2006

I'd like to refrain from the overly sentimental junk that occurs at the start or closing of the year, but I'll try and keep it as honest as possible.

2006 both sucked and was great. I just want to go over a few things that I think are the most important lessons I've learned.

Don't believe things because you're told to...

Seriously. If there's one thing I've learned at university, it's that you need to think for yourself, or you will never get anywhere in life. If you want to be an independent man/woman you need to grow up and think for yourself. Make decisions because YOU want to make them, not because someone else tells you to. Make sure what you are doing is what you really, truly, want to do.

Friends are often the most important things you'll have in your life...

Don't underestimate the importance of friendship. For the maybe, 3 of you reading this, if you're still in high school, make sure the friends you have are the friends you really want, because when you leave high school it changes everything. I speak to only a handful of the people from school because, frankly, they are my real friends. And most importantly, choose your friends wisely. If you have no one you can call after a messy break-up to just hang out and talk...get out more and find someone. Because you never know when you'll need them.

Find a cure for depression...

If you're depressed, don't make it worse by sitting at home for weeks and doing nothing. Get up and find something to do to keep your mind busy. Don't let depression consume you.

God does exist, and He is in control of absolutely everything...

It's my blog, I can say what I want :) God exists, and cares, whether you believe in Him or not. My 2006 was a testimony to the very existence of God. He provides. Always.

RMIT University administration facilities are lacking in both coherency and common sense...

...really nothing else to say.

Don't be worried about whatever the next few months brings...

Seriously. Just take each day as it comes. Prepare for tomorrow, but don't worry about it. Don't stress out about the things that are entirely out of your control.

And finally, the one lesson that has impacted me most out of 2006:

The world, despite hurt, pain, sin and grief, is a beautiful place. Enjoy every breath, because your next isn't guaranteed. Hopefully, after you embrace this, you'll be able to do everything you've ever wanted to do but haven't had the courage, time, patience or commitment for.

Happy 2007.