This is it, another year has just flashed before my eyes again. 2015 was both one of the best and worst years of my life, but one that I'll never forget for everything I've learned, for the new people I've met or for some of the best moments spent with those who will no longer be part of my life in 2016.
Every new year is always associated with a mixture of feelings ranging from excitement for the upcoming year, happiness from being surrounded by loved ones, emptiness just like your bank account or feeling philosophical as you ponder over lessons you've learned. Here are a few things I've retained and reflected on from the past year:
1. It's often not ideal to expect the worst out of every situation even if it could mean ending up more disappointed if it doesn't turn out the way you wanted. I've come to realize that starting off with a negative mindset about anything in general directly impacts the actions you'll take afterwards. This may seem obvious to some but I have seen many people share posts about always expecting the worst to avoid disappointment if a situation turns badly. By doing that, it also means that you carry on a negative perspective along the way. It could be about the smallest things such as complaining about classes or school work which actually resulted in me doing worse than I've ever done in my life in a semester. Having to deal with failure is always hard, especially taking into account your family's or your own expectations. However, you can use it as an opportunity to do better and pull yourself back up. It definitely is worth it to keep a positive but realistic mindset and act accordingly (and cut down on the complaining since it can only put more stress on yourself or people around you). It's good to keep in mind that the mistakes you make don't define you. They actually helped me figure out part of what I want to become, by having been someone I did not want to be. Sometimes, you just need to experience being at your lowest to crawl back up to your highest.
2. Don't surround yourself with people who can no longer make you grow. Find those who inspire you and stick with people who have been there at your worst. This speaks for itself. It is best to distance yourself from people who you can no longer relate to or learn from, even if letting go can be hard. Sometimes, it feels too comfortable to detach yourself from those who you have been around for a while as it seems like they are part of your routine. But letting go of what hinders your growth might actually feel like a great relief and you'll have more time to go out, land on new inspirations or just to take some time alone for yourself. I've recently restarted reading after not touching a single novel for a while (except those required to pass my english classes obviously). It feels good to read and enjoy a book mindlessly without the need to think about writing a 6 page report double spaced MLA format afterwards. My current obsession is Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami. I've heard a lot of good things about this author before and I'm only barely at half the book but I would already recommend it if you like a novel that really makes you think about life in general.
3. It's not always necessary to cut off certain aspects of your life (work, school, social life etc.) to make time for other things, it's possible to be happy by just finding the right balance. Allocating the right time to each parts of your life can be really beneficial. If you have specific hobbies, it's important to keep them even through busy times such as school rush as it actually keeps me sane throughout the semester. Personally, I especially want to start learning more about photography and photo editing, though I'm not studying graphic design or anything related to it, it's something that has always interested me (as I feel blessed to have great photos on my instagram home feed 24/7 of all you crazy people who make me want to go climb rooftops all day to find the perfect spots but can't because I'm terrified of heights... rip lol). Hopefully, I'll be able to pull some time out from university to spend some time on it.
4. What's coming is better than what is gone. Though I've had my share of great memories throughout the year, I can say I'm ready to see what's next. Often, when we experience something great and it's over, we think we'll never be as happy as before. I think that's never the case. If you can let go of the thought that you've already experienced the best there is, you'll always end up finding something better. Personally, some of my best memories from 2015 were spent with people that I know will most probably no longer be by my side in 2016. But that's also the case every year as you lose touch with some but gain new connections. Though you're parting ways with some people and your paths may never cross again, you'll most likely end up meeting new people with who you will develop even better relationships with. So let yourself look back but don't stay there. Live for the present (and take a social media detox from time to time, trust me you'll feel way more connected to your surroundings).
Lastly, new years also come with a wave of new resolutions for the upcoming year that people will either, once again, break after a month or two or may actually manage to fulfill. For my part, I've never been a believer of new years resolutions. In fact, I see them almost as a waste of time. If you are willing to commit to something to either make yourself or your surroundings happier, why wait until the end of each year? There always seem to be some false sense of change associated to the first day of every year as if there was finally an opportunity to solve certain issues in your life or to set new goals when actually, that opportunity is there all year long. It seems like a waste to wait until every January to reflect on what you think is important to change or on whatever you want to start doing. Considering most people make resolutions that involve breaking daily habits such as eating heathier, being more fit, being more grateful for what you already have or gaining self confidence, it can only be achieved by working on it on a daily basis. It definitely is easier said than done and it's great to take a moment and set goals for yourself, but I believe it should be something to reflect on all year long because it's always hard to predict what could get in your way. See everyday as a new year and an opportunity to change for the better.
As for my outfit, I picked up this dress shirt from the COS Store, owned by H&M, that opened a while ago near metro Guy Concordia during their winter sale that had many items marked down by 30%, 40% and 50% (go check it out if you can, it's still ongoing and it's unisex for those who didn't know!). It's probably the most versatile piece in my closet considering it's white and so easy to pair with anything as it can either be worn under a sweater or by itself. It also has a removeable belt that can either be attached in the front or in the back which I thought was a great addition to a simple staple closet piece (it can also make me look like a nurse, a cook and a karate coach, all at the same time!!). I also layered it with a beige turtleneck sweater by William Rast which I was later delighted to find out is an american brand cofounded by Justin Timberlake (this is the closest I'll ever get to him ...LOL). The brand itself can be found at La Baie but also through the racks at Winners if you're feeling hella motivated one day to browse through all their stuff.
I know I haven't posted alot recently due to school and personal issues. I'll really try to be more active but quality over quantity right?? I honestly do put alot of time and effort for each of my posts and I hope this long post makes up for my recent inactivity.
Thanks to everyone who have supported me this year through my highs and lows and thank you for reading this. Hope you all kick ass for 2016!! xoxo
Outfit details:
- COS dress shirt (their prices online are in USD, be careful lol)
- William Rast turtleneck sweater
- Zara ripped black jeans & black booties (both sold out)
- Pandora ring
- Fjord Timepieces watch (online prices are also in USD, vive le canada)
Photos taken by Jun ya with Sony DSC HX300
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