As she celebrates turning 31, Ashlee Holmes Malleo is taking a moment to reflect and open up about the past year on her birthday. Ashlee, who is the daughter of The Real Housewives of New Jersey alum Jacqueline Laurita, recently took to Instagram to share her thoughts while looking back on a year full of ups and downs.

"It's so crazy to me how vividly I remember turning 21, living in LA. It feels like yesterday. And now here I am, 10 years later. It’s so wild," Ashlee wrote in the caption of her December 1 post. She went on to express just how challenging the past year was for her, adding, "There were plenty of good moments, but overall it was a VERY tough year for me. That being said, I still wouldn’t have changed a thing. This past year taught me so much, mostly about myself. Invaluable lessons were learned. I’ve never felt more secure about who I am and what I want — in every category of life."

Last month, Ashlee confirmed her divorce from Pete Malleo, with whom she shares 5-year-old son Cameron Hendrix Malleo, and revealed how she felt about her relationship with Pete during the "emotional rollercoaster" of her divorce. "Regardless of the emotional rollercoaster that is a divorce journey, Pete and I will ALWAYS be partners in life," she wrote in the caption of her November 11 Instagram post, which has since been removed. Ashlee had also added, "We share a gorgeous son together. I will always support Pete and cheer him on. His success is our son's success. We will ALWAYS be a family. We will ALWAYS be there for each other. Nothing and no one could ever break that. Period."

In her December 1 Instagram post, Ashlee also mentioned looking ahead, and shared her hopes for the future, adding, "Despite everything I’ve been through in this last year, I am still SO grateful for my life. I’m very hopeful for year 31. I expect it to be full of challenges, growth, happiness, and opportunity. Just the way I like it."

Jacqueline couldn't help but gush about her daughter in a birthday tribute to Ashlee. "Happy Birthday my beautiful 31 year old [Ashlee]! I love you! Each year brings it’s share of good times, as well as it’s challenges," the RHONJ mom wrote in her post, which included a series of photos featuring Ashlee, and her son.

Jacqueline also acknowledged Ashlee's difficult year, adding, "I know 30 has been a challenging year for you, with a lot of changes. All of this is meant to be part of your story, your journey, and it’s bringing you to exactly where you’re meant to be. You are strong enough to overcome any obstacle. New doors and experiences will keep opening up for you. Keep exploring. Keep learning, growing and evolving. That’s living! You’re beautiful, smart, funny, and you are a fantastic Mother. You have all the tools you need to create the future of your dreams. Keep moving forward! I am extremely proud of you! Enjoy your special day today!"

Despite her difficult year, the RHONJ daughter has shared plenty of good times with her little boy lately, as Ashlee recently posted an update on her son with an adorable video.

"My sweet, funny boy. Thankful for him ALWAYS — even though he’s quickly learning how to push my buttons," Ashlee wrote, in part, in the caption of her November 26 post. She added, "He is the best."