A Year of New Discoveries

I have been thinking about what to write at the new year for some time now. It has been a year to remember, filled with both happiness and heartbreak. I can't start my new year without expressing my feelings towards the last.

2016 was certainly a year of firsts and new experiences. The beginning of the year was a time of a lot of frustration. I felt stuck on a path that I didn't want to be on and I wasn't happy with the person I was becoming. I knew that is was time to change or continue in my unhappiness. The changes and new experiences started out small, I tried sushi for the first time, I died my hair, I rode on a motorcycle. Eventually the time came that I had to make bigger changes. I discovered passions which led to new plans for my future. New jobs and opportunities to serve helped me to discover interests and talents I didn't know I had. I explored new countries, found new paths for my life and opened my heart up in a way I hadn't before.

My new path was not discovered alone. I fully believe that God brings people into your life when you need them the most. In D&C 88:44 God is speaking of the movements of planets and describing their fixed course in the heavens. He describes their course by  saying, "they give light to each other in their times and in their seasons." God has created and orchestrated the planets to interact at precise times and seasons so that they can give light to each other. In a similar way, God has orchestrated our lives, the seasons of our joy and despair, in such a way that we touch each other's lives for a season and then leave when the time is right. This year I was blessed to meet incredible friends, mentors and inspiring souls who helped me to see windows that I didn't know were opened to me. I am eternally grateful to those people whose lives touched mine.

Of course, with change inevitably comes some hurt. By opening up, at times, I got hurt. I lost myself in an effort to fully give myself to the people I love. I discovered new fears and new lows. Luckily, I have incredible parents and friends who helped to remind me of who I am. Most importantly, I found out the depths of my trust in a loving Heavenly Father. I learned that His light can truly reach every soul.

Ultimately, 2016 was a year I will not forget. I am happy with who I am and the person I have uncovered through the new experiences.

To the people who were a part of my year: thank you. Your influence will not be forgotten.

To the new year: may it be filled with new highs, new lows and even greater discoveries.