Every year I dedicate a part of December to reflect upon the highs and the lows to see what I aim to change in the following year. This year, I decided to take the "lessons learned" approach to share because it never fails to amaze me all that can happen in 12 months.

1. It’s okay not to be okay.

I spent the past few years embarrassed of my anxiety, but these past couple of months I’ve realized that it’s not something to be ashamed of. It’s made me who I am, for better and for worse, without it I certainly wouldn’t be the same.

2. Saying no is important.

As a people pleaser, this has been one of the more difficult things to do, but sometimes saying no to a night out when you’re not up for it will benefit you, and those that invited you, more so than if you forced yourself out.

3. But don’t forget to say yes to new opportunities.

This is tricky because I’ve learned it’s okay to say no, but I’ve had a tendency to pass up one too many offers that left me being a bit of a hermit. With that being said, try to take hold of new opportunities because you could gain so much more than expected, like new friends, memories, and lessons.

4. Always say I love you to those important to you.

Because tomorrow isn't guaranteed and life would be impossible without those closest to you. To feel loved and share that with others is so imperative because you never know when you’ll see them again, so don’t let them doubt that love you have for them.

5. Music, poetry, and writing are a lot more powerful than you realize.

While each of these have been a major part of my life since I was little, only recently have I dedicated more time to them. They’re extremely therapeutic and allow you to understand what you’re feeling/your current situation.

6. Don’t let this world make you bitter.

There may be a lot of bad surrounding us, but there’s also good and where that good is lacking, it’s essential to spread more of it yourself. I read a quote once that said if you can’t find the sunshine, BE the sunshine and I’ve found myself doing so this year.

7. Love is incredible.

I had the chance to fall in love this past year and it was one of the most amazing adventures that I’ve had. It inspired me to love myself and made me realize that our purpose in life is to do just that -- love with your whole heart.

8. Heartbreak passes.

With love, you have to accept that anything is possible, even heartbreak. While the aftermath of a lost love is one of the most painful things I’ve felt, I wouldn’t change a single thing.

9. Don't be afraid to say hello to a stranger or someone you've been wishing you had as your friend.

I’ve made unforgettable friendships as a result of this, despite me worrying that the person might have thought the gesture was strange. I feel we’ve grown to be too afraid of reaching out to others because we fear that they’ll judge our unexpected message or hello. If I allowed this to consume me, I would have missed out on incredible individuals that have opened my eyes to things I never once thought about.

10. Stop comparing yourself to others.

So cliche and a saying I spent years disregarding, however, 2016 made me realize that there truly is no good that comes from comparison. Each of us is beautiful in our own ways and each of us has our own struggles beneath the surface that you wouldn’t be able to see from an Instagram post.

11. Stop holding grudges.

I used to be the queen of doing this, but it only made me miserable and drained of positive energy. It’s pointless and doesn’t change what happened, just learn from the situation and move on.

12. Do everything with the intention of it being your best work.

Sometimes when I go to the gym or do a class assignment, I find myself unmotivated and only giving half of my effort. While I may finish in less time, I never leave it feeling good or proud of the work I’ve done so I took it as a sign that I needed to change this habit. While I haven’t completely incorporated this into my life, I have definitely improved.

13. Be spontaneous.

From a Bruno Mars concert to last minute trips to Boston, I’ve become less of a planner and more of an adventurer. It makes life 100 times more enjoyable and leaves you with unforgettable memories.

14. It’s okay not to have a set friend group.

This has been an issue for me for years because I’ve always been the girl that has friends from different groups, but no group of my own. While others are doing Secret Santa and other holiday festivities, I’m unable to do the same, but I’ve realized that it’s okay. Maybe my purpose is to reach as many individuals as possible and if I had a set group, I may feel less inclined to do so.

15. Waking up early is a game changer.

More time to get stuff done, fewer people on the streets, and of course a beautiful sunrise. Doesn’t get much better than that.

16. It’s going to get better.

Whatever it is you’re going through: a breakup, family issues, a lost friendship, or anything that has been weighing on you, just remember that nothing is permanent. This situation and pain will one day be gone, time heals all.

So here's to 2017, a year that is hopefully better than the last.