5 Things I Learned in 2015

2015 is over, and I’m not one to dwell on the past, but I think it’s important to make note of my growth as a human being. I learned a lot in 2015 that I can take with me into the new year.

1. Not everyone appreciates your help.

I consider myself a somewhat helpful person. More often that not I attempt to offer friends and colleagues assistance if it’s reasonable and healthy for me to do so. (I used to have a problem saying no, and therefore would have too much on my plate.) I never expect people to reward me for helping them, nor do I expect them to return the favor. I used to reasonably respect that the person at least extend some gratitude, or treat me with the respect a human deserves, but that’s not always the case.

The more important lesson here is that even when people aren’t appreciative of your efforts to assist them, you shouldn’t stop being a helpful person. If you have the means to brighten someone’s day, or make their life a little easier, do it. I’m not saying that you should spend your time continuously bending over backwards for people that don’t appreciate you. That’s no way to live. However, when the opportunity arises to help, do it. We need to continue to be kind and compassionate, because you might miss out on changing someone’s life for the better.

2. Learn when to apologize.

This year I was very unapologetic about who I am. If you want to wear something out and you think you may be overdressed? Wear it anyway. Eat what you want! If eating a large McDonald’s fry really disgusts you then go ahead an eat your quinoa. I, on the other hand, love french fries and even when I may have overindulged, refused to apologize. As people we’re always apologizing for things we say and do, even when we’re not hurting anyone.

Apologize when you hurt someone, either physically or emotionally. Don’t apologize for getting a large chocolate shake or saying something that’s on your mind.

3. Put water in the microwave with pizza to keep it from getting soggy.

Enough said. This one changed my life.

4. Toxic people aren’t worth your time.

Being surrounded by people who don’t support your growth as a person is not good for anyone. Don’t waste time with these people. Once identified, a toxic person should be let go immediately. It’s hard, because you once thought this person was going to be in your life for a long time. You feel foolish, and sad, and a part of you hopes that you can turn it into a better situation.

More often than not, you can’t. It’s time to let go.

5. Being a good person doesn’t mean the world owes you anything.

I make mistakes, but for the most part I’m a good person. This year I learned that no matter how good you are to people, no matter how much you focus on doing everything “right” the world isn’t going to magically pay you back.

I was hit with a lot of obstacles in 2015. I lost my job, lost a lot of friends, and was put into some tough situations. Being a good person isn’t going to make these things better or go away. You know what will? Grabbing the bull by the horns and taking control of the situation. Step out of your comfort zone. Don’t focus on what you should and shouldn’t be doing. You can only plan so much and wait so long, just go for it. Do what you believe is best for you. If it turns out that you’re on the wrong path? Turn around and find another way to go.

Don’t wait for life to hand you what’s yours. Take it.