2016. The year that everyone is trying to forget. It was one of the most challenging years of my life. It was like Pandora's Box was unleashed upon me and I had to gather all of its contents or as if my life was thrown in a blender, then I had to try to figure out all the ingredients. It is hard to put into words every experience but what I do know is through it all, each one has helped me to grow. Each experience has taught me a lesson that I can carry into my future.

2016 Has Taught Me...

Acceptance:

Nothing is permanent in life. Things are constantly changing, with change comes resistance but it is easier to accept what we can not change, have the courage to change what we can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Everything happens for a reason.

Forgiveness:

It is easy for us to accept an apology, but forgiveness stems much deeper. We must forgive those who have wronged us but most importantly forgive ourselves. Allow ourselves to make mistakes to learn from them, to grow from them.

Gratitude:

Be thankful for what and who we have in our lives. We take for granted the little things. Remember there is someone who is praying for what you already have. Also, it never hurts to give a simple "Thank you".

Non-Judgement:

Is to realize that no one here on Earth is perfect and who am I to judge you because you live your life differently than mine?

It's Okay To Express Feelings & Emotions:

Humans are emotional beings. It is more damaging to ourselves to suppress them instead we should express them regardless of the emotion or feelings. Accept it for what it is. Embrace it. Express it.

Family:

No family is perfect. Your family is there to support and love you through it all. We do not get to choose them, they are a gift given to us and can quickly be taken away from us in a blink of an eye.

Self- Care:

Nobody knows you better than yourself. It is important to take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Set time aside to do the things you enjoy. Take time out of our busy schedules to appreciate yourself! Pay attention to the signs your body is telling you.

Friendship:

Friends are your extended family. Surround yourself with people who encourage you to be the best version of yourself. Friends are the type of people to put you in check when you are acting out of line or there to stand by your bedside while you are in the hospital. They share the good and the bad with you. Friends come and go but if you can find five to six loyal friends, keep them close and never let go.

Self- Empowerment:

Do not fall victim to your circumstances. You have the power at any given moment to change. Our power lies within us and we are in control of our own destinies. The energy we put out is the energy we receive. Positive thoughts, positive results. Negative thoughts, negative results. Know your strengths and your weaknesses.

Honesty Is The Best Policy:

The truth will set you free. Somehow, someway no matter how hard we try to lock it away the truth will always reveal itself. Speak the truth though it may be unpopular and make others feel uncomfortable.

Lend A Helping Hand:

It feels good to help others in need, there is something about it that moves the soul. Whether it is volunteering at the local shelter or donating that spare change to someone homeless. To give of oneself is the ultimate sacrifice.

We Are All In This Together:

We are all connected, we need each other to survive. Nature, animals, and humans. Earth is a gift to us to protect and live in peace. When we take a step back to understand this fully we can see that we are not alone. We can see that life is so much bigger than ourselves.

Question Everything:

There is no such thing as a stupid question. We must ask questions in order to receive answers. Just because we are told, and taught something does not mean that it is true.

Live In Your Truth:

We are all handcrafted each of us unique in our own ways. So be weird if you want to, dress crazy, laugh loud, do what makes you happy. Be you! Follow your heart! Be unapologetically you!

Listen To Your Inner Voice:

We all can hear that little voice in our heads telling us right from wrong. Guiding our daily lives. It even triggers us to have gut feelings about certain situations. Do not ignore them, pay attention to the signs. Your intuition can guide you far in life. 99.9% of the time you are right. Trust yourself.

No Regrets:

Live without regrets because at one moment that was exactly what you wanted to do.

Be Spontaneous:

Do not be afraid to do something off the wall. Go on that trip, quit that job, hit up that music festival. Life is about the little moments. Enjoy them while we can. Everybody dies but not everybody lives.

Live In The Moment:

There is no better time than NOW. Be present in the moment. The past has already happened and we are not guaranteed a future. The more we live in the Now the more filling life is.

Never Stop Dreaming:

Dreams help to motivate us to be better, it gives us something to strive for. No dream is too big and no dream is too small. If you have a dream go for it, no matter the cost. You have the power to make your dreams a reality.

Love:

Love is the most important lesson of all. Love comes in many forms but true love starts within yourself. Love yourself for who you are which then allows for you to love others for who they are and to love themselves as well. Love is boundless. Love is magnanimous. Love is limitless. Love is eternal. Love is the most powerful weapon of all, it can conquer anything.

2016 was an unforgettable year but we can all agree we are glad it is over. 2017 brings a new beginning to start over fresh. As I continue forward I will never forget what 2016 has taught me, and hopefully, it has taught you a few things along the way too!