2016 felt like it flew by, and honestly, that's mind blowing. This year was full of stories, questionable occurrences, and an abundance of internet memes. Most importantly, 2016 offered up a lot of lessons, both good and bad, and I know that I'll use these lessons in years to come. Here's 12 of the most important lessons I learned throughout this year.

1. The things that scare you will be the ones you have the most fun doing

I'm sure we've all been there before, in a situation where fear got ahead of us, and we decided to back out of trying something simply because we were scared. Of course, there are certain times where the easiest option is to do exactly that, but there are other times when trying something that you're afraid of may be one of the best decisions you ever make. You may learn something new, or find a new passion, but regardless, you'll always be able to finish your terrifying task with a confident, "I did it."

2. People who aren't toxic can still cause toxic relationships

This is one of the hardest lessons to learn. Whether it be with a friend, a family member, or in a romantic relationship. You know the person means well, but the complicated web of a relationship you have with them is nothing but toxic.

3. It's okay to have bad days

It happens to the best of us. We break down, we get upset, we get angry, and the slightest things set us off. Having bad days doesn't mean you have a bad life, but when the worst days do come along, it's important to know that everything will work out.

4. Forgiveness is key

It might take time, weeks and months even, but once you learn to forgive someone, and talk about the issue at hand, rather than holding a grudge, the reconstruction of a relationship is one of the most satisfying feelings you'll ever feel.

5. You should never throw out an opportunity

It's better to take an opportunity and fail, rather than not take it at all. You can always get up and try again, but you can't always get back opportunities that you pass up.

6. It's great to be involved, but never wear yourself too thin.

Being involved in numerous clubs, teams, and communities in your town, school, or anywhere else is exciting and rewarding, but being TOO involved is a real thing. There comes a point where you must delegate, or you'll crash under stress and pressure.

7. Happiness is nothing to be ashamed of

Some people will do nothing but drag you down when you feel as if you're on top of the world. Therefore, it's easy to think that happiness is something that is better kept secretive. This couldn't be more wrong. If you're happy, you have every right to share it with the world, embrace the fact that you have so many reasons to smile.

8. Change is a good thing

Whether it be a small change or a world-altering difference, sometimes changing things up in your life is refreshing, and it allows you to feel brand new.

9. Being generous is something that no amount of money can compare to

Helping people out in a time of need, or simply making them smile on a bad day will forever be the best feeling in the world, for all people involved. When you help someone out in any way, you know you're making a difference, and the person you assist will hold onto your generosity for a long time.

10. The most important thing you can do is follow your heart

In the long run, you have to be happy with your decisions in your life, and at the end of the day, only you know what's best for you. Advice is a great thing but always follow your heart, despite others trying to steer you in a different direction.

11. Pictures are important

This generation may be known as the technological generation, but if it means we have something to look back on, we're okay with the nickname. If you don't think pictures are important, wait until they're all you have left.

12. You can grow so much in a year

It's easy to use a year as a source of measurement for personal growth. Sometimes it can be tough to notice how much you've grown on your own, but consider this: Every new person you met, new place you traveled, new opportunity you took, new lesson you learned, and new success and failures you had this year, you grew as a person. Never compare yourself to anyone other than the person you used to be.