I was going to write a year in review. I was going to write about how crazy 2016 was with all of the atrocities that plagued our world, from our nation’s deadliest mass shooting in Orlando to everything that has been happening in war-torn Aleppo. I was going to write about how we lost popular-culture icons every month, from David Bowie in January to Debbie Reynolds at the tail end of December, and then we had an orange one elected to be president of the U.S. in between. I could have written all about every single bad thing that happened last year. I was going to, but then I realized that by doing that, I would be focusing on only the negative things that happened.
By no means should any of the things I mentioned be discredited. We still need to do all that we can to right the wrongs and learn from our own mistakes and the mistakes of others to collectively move forward and prevent further tragedies and injustices. But, also, we must bear in mind that there has been a lot of good among the bad. On a global scale, the ozone layer has started its healing process. Medical marijuana was legalized in Florida. Leonardo DiCaprio finally won his first Oscar. People stood their ground at Standing Rock Indian Reservation, and protests in solidarity around the nation and were heard. President Barack Obama cracked some solid dad jokes on Thanksgiving Day.
On a personal level, last year held so many memorable experiences for me. I took a trip to New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras and a close friend’s birthday. I adopted a tiny, shy kitten who is now fat, happy and comfortable enough to try to square up with my roommate’s Great Dane. I also got a tattoo of my cat getting abducted by an alien spaceship. My band played some really great shows and helped introduce me to some of the greatest people I’ve met. I started to try to grow as a person, especially since I’ve officially given up on trying to grow in height. My friends inspired me so much last year, even the one who told me to “write about how everything is terrible, but I’m amazing” when I couldn’t get past my writer’s block (and to think I almost listened to him). I spent the last moments of 2016 and welcomed the new year with people I love, and I hope to spend 2017 making even more memories with them.
Sometimes we’re so distracted by all the terrible things that go on that we don’t allow ourselves to appreciate something good when it happens. I can’t tell you what to do, but it might be beneficial if we all do what we can to be happier this year. Call it a New Year’s resolution if you want. If you’re unhappy with a piece of news, do all you can to do something about it. Donate to good causes, and call or write letters to elected officials. You know the drill. If you’re feeling unhappy and can’t figure out why, please see a doctor. They might be able to help you medicinally or help you find natural remedies. Smile at passersby. Say “no” more. Or say “yes.” Go out of your way to pet some dogs. Try not to get hung up on celebrity drama. Most importantly, let’s try not to repeat the mistakes we’ve made. Welcome 2017, welcome the new semester and welcome the new experiences that lie ahead.
Alexa DeLoera is a UF political science senior. Her column appears on Fridays.
