As we near the end of another year, we begin to think about what we will change for the new year. And in doing so, we reminisce. I like to look back on everything good and bad. What was accomplished? What advice can you take away from your experiences? Would I change anything about myself?

I learned many lessons this past year. From eagerness to disappointment. From fear to relief. From loneliness to contentment. From failure to accomplishment. I can definitely say I have withheld the test of time in the range of emotions.

I learned it's possible to get out of a relationship that's harmful to your health and sanity. It's okay to feel like you failed even when you know you haven't. It's okay to leave and be on your own again. You are not responsible for making everyone around you happy. Instead, focus on yourself. Fulfill the desires of your heart. You deserve to experience every opportunity that comes your way. Every chapter in life will bring new friends and reveal another passion you may not have realized you had. Explore the world around you.

I learned that working for "The Happiest Place on Earth" can actually be pretty depressing. Laboring long, hard hours in the heat with people you cannot fully understand. Days upon days of endless humidity, buses without air conditioning, and marketplaces with no shade. Moving six plus hours away from your family, your backbone and support system.

Times were rough, but I wouldn't change it for the world. I met some wonderful people whom I will miss dearly. I made many magical moments for families who needed something to brighten their day. But most importantly, I was able to experience different cultures and hear many different accents. I met people from all over world and enjoyed my time talking with them and learning how different, or even similar, their lives were.

Lastly, I learned that my life will never be normal no matter how hard I try. I've loved and lost. Cancer has shown it's face twice in my family and friends and rocked our world. I grew to cherish the memories I have and to make as many as I can with the short time remaining. Family has more meaning to me now than it ever did before.

So here's to a new year. Hopefully it will be filled with wonderful experiences and tons of adventures. I can't wait to grow even more as a person and figure out my purpose in this crazy thing called life. I may be young, but life is moving quickly. My body is slowing down at a time it should be speeding up. I have learned you have to pick certain battles over others. So here's to the next few years as I try new things and figure out where I need to be.