29 Important Rules To Live By If You Don't Want The Next Year To Be As Terrible As 2016

By Iman Zia | 28 Dec, 2016

2016 was pretty grim for a lot of reasons, we all agree. It was a whirlwind of a year full of loss, love, happiness and heartbreak. 2016 wasn’t really about me.

I lost myself, and I know a lot of others lost themselves too. I realized how easy it was to plunge into an abyss where you feel like you can’t crawl back out, and to suddenly forget to live your life for you, especially in this society where conforming to norms is the only acceptable way to survive.

Here are the resolutions I’m making for 2017 to help me rediscover myself, keep focused and to be a better person:

 

1. Keep a diary, and write down everything you feel, day or night.

Even if it’s something like an early sunny morning where the sight of fluttering crows makes you feel a little lighter, write it down.

2. Read more poetry.

Trust me, reading the heart-achingly beautiful words of Ahmed Faraz or John Keats will inspire you to love more.

3. Spend more money on books. Bury your heart in them.

Source: Tumblr

4. Move your body.

If you don’t want to go to the gym, stay at home and just dance. Endorphins are released when you exercise, and endorphins make you happier.

5. Listen to more orchestral music to unwind at the end of a day.

A few of my favorites are The Arrival Of The Birds, and Dear John’s OST and this one from Aamir Khan’s movie:

6. Take more photos and capture important moments of your life.

Source: Tumblr

7. Take care of your skin.

Exfoliate your skin at least three times a week.

8. Spray the ends of your hair with a bit of rosewater every morning.

It’ll keep your hair soft, hydrated and smelling wonderfully.

9. Surround yourself with fresh flowers and scented candles.

Source: Tumblr

10. Watch a new film at least once a week.

Helps keep you entertained, sane and is also a nice learning experience, every once in a while, as well.

11. Smile often.

12. Listen to more Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

Understand his words because they’ll change you.

Source: The Sufi

13. Go for walks and strolls and breathe in the city air.

14. Always appreciate the people who love you and support you.

Even when you’re feeling low, make sure you don’t lose the people that care about you on the way.

15. Adopt a dog.

Or a cat, if you’re a cat person.

Source: Tumblr

16. Cut out all toxic people from your life.

Your time and life is too precious to have any negativity around you.

17. My khaala gave me this advice: Don’t hold grudges with anyone, however much they might have done you wrong.

Just move on. Don’t be vindictive. It’s hard to overcome your ego, but just let things go. Wish everyone well.

18. Be kind to everyone you come across.

Kindness goes a long way.

Source: Tumblr

19. Learn to bake.

I used to bake all the time on quiet nights. Baking was such a good stress reliever and it was alright to indulge now and again.

20. Try and be healthy.

And by being healthy I don’t mean starve yourself. Have more fruits and incorporate more vegetables into your lifestyle.

21. Get things done.

Work hard and play hard. I can’t emphasize financial independence enough, but I also feel like people lose themselves in the race of earning as much dough as they can, but not actually enjoying HOW they earn it. Make sure you’re happy in what you do. Otherwise it isn’t worth it.

Source: Tumblr

22. Apply castor oil on your eyelashes every night before bed.

They’ll grow thicker and longer. Also apply them on your eyebrows if you’re growing them out.

23. Be honest with your intentions.

Listen to your heart in whatever you do.

24. Love without holding back, and love without giving back.

It’s the most liberating thing you’ll do.

Source: Tumblr

25. Get out of your comfort zone.

Become a risk-taker.

26. Learn an instrument or a new language.

27. Explore the city you live in.

Become a native wanderlust, and venture into new territory.

Source: Flickr

28. NEVER confuse lust for love.

29. It’s okay to not be okay every once in a while.

And it’s okay when life throws you off your game. It’s about gathering all the pieces and ploughing on that counts.

 

 

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