As each year passes and grows old, it is important to reflect on the lessons, memories, and stories that will forever be on our hearts. With only a couple of weeks left of 2016, I decided to give myself some time to reflect on the year. This year was honestly a life changer, and I will never forget it.
These 365 days have been quite the adventure. I had a new chance every single day to learn from my mistakes, and grow. There has been so many changes that I have had to face, where my strength was tested. A year teaches us so much about ourselves, and this year was especially a wake up call for me.
The biggest lesson that I learned this year was that self love is so important. No matter how many people are in your life, it is important to know how to pick yourself up. I learned that if I don't love myself, it's hard to feel loved by others. I decided to compliment myself more, and to congratulate myself for my accomplishments. Since I have begun seeing myself in a more positive light, my whole life has changed. This was not something that was easy to see for me. As a matter of fact, it took me twelve months to see the positive aspects and qualities that make me, me.
I have learned to forgive and move on. Life is too short to be mad at someone for something small. I realized that you never know the last time you will talk or see someone, so it is important to live everyday telling those who we love just how much they mean to us. I used to feel the need to hold grudges, but this year taught me to just let go.
There is nothing more important than doing what you love, and 2016 opened my heart to my truest passions. I learned what it is that I want to do for the rest of my life. I learned that if I do not do what I love, then I truly will not live a successful life. I learned that it is not all about the money, and I am so glad I realized that this early in my life.
Last but not least, 2016 taught me to laugh and smile more. Times get rough and it is hard to know how to handle tough situations. If you force yourself to laugh, you will actually laugh. Through all the stress in life, smile, and everything will be alright.
Although 2016 challenged me in so many ways, I would not be who I am at the end of the year without it's lessons. I have grown tremendously, and cannot wait to see what the next year will hold.
So here's a final toast to 2016. A year I will never forget. 2017, I am ready to learn from your book of 365 pages.
If this was not your year, you get a second chance. It is time to go out and do what you love. Love yourself above all. Live a year full of smiles and laughs, and let go of the things that have been heavy on your heart in 2016. You get 365 new chances. Make them count.
Goodbye, 2016. Thank you for everything.
