Ten things I learned in 2016.

1) Memories will always be with you but you sometimes need to let go of certain people. Not everyone was meant to be in your life forever.

2) It’s alright not to be friends with everyone who want to be friends with you. You are your own and it’s okay if you didn’t want to associate yourself with this particular group of friends just because they were too loud.

3) Don’t believe in rumors. If someone who is rejected by others tries to talk to you and they seem fine, it’s alright to befriend them. Just be careful. The rumors might just be true but at least you gave them a chance to prove the others wrong.

4) No relationship will work if you don’t want it to work. It’s always two-sided, efforts should be coming from both sides.

5) It’s okay to say that you’re the happiest when you’re alone. You have the right to be your own best friend and not depend your happiness on others.

6) It’s normal to cry. Cry your heart out but don’t stay sad. Pick yourself up and continue the fight because you got a bigger war waiting for you.

7) Not all people will understand that you have a specific goal. They might call you a nerd or a loner but what they don’t understand is that while they are messing around, you’re building a solid base for your future.

8) Family is not just being bonded by blood or adoption. Family is the feelings of being protected and loved. And it’s alright to feel this with other people that you are not related to since birth.

9) Everyone is having their own battles and they will sometimes need help. However, putting others wants before your needs is useless and unhealthy. It’s not selfish to look after yourself and to take care of yourself first. How can you help others if you’re drowning?

10) Knowledge is made to be shared, not kept for oneself. Don’t be selfish when it comes to knowledge.