For the majority of people I know, 2016 sucked. For an abundance of reasons, it seemed to be the year lots of things just went wrong (for myself included). However, I think that this past year also came with a lot of lessons.

This year I learned that life is too damn short. I spent too much energy focusing on people who didn't matter, who didn't give me their all, or who weren't helping me become the best version of myself. Why try for those you don't try for you? I learned that it is okay to be selfish. That taking time for myself, whether it be getting my nails done or just taking a breather at the end of the day, is okay. That eating that extra cookie won't kill me. I don't always need to go out of my way for others and that's alright.I learned a new definition of being "strong", how to handle tough situations and navigate them.

I learned that its okay to say no. If I don't want to go somewhere, be around a person, or just plain and simple don't feel up to doing something, that is perfectly fine. I learned that I have some great friends and family that have stuck with me no matter what life throws my way, and I learned how to weed out the persons that don't have my back. I learned to be a bit more comfortable in my own skin, and love the imperfections I have more. I learned more about who I am, what I want out of life, and how I'm going to get that. Basically, 2016 taught me how to be me.

While I will probably cry tears of joy when that ball drops this New Year's Eve, I do have to say thank you to 2016, even if it kills me. 2016 really did teach me more about myself than I ever could have imagined, showed me who my true friends are, and gave me some of the best memories of my life. Hopefully, you can say the same. Good riddance two thousand and sixteen, and bring on the new year!