2016 Review

2016 was rough for all of us.

Early this year, I wrote a blog post the included:

"2016 is naturally going to be chaotic due to the US Presidential Elections. The comments on the Internet will be even more stupid and opinionated than on non-election years (hard to believe)."

I was not wrong. Though, I was very wrong about my prediction. I wrote about moving on with the results of the election and how we need to address issues of getting knowledge from the internet and how we need to remain active in the politics. We must not lose focus on our ideals.

"I continue to define myself personally and professionally and the next year will probably be much more significant than in previous years."

While 2016 was probably one of the most difficult years of my life (if not the most difficult), I will look back on it and will definitely see growth. This year, more than any other, I was reminded that I can't completely control life's path, as much as I try to. No doubt that it is better to work in parallel with life rather than mope around and feel sorry for yourself; self-reflection is very different and I feel it is very important in development.

But 2016 wasn't filled with just unfavorable events. Many friends got engaged and married (as predicted). I loved spending time with my friends at such a happy time of their lives. I certainly increased the amount of time I spent on hiking and picking up photography along the way. I've gotten the opportunity to think and read about many aspects of life. I highly recommend When Breath Becomes Air, Power of Habit, and Shoe Dog for some good reads.

If we come out of this year learning one thing, I hope it's to have strong opinions, held weakly.