Every year we are given 365 pages to write our own stories. Our lives change and grow within the 365 days of the year. Even though throughout the year we all faces troubling times, there were also many life changing moments. Our successes help us have a positive outlook on ourselves while our failures help strengthen us. 2016 was a rollercoaster ride from feeling every emotion from happiness to sadness. Even though there were bad days, the bad days always led to better days.

This year I realized that through our darkest times we find the strength in ourselves to battle the fights. Setbacks never define our future but the way we handle ourselves through them. It's okay to say that you are not okay and to ask for help. I learned that sometimes you need help and you need someone to be there to tell you it's all going to workout.

2016 taught me that not every friend will always be there for you. I learned that along the way in life that you will lose friends and that's okay. You don't need negativity tugging behind you or having someone make you feel as if you aren't worth there time. There were countless times where I would try to get in touch with a friend and would simply get ignored. In 2016, I learned that there will be friends that will always be there so do not ignore them trying to get the attention of the so called friends that are not worth your time.

This year I realized that I could be loved. I found the love of my life in 2016 and I could not be happier. Just when I thought that my life wouldn't change for the better, a loving and caring man was placed into my life. I've made so many memories just this year with him and I know that it can only get better from here. I know that some people might not have found the one that makes them the happiest this year but never lose hope. Never think that just because you haven't found them yet that you will never find them. Timing is everything.

I learned that you can't change people. You will never have any control over anyone but yourself no matter how much you try. You can't make someone nicer or make them change their opinion. You can't try to make them see the brighter side of life if they don't want to or realize that self pity will not get them anywhere.

This past year taught me to simply be happy. Surround yourself with the people that make you shine with happiness when they enter the room. Be with the people that want to see you succeed in life and don't want to see you fail. Spend time with the people that will stay up with you when you are having bad day, listen to you rant and wipe you tears.

You're the author of your own story and you will always be. Take the life lessons that you learned in 2016 to help mold the next chapter of your life into what you want it to be. Never dwell on the bad but focus on the good.

Here's to 2017!