As much as I hate that 2016 is coming to a close, I can honestly say I'm quite proud and impressed with how my year turned out. I've learned a lot. I've lost some people, but gained many more. I've made some foolish decisions, but I don't think I've regretted much. I've spoken up, tried new things, and gained valuable life experience. Here are the five things that most effected my 2016.

Love

For most of this year, I was in a relationship. While we had our ups and down, I was in love much of 2016. This summer I fell even more in love, but ultimately I fell out of it. While I'm getting a little antsy being single, I am proud of myself for being confident and happy on my own.

Heartbreak

This year, I had my heart broken and also broke a heart. My ex-boyfriend and I had a break in May, and it tore me apart. I thought I'd never see him again and I thought I was okay being alone, but I really wasn't emotionally stable enough to do so. After we got back together, I ended up breaking his heart right back. It's hard to break someone's heart--it was my first time.

New Friends

I am so proud to call so many more people my friends this year! I know I've gained many people to talk to and hang out with. I look forward to spending more time with them and becoming closer. They've really helped to make my second year at Hamline more enjoyable.

Old Friends

I am proud to say I am still friends with my three childhood best friends. While this summer I was worried we might drift apart, we all still talk almost everyday and hang out when we can. They've know me longer than most people and I am blessed they still are in my life.

Self-love

Perhaps the most important one of the list, this has been a tremendous year for loving myself. Earlier in 2016, I thought I was happy and confident. However, these last few months I have truly know happiness and self-confidence. While this might sound a little bit vein, there was a point where I looked into the mirror, smiled at myself and thought how pretty I was. That's an exchange that never would have happened to me before. It's lovely seeing myself how all my loved ones and friends see me.