As 2017 has come to an end, as cliche as it may sound, we all have New Years resolutions and aspects of our lives that we want to approve upon that we want to make a goal at the beginning of each year. Even though 2017 was one of the most difficult years of my life for multiple reasons, it opened my eyes to a lot of things. I learned a lot along the way to bring with me on my journey through 2018 and for the rest of my life.

1. Enjoy the little things in life.

2. Try to see the good in everyone. New friends, old friends. Literally every single person you cross paths with.

3. You might lose some people along the way, but your real friends will always be there.

4. Don't let others affect who you are on the inside. Stay true to who you are and don't change for anyone.

5. Not everything is worth fighting for, but the things that are, fight for them and do not give up.

6. You're most likely your own worst enemy; stop holding yourself back.

7. Try new things.

8. Do your absolute best at all things you do.

9. Stop letting others walk all over you. You know you're better than that.

10. Learn your self-worth and you will love yourself for it.

11. Leave toxic environments; whether it's a relationship, friendship or a family member, you can always leave it behind.

12. This is a new year, so this is a clean slate. Leave the past in the past and move forward. The best is yet to come!

With another year down and a new one just beginning, I am excited to see what it has in store for me. To quote one of my favorite movies, Forrest Gump of course, "Mama always said, life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get." I may not know what's ahead for me in 2018, but I'm excited to find out.