to attend some awesome events (LA Fashion Week being the top of my list), I met a lot of people (some better than others), developed strong relationships and ended the toxic ones, I dealt with grief, I got into the best physical shape of my life…

As you can see, the list goes on and on! The point I’m making, is that I’ve gone through a lot this year; and from the highs to the lows I’ve gained some insight along the way that I’d like to share with you. Here is a list, in no particular order, 17 things I learned in 2017:

1. You do not have to justify your actions or create elaborate excuses for what you choose to do or not do with your life. You said what you said, you did what you did, no means no. You don’t have to rationalize or explain anything to anyone.
2. All relationships are a two-way street. If the other party is not putting in the effort that you require and deserve, let them go. Don’t continue to waste your time and energy chasing someone who does not see you the way you see them.
3. Don’t feel pressured by social media. When it comes to creativity, choose quality over quantity in terms of content.
4. Money appears just as quickly as it disappears. Stay consistent with saving and budgeting.
5. Stop trying to understand and fix other people’s problems. That’s not your job.
6. You don’t have to say yes to every invitation. If you don’t want to go, don’t go. Don’t feel bad for saying no.
   
7. Don’t let past rejections affect future dreams.
8. Stop holding on to what others say to you or about you. Nobody knows you better than you. Don’t allow anyone to make you feel as though you cannot achieve the goals you set for yourself.
9. Stop comparing yourself to other people. Learn to be satisfied with where you are right now in life. You are exactly where you are supposed to be.
10. You are in control of everything – career, education, happiness, etc. Nobody else!
11. There are people who want to see you succeed and others who don’t. Be able to distinguish who is rooting for you and who isn’t, without burning bridges. 
12. Eating and sleeping are really important for you to function. Don’t be stingy when it comes to nourishing your body – take care of yourself.
13. Religion and spirituality are both essential components in your life. When you feel completely lost and hopeless, sometimes instead of trying to find the answer by yourself or through others, you just have to look to a higher power for guidance.
14. You have a clear vision for what you want for yourself. Don’t lower your standards or settle for anything less.
15. Undergraduate and graduate school are both very different experiences.
16. Don’t fear change. Some things you used to enjoy may soon begin to lose their appeal. It’s all a part of growing up.
17. It’s okay to not be okay.

I hope that this post resonated with you in some way. Remember that when things happen to you, especially if it’s an experience that was negative, stop asking yourself, why is this happening to me? and start asking, how can I learn from this experience? Trust me, this mindset will help you to live life without regret and fear of failure. It works!

I’ve reflected upon my year, now it’s your turn. Leave a comment below and let me know some things you learned this year. Do you have any resolutions for 2018? Don’t hesitate to drop those goals too. Only if you’re ready though….because once you speak (or type in this case) it into existence, then your only choice is to make it happen! 😉 Happy New Year, everybody. Here’s to 2018! I’m excited to see what the New Year will bring – I hope you are too.

-Kaamilah