Happy 2022! It is officially the new year, which means itâs time to begin implementing those New Year's resolutions we all vow to complete. Whether itâs going to the gym every day, reading more, or having a different routine, all of us choose a different route to take. However, it is important to remember to give yourself a break. In my life especially, I get caught up on the âshould havesâ and âwould havesââI should have done this better, or I would have done it this way if I could do it again. The best life lesson Iâve learned, and one I think we should all learn at some point in our life, is that perfection does not equal happiness. Instead of wasting time striving for perfection, itâs best to start to find joy in the little things. Itâs time to start seeing âmistakesâ as learning opportunities. Obviously, these arenât easy featsâRome wasnât built in a day. So here is my advice to all of you, the top ten things I learned in 2021.
1. Stop and smell the roses, literally and figuratively. This expression simply means appreciating and recognizing the goodness in our lives. At the end of every day, I try to write down or tell someone something good that happened to me. Sometimes itâs as simple as seeing a pretty view. Pick out one small thing each day.
2. Tell people you love them. They need to hear it, itâs as easy as that. Give love to others and they will give it right back to you.
3. Everything does happen for a reason, but if you donât understand the reason yet, youâre still stuck in the happening. This is my favorite current quote, and I think itâs important to continue to tell ourselves this through the hard times.
4. Smile more. This oneâs easy, put joy out into the world. Itâll soon come back to you. Also, it takes more muscles for your face to frown, so give your muscles a break if you think like that!
5. Find peace in the unknown. Life isnât meant to stick to one plan.
6. Outgrowing friendships is a part of life. It doesnât mean either person did something wrong
7. Donât alter your personality or habits to please others. Authenticity is the best thing you can have.
8. Be genuine. Simple as that.
9. Want to make mistakes!! Itâs the only way to grow
10. Mental health matters. Check-in on those around you and be honest with yourself.
Sami Cohen is a BBG from Rocky Mountain Region and is a big fan of sunsets, Taylor Swift, and a good book.
All views expressed on content written for The Shofar represent the opinions and thoughts of the individual authors. The author biography represents the author at the time in which they were in BBYO.
