People have talked, posted and tweeted about what an awful year 2016 was. With the loss of so many great legends such as David Bowie, Prince, Muhammed Ali, Alan Rickman, Gene Wilder, Carrie Fisher, and the list goes on. There was also the presidential election, regardless of who you voted for, I think most agree they were relieved when the race finished. Tragedies happened all over the world, in Nice, Orlando, Tultepec, Aleppo, to name a few.
Truthfully, I’ve often been on the bandwagon of 2016 being #WorstYearEver.
Though in my reality, 2016 wasn’t all bad. I learned to ski, graduated with two bachelor’s degrees, visited friends in two states, saw my favorite band in concert, moved close to a city I’ve always wanted to live in, picked up some waitressing skills and even got a job in my field.
I’m unsure of what 2017 will bring, I haven’t made any resolutions, just some vacation plans and hopes to move in with my old roommate after she graduates college. Will it be better than 2016? Hard to say, graduating college is a tough one to beat, but I’ve got some ideas.
In a way, it could be the best resolution, just looking for ways to make every year as good as the last, or even better, regardless of what happens. The notion of we can’t always control what happens to us, but we can control how we feel about it. Outside of myself, I do hope some things change in 2017.
It’d be great to see more kindness in the world, especially between strangers. The world doesn’t need any more negativity.
Arguing on social media never accomplishes anything, mostly because of ad hominem arguments. Time might be better spent taking a crash course on compromising and listening to opposing views.
I hope people read books this year. And not just any books, ones taking you out of your comfort zone. If you’re pressed for time, articles (from reputable news sources) are also helpful to put yourself in someone else’s shoes. You don’t have to agree with what you’re reading, but at least now you’re more informed. Some tips I hope can make 2017 better for everyone. Have a wonderful new year, Clarkston!