It might seem a bit early to be looking back on the past year. We still have two months left of 2016 to soak in, two months to meet the resolutions we made back on January 1st. Many of us told ourselves this was going to be the year we finally get into that workout routine, kick our nasty habits, and become a morning person.

It's the age-old saying “a lot can change in a year." Never in my life have I related to that more than I do now. I remember as a child thinking how long a year felt, now as an adult, I keep finding myself asking for time to slow down.

So why am I thinking about the start of a new year when turkeys haven’t even been carved yet?

2016 was a rollercoaster to say the least. With a mix of highs and lows, I learned more about myself in a year than I thought was possible. Not only did I learn about myself and grew as an individual, I learned about the people I once invited into my life. It turns out sometimes the people you thought were making your life complete were actually holding you back, and when someone is holding you back you have to let them go, no matter how impossible it may seem at the time.

Approaching the end of the year I feel something I can’t explain with just a few words; a sense of passion, desire, hope, and excitement for the future that I have never experienced before.

I have the last 365 days to thank for that. I gained something out of every moment that was tossed my way. Through a heartbreak I have learned to never settle for anything less than what you deserve, I have found a greater sense of responsibility and independence with living on my own, and I have learned that you should always, not matter what, make time for the things and people that make you happy.

There’s no doubt that life can be unpredictable, but with every sunset comes a sunrise, and a second chance to start something new. Go out and take it.