Looking back on 2016, it's been a really interesting year filled with both highs and lows. It was a year filled with the most amazing moments and the most devestating.

This year in particular was a year of self-growth. This year I promised myself that I would stop putting everyone's happiness before mine and for the first time, I did. I stopped living for others and really grew into a person I enjoyed. Because of my promise to focus on myself, I learned to deal with each challenge that faced me in a different way.

Of course this year wasn't perfect. The year started off especially low - learning to deal with things I could never have imagined would happen. The months slowly got better and I learned to love the life I was living. I read self-help books, I looked inward, and just really began to focus on myself. I was strong both mentally and physically. I felt absolutely great and when things went wrong, I was calm and strategized rather than throwing in the towel. As the months went on, I started slipping and all of a sudden, one little instance rocked my world. I started to question myself in every aspect of my life. I couldn't believe that after all the work I had put in, I was falling back into that negative energy. . .so I decided to do something about it. This year I learned to take ahold of my happiness and put my needs before others. After all, if you don't love yourself, no one can love you.

I learned to use my voice. Both professionally and personally, I was struggling to use my voice. I allowed my anxiety to overcome me and it kept me from speaking out about what is important to me. I allowed others to tell me how to think, feel, and be and I HATED it. Others took advantage of me because I allowed them to! It got to the point where I finally needed to take control of my life. I started slow - speaking more publicly about my passions and opinions. As I gained confidence, I was able to stand up for myself and stopped letting people take advantage of me. And I felt amazing. Sometimes people victimize themselves because they're used to taking advantage of you for not speaking up. However, I am no longer going to apologize for being honest and being myself.

This year I have learned so much about myself.

I grew into a healthier, happier, and stronger woman and I was able to help myself become the person I was longing to be. That to me is a major success. Although I have a long way to go, I've started the process of growth and that's what's important.

Bring it on, 2017.