10 Ways 2016 Kicked My Ass

January 3, 2017

This isn’t what you may think it is. This isn’t a rant about how terrible 2016 was.

It’s a list.

Hah! Alright, but in all seriousness this isn’t a post about bashing the last 365 days I endured on planet earth. As a whole, I’ve heard a lot of complaints about this past year. People had hardship (and many of them carry these hardships with them into the new year). That load is heavy and I feel for you.

We lost jobs, loved ones, money, hope – you name it. We lost a lot of amazing actors and actresses too. Dammit, Carrie Fisher is gone.

So yea, 2016 was sort of an ass kicking. But I find myself reveling in some of my personal ass kicking moments. If I’ve learned anything in this past year, it’s that pain can be an AMAZING driving force to get up and make change happen. So here they are, 10 ways 2016 kicked my ass (and I kinda liked it!):

My rent increased by $250

I job hunted for 4 months straight

My boyfriend’s apartment caught on fire and smelled like the pit of Hades and I had to convince him that staying in the toxic fume, smoke-infested unit was not the best idea

(he thought his teacup-sized humidifier would combat the fires of hell)

I fell down a flight of wooden stairs and felt equal parts stupid and equal parts interested in grippy socks

My favorite Aveda facial moisturizer was discontinued and my face ACTUALLY SUFFERED

I had to say no to renewing my SoCal Disneyland pass due to Ass Kicking # 1

I had to watch my best friend’s babies do cute things on Facebook and Instagram instead of in real life (states apart probs)

Anxiety reared it’s ugly head for the first time ever in my life. It’s the absolute worst. Now, how do I make it go away?!

I could not stifle my 11pm chocolate cravings and literally consumed an entire bag of Trader Joe’s Cowboy Bark in one standing. On multiple occasions.

Everyone got super stoked about the Gilmore Girls return special and I felt really out of the loop because I never watched that show

(that is serious alienation from society)

OK, so in looking at these so called “ass kickings” I’m seeing a pattern here – a pattern of absolute blessing and divine grace. I really have nothing to complain about. Any hardship that did come my way was really a lesson or growth opportunity in disguise.

When you turn your obstacles into opportunities, things look a whole lot brighter. Sure, I didn’t always have that rosy mindset in the moment, but I’ve learned of its merit in hindsight.

So hats off to 2016! I’m not sorry to see you go, but thanks for the life lessons and for another year on this amazing planet.

How was your 2016? Dare I ask? Was it breathtaking? Was it horrid? What was your biggest take away? I can’t wait to hear!

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Comments

Andrea says

January 4, 2017 at 3:34 pm

Love this entry about turning obstacles into opportunities! What are your big dreams and goals for 2017?!!

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taygriggs says

January 5, 2017 at 3:41 am

Thanks Andrea!! Some of my goals for 2017 include branding my blog (working on a logo now with a friend) and owning my new position I start next week!

What about you??

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Anonymous says

January 13, 2017 at 5:13 pm

I love this post so much. Also, I've never seen Gilmore Girls either!

Reply
taygriggs says

February 10, 2017 at 10:43 pm

Thanks so much Kelsey!! Glad we are both in that boat, haha! 🙂

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