The general consensus is that 2016 will go down in history as the suckiest year of all sucky years.
From Brexit to "Damn Daniel" to Trump actually being elected, let's face it: This year has just been hella weird.
In an effort to have a better year in 2017, I started making a list of things I was planning to either let go of or simply forget for the new year. But as I started writing my list, I realized some of these may also resonate with all of you.
Here are 10 things we should all try to forget about in 2017:
1. Gluten-Free Anything
If you're allergic to gluten, pay no mind to what I'm about to say.
If you're not allergic, listen up: Gluten is perfectly fine if you don't have an allergy.
If you've felt a sudden change in your body after stopping gluten, that's cool. But I'm just saying studies have shown if you're not allergic, the health benefits of not eating it aren't abundant.
So eat the damn Oreo, please. You'll be fine, I promise.
2. FOMO
Put your phone down once in a while.
Go a week without checking Instagram or Twitter.
More often than not we miss out on more in real life when we're hooked to our phones trying to not miss out on what our friends are doing.
It's hard to break free from our gadgets, but it's also absolutely imperative we come up for air once in a while.
3. Social Media Stalking
We all have that one ex-boyfriend we incessantly stalk.
But we don't just stalk him, no. We stalk his new girlfriend, his ex-girlfriend before us, his mom and his employer.
Stop looking at me like that, you know it's true. We've all done it.
Let's be different in 2017: Let's finally lay the stalking (and relationship) to rest, and move on.
As cliché as it may sound, you can't start a new chapter in life until you've finished the prior one.
4. Fear Of Dating
First dates suck, I know. But it's not just your first dates that suck, it's literally everyones.
The key is to have fun and be yourself. If the person really likes you, they'll accept you just the way you are.
And remember, not all first dates lead to untamed fires of passion. That's the point of dating; you're supposed to play the field until you find someone who does make you feel those untamed fires of passion.
5. Toxic Friends
If they're envious, get rid of them.
If they don't support you, get rid of them.
If they make you feel bad about yourself in any way, get rid of them.
True friends energize you and make you smile. They support you and love you enough to tell you when you're wrong. Make sure you choose them wisely.
6. Being Hypercritical Of Yourself
So maybe you have a gut, cellulite, stretch marks or bacne. Maybe your feet are too big, your eyes aren't blue, your hair is unfashionably frizzy and your nose is on the larger side. So what?
I get it, but have you ever taken a second to think about all the amazing things your body does for you?
Your heart hasn't stopped beating since you were in your mom's belly, you don't have to think to breathe and if you're blessed enough to be able-bodied, you have limbs that reach, grab, run, walk and stretch.
Your body is amazing, and to quote my boy John Mayer, "Your body is a wonderland." Love it and thank it.
7. Being Scared
You don't want to get a new hairstyle because your scared? But why?
It's just hair, it will grow back. Hair can be an expression, so express yourself.
8. Putting Garbage Into Your Body
I love eating Nutella straight out of the jar, but I know the sugar and palm oil isn't exactly healthy.
The same way we treat ourselves with chocolate cake, pizza, cigarettes and martinis, we should treat ourselves to green veggies and lean meats.
Drinking is fun, but maybe try not getting wasted every single weekend. Think about it.
9. Not Exercising
There are so many ways we can use our beautiful bodies. Along with eating a healthy meal we also need to move our bodies.
Most of us are confined to an office space five days a week, so maybe taking a dance class or doing some kickboxing can help your body get the movement it needs to stay happy and healthy.
10. Believing You'll Never Find Love
Maybe 2016 wasn't your year for love, but that's no reason to think you'll end up alone.
You're not unlovable and there's nothing wrong with you.
When you're perpetually single, it feels like the whole world is happy and in love, but it's only because you're focusing on others' happiness and not your own.
You're an amazing person, and the love of your life is waiting for you. You'll find them, don't fret.
Cheers to a dope 2017. A year of new beginnings, new experiences and saying goodbye to things that do nothing for us.
