I am not a particularly smart woman- I have to do basic math on my phone calculator still and I have no idea how insurance works- but I do know that there is a bit of wisdom we can gain from other people’s experiences. I will impart some stuff that I’ve learned along this year in the hopes that you, my dear reader, can use it to make 2018 a great year.

17. Game of Thrones is a wonderful show.

I know I'm tardy to the party, but like dang its amazing and I am so happy that I started watching it. Plus, Daenerys Targaryen is my spirit Dragon and I am glad to know her.

16. Don’t always go off of what beauty gurus tell you.

Look. It is a lot of fun to watch beauty gurus, but they can be wrong about things. For example, there was a lot of hate about the Anastasia Beverly Hills subculture palate and it's amazing. So, just don't take what they say as bible.

15. Go on a little adventure every once and awhile.

It is nice to get out of your daily routine. This year I went to Atlanta for a few days, drove to Manhattan for a day to see my friend and went to see a band that I did not know super well with a friend. It is fun to see new things, so dang it! Go do it!

14. Women are dope creatures.

I’ve always known this, but this year reinforced this. The Me Too campaign brought out incredible women who stood up to abuse. Wonder Woman showed women that you too can be a bad ass, yet compassionate woman. Glow taught me the importance of sisterhood. Ladies, we are so cool.

13. Don’t stay up until 2 to watch the 7th episode of Stranger Things.

Season 2 is amazing, but can we all agree that the 7th episode does not deserve a late night binge sesh.

12. I am a cat person, who would like to have a dog.

While I would like to have a small one, it is still ok to know that you don't have to pledge your allegiance to just one type of animal for the rest of your life.

11. Fantasy Football is a lot of fun, but it is also frustrating.

Like why is it that when I take Jordan Howard out of my line up he decides to get 28 points!? What is this evil?

10. Apologize when you’re wrong, but don’t always expect an apology back.

It makes you a bigger person when you know that you're not perfect. So, apologize to whoever you hurt, but also know that you hurt someone and never apologized for it. That's how life works. The person who hurt you may never realize that so don't hang onto that.

9. Let other people make their mistakes.

You can only give advice, but you can’t force people to take your advice. They will do what they want to do, so love them through it.

8. Please serve drinks at your wedding.

Like I am so happy to be invited to your special day, but it would be nice to have a drink while I have awkward small talk with your second cousin. Side note: If you don't serve drinks let your guests BYOB. Trust me, it's what we all want.

7. If something doesn’t feel right don’t force it.

Earlier this year I was convinced that I was going to move, but God had other plans. It is ok to not force things that do not feel right because in the end, it may have been better for you to not do the thing you thought you were supposed to do.

6. Don’t feel bad about changing life plans.

Like I said above I thought I was going to move. I told a lot of people and I was prepared to do it. Once it did not happen I was embarrassed, but I found that people will love you through your choices. You do you boo boo. Never feel like you failed someone because honestly, they're not paying as close attention as you think.

5. Playing card/board games is a fun way to bond with people.

This summer I had 7 boys living in my house for a leadership program. Through that, I saw the importance of having fun with one another. Playing games allows you to break down barriers and know each other in a light environment. This builds trust for later conversations.

4. Find a job that you love. It makes life enjoyable.

It is a lie that if you find something you love you will never have to work a day of your life, but finding something that you love makes life way more enjoyable. You are supposed to work hard for what you love, but it should not feel like your soul is getting sucked out of you. Also, what you love will have tough days, so just remember in the end it is worth it.

3. Don’t be embarrassed by the stuff you like.

You like to listen to murder podcasts?! You like to play Yugioh?! You love to read romance novels!? Freaking do it and don't think that you need other people's approval to do it. They won't fulfill your happiness. Who you truly are will. So, may the force be with you.

2. If you're not good at something, cool, someone else is. Focus on your strengths.

You're not good at everything, no one is. So just focus on what you are good at and delegate the tasks that you are bad at. This will make you a better person and worker in the long run. Trying to be good at everything will make you mediocre at everything. In the wise words of Ron Swanson,

1. Dating is difficult but worth it.

I was single for 6 years until I met my boyfriend. He is kind and calm, which balances me out. Even with his ability to compliment me, I found out that there was a lot that I didn’t know from my time of singleness. I was hiding in the comfort of my singleness in order to avoid the discomfort of being in a relationship. While it is uncomfortable, it is worth it to grow as a person. Which is what 2017 has allotted to me. This year has been about growth. So here's to continued growth.