2016 has certainly been an eventful year. So many things have happened, both good and bad. I can't say that it's been a great year, but it hasn't been a terrible year either. We're all going to have our ups and downs and that's totally normal and to be expected. As we say goodbye to 2016 and reign in the new year, I'm able to say that I've learned many valuable lessons and that I have so much to be grateful for. Here are 16 things that I've learned from 2016.

1. Don't be afraid to be yourself

2016 has really been a year of opening up for me. I moved out of my mom's house and into college, and it's been a whole new learning experience for me. I've stumbled along the way, but I can say that I've really found myself throughout this year, and I'm proud of who I've become.

2. Say yes more often

I can't tell you how many times I've passed up good opportunities juts because I was afraid or simply didn't feel like doing it. This year has really taught me to stop saying no to everything and to start saying yes more often. Even if it's just to go on a little adventure with some friends, just say yes. I've made some of the best memories that I have from doing so, and taking certain opportunities can sometimes greatly change your life.

3. Don't give away your trust so easily

We all want to see the best in people, but it's not good to always be so trusting of everyone. It takes time to build up trust, so take your time and choose your friends wisely. Trusting the wrong people can lead to terrible situations, while trusting the right people can lead to some of the best.

4. Meet new people

This year has also resulted in me meeting so many new people. Don't be afraid to reach out and start a conversation with someone. Reaching out to others is how you meet new people and make great connections.

5. Take care of your body

This year I became more dedicated to taking care of my body because I realized my health is what is most important. I've started eating a healthier diet and getting more exercise. I feel better and I'm so much happier because of this.

6. Drink more water

This may seem weird, but it's true. Drinking water everyday has so many health benefits. It can help reduced bloating, and it'll even clear up your skin. I used to have horrible acne and I've been drinking water almost everyday this year, and my skin is almost completely clear now.

7. Put all of your effort into everything, even if you don't succeed

If you say yes to more opportunities, make sure to give it your all. Even if you don't succeed, you'll still be able to say that you tried your very best. You will have gained more experience and it may even make you want to work harder and try again.

8. Take time for yourself

I can't stress how important it is to juts take some time for yourself. This is the time where you could discover more about yourself and really be in your own element. I like to do this through yoga and meditation. However you choose to do it, just try to make some time for yourself once in a while.

9. Don't hold grudges

We've all been hurt in some way before. Life is too short to hold grudges fro long periods of time though. Learn to forgive, even if you don;t want to. This will make you the bigger and stronger person. Forgiving allows you to move on and lift a huge weight off of your chest.

10. Spread more positivity

In a world that is ruled by hate, try being a light to others. Simply being kinder to others can lift your mood as well as others' moods. We need more positive energy in the world. Help spread it.

11. Try to find something positive in every situation

When faced with a bad situation, it's good to try and find something positive, even if it's small. Finding something positive can be all you need to gather the strength to push through whatever situation you're in.

12. Spend more time with family

This year has made me realize more than ever, how important spending time with your family is. We are never guaranteed tomorrow, so take every opportunity you can to see or speak to your family members.

13. Don't be afraid to get into a new relationship

Getting into a new relationship can be scary. Having a positive outlook on it though, can make it so much easier. Just saying yes to a date, could be one of the greatest decisions you've ever made. Even if it didn't go that well, don't let that deter you from going out with other people. There's someone out there for everyone, and you'll find them.

14. Don't let others walk over top of you

In a world that's filled with hate, there are also people who will unfortunately take advantage of you and treat you wrongly. Don't let this happen. Become more independent and keep your guard up more. No one deserves to have someone else walk all over them and be treated poorly.

15. Think your decisions through

While saying yes more often can be a great thing, it can also turn into a bad thing. Think your decisions through more carefully before making them. You don't want to potentially suffer any negative consequences.

16. Approach the new year stronger than ever

Each year, I feel like we each grow a little stronger in our own way. We all have setbacks, but we push through them and become stronger because of that. As we approach the new year, keep an open mind and be ready to take on new challenges. Each year will be different from the last, so go into 2017 ready to make it your year.