Know Your Enemies, But Just Make Sure You're Not One of Them.

I'd like to think of myself as someone who judges people based on what they bring to the table, and not just on whether I like them or not. Foolishly, I thought that others, for the most part, thought the same way, but boy was I in for the rudest awakening.

People can like or dislike you for any reason, and there's not a damn thing you can do about it, accept learn and move on.

2015-2016 has been the most eye-opening year of my life. Some people revealed themselves to be as ugly as I knew people could be, but in a way that I never quite experienced on a personal level. At first, I was sad and ruminated about what I'd done wrong, but then I realized three things: One, not everybody was raised like me; two: Nobody owes me anything; and three, (most importantly): No matter how people come at you, whether with respect or none at all - do not internalize the BS and let how they treat you reflect how you treat yourself.

I'd be lying if I said this was easier done than said. Everyday is a new opportunity to practice the third point and some days are easier than others. I'm a type A, anxious, get 'er done, Aries from Detroit. So as you can see, I'm a little intense. A little. Everything is a big deal to me, the deadlines I'm trying to meet (self-imposed or not), how much I can accomplish in a given week, and how much I connect with others. And quite honestly, I am pooped. I'm going to take my dad's advice when I get too rilled up and: Be the cat.

The cat is who they are, they don't try to be another cat, they get what they need to get done, and feel no need to rush or compete with prettier or wealthier cats to live their best life.

I'm my own worst enemy,and I look forward to the day when that's no longer the case and I am my biggest cheerleader.