I just turned 23 yesterday, and every time my birthday rolls around I tend to evaluate what has happened in the past year and what I’ve learned (i’m a sentimental, analytical weirdo like that). And the past year has been a whirlwind like no other.

I fell head over heels in love, I pushed myself to my limits with cheerleading, I gained irreplaceable friendships, I graduated college with honors and gave a speech in front of over 4,000 people, I earned my first full-time job, and I also had my heart completely broken. If that isn’t a roller coaster ride of a year I don’t know what is.

However, I truly believe it’s better to define a year not by the events that have occurred, but rather by the growth that you’ve endured and the strength that you have acquired through your circumstances.

I have learned this past year more than others that you have to be completely comfortable with relying on yourself. You have to look fear in the face and say, “screw it”, and take a risk – even while knowing that total failure is a major possibility. You have to say “no” to tasks that are meaningless, events that aren’t worthwhile, and people that aren’t uplifting. Get rid of the boring, the redundant, the untrustworthy and the monotonous. Rather, embrace the challenging, the quirky, the dedicated, and the passionate. Without them, life is just not worth living.