2015 Discoveries

Tomorrow is New Year's Eve! I love this time of year because it is a great time to reflect on life in general and make plans for improvement. I want to share some things I've learned this year- 52 thoughts for 52 weeks. God bless and I hope you finish 2015 well! 

1. Being alive and living are two different things. 
2. Sometimes you need to step back from the stress and go ride some roller coasters.
3. Take in the beauty around you. God is the best artist.
4. It's okay to cry in front of other people. 
5. We've only got one shot at life, so live with meaning and make it count. 
6. A genuine smile makes you prettier than makeup ever could.
7. You can never be bored when there's fire involved.
8. Always try new food when you have the chance. 
9. There's something profoundly healing about expanding your internal map and visiting new places. 
10. Make a habit of showing gratitude,
11. It's really fun to dream in other languages. 
12. It is perfectly rational to be afraid of dentists. 
13. Don't underestimate the power of a bubble bath. 
14. Chemistry might be hard, but it's all worth it at the end of the year when you get to roast s'mores in lab. 
15. If you really want to preserve your memories, make a music playlist of songs that get stuck in your head throughout the year. 
16. Fewer things are more elegant than a clean room. 
17. Never miss a chance to dip your feet into a body of water- a lake, an ocean, a stream in the mountains...
18. Walk barefoot in the grass at least once a year. 
19. Don't confine your musical tastes to one genre. 
20. Learn to quiet the voice in your head that tells you you can't accomplish something. 
21. Appreciate the weather; when it's cold, you'll miss the heat, and when it's hot, you'll miss the cold.
22. Try not to categorize yourself. Doing so limits your capabilities. 
23. Every new day is a chance to learn something amazing.
24. There is no point in thinking if you keep your thoughts in your head. 
25. Wash your sheets often. You'll sleep better.
26. Sometimes it is more beneficial to rest than to keep studying. 
27. Foot surgery is never fun, but it gives you an excuse to paint your toenails. 
28. If the film score isn't one of the best parts of the movie, then you're watching the wrong movie. 
29. A hug and a cup of ice cream can fix almost anything. 
30. Life is too short to be pessimistic. 
31. Always go wakeboarding when you have the chance. 
32. Keep an open mind when you go shopping. Sometimes clothes look better on you than they look on the hanger. 
33. Don't hesitate to start an assignment. You can always revise later; don't waste your creative energy worrying about making mistakes. 
34. Pray all the time. All. The. Time. And keep your eyes open to see God's work in your life.
35. If you're stressed, don't waste time trying to take a nap. Read instead. Reading is always better.
36. Coloring is fun no matter how old you are. 
37. Try to acquire a new skill each year. 
38. Nothing is more valuable than friendship.
39. Smile more. There's a psychological phenomenon called facial feedback; if you continue to make an expression, your emotions will eventually shift to mirror that expression. 
40. If you hear a song on a TV show or a movie that you like, try to find it! I've found so many great songs by listening to TV shows. 
41. Start your day with music and it will be a great day. 
42. Sing in the shower. 
43. Reorganize your clutter. Your closet, purse, room, or backpack will be so much nicer and you will feel better about life. 
44. A nice set of pens will revolutionize the way you study. 
45. If you feel sad, look up baby animal videos. There is a shocking number of baby animal videos on YouTube and they are all overwhelmingly adorable. 
46. Learn how to do origami. It is a great way to pass time and can be done with any paper nearby. 
47. If you can play an instrument, play it often. The practice will be good and it's a lovely way to express your feelings. 
48. Be confident and be yourself. As C.S. Lewis once said, "You never know who will love the person you hide." 
49. A spirit of adventure is a precious, delicate gift that must be nurtured and preserved. 
50. Find a flattering hat and wear it as often as possible. 
51. In AP psych, we learned that chocolate boosts serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for happiness. I'll let you decide what to do with that information. 
52. Let people know how much you appreciate them. 

Happy New Year!