As the year draws to an end, looking back through the past 365 days has made me realize how lucky I am to still be here and how much life can change in a year. This year has brought me numerous ups and downs, and each lesson I've learned came in the hardest ways. Here are my top 10 most valuable lessons I learned in 2016.

1. You can't please everybody.

And in the end, it's just going to be you anyway, so don't stress trying to make others happy if you are unhappy yourself.

2. Do what makes you happy.

Life is way too short to live miserably.

3. Don't let anyone drag you down.

We are all beautiful and unique in our own individual ways, embrace it. Also, stay humble and don't tear others down.

4. Take time for your family.

I promise you there will not be any other people besides your family who will love you unconditionally, and their time here is just as short as yours. Never forget who's been there for you the longest.

5. Take time for yourself.

Your mental health is a key priority to living a happy life. Take time out of each day to do at least one thing that makes you happy. Eat that cookie, take that bath, relax and try to enjoy life a little.

6. Cherish your time here.

Too often, we all take life for granted. Don't. You never know when your time is up, so live it up in the best ways. Be thankful that you are still here.

7. Work hard, but don't forget to take a break.

Don't overwork yourself, but don't slack off. Study just enough, but don't stay up all night trying to cram for a test. Study for an hour, and go do something for the next hour. Your body deserves the break from tedious work.

8. You'll sleep when you're dead (so live it up).

This is one of my favorites. You will not look back on the nights you got plenty of sleep, it'll be the nights you said yes to going out with your friends and staying out having a blast. Work on saying yes a little more, I promise you it'll make life more interesting.

9. New friends are a blessing.

This year I made more new friends than ever before, and I'm so thankful I did. Don't be afraid to go talk to someone new, you never know what kind of friendship could come up.

10. Don't give up on people you love.

Allowing someone you love to walk out of your life is one of the biggest regrets a person can have. Work your ass off to keep them in your life and put in all the effort that you can. If they love you too, they will stay. If they choose to leave, at least you can't say you didn't try.