2016 was an interesting year to put it so lightly. So, I went into 2017 with an open mind, an open heart, and a clean slate. I know, it sounds super cliche, but I really did. If you were to tell me a year ago at this time that this would be the way I'd be ending 2017, I would laugh in your face. 2017 was by far the best and worst year of my life all in one.

I lost a lot. I gained a lot. And I learned so much. A lot of pretty crappy things happened to me, and to the people I love that made this year pretty terrible. It seemed like they were all happening one right after another, too. Trust me, that didn't help.

I spent a lot of nights crying. I hated myself for a portion of it as well. I wasn't happy with myself as a person at all, and I went through some dark periods this year. They would come in spurts. One day I'd be so happy, the next I would be a miserable wreck. It was an emotional roller coaster, to say the least.

I started this year in no way compared to how I'm ending it, and that's a great thing. I've grown as a person so much, and for that, I am so thankful for 2017. This year has taught me how to think for myself, and how to be there for myself.

I make my own decisions, I determine my own future, and no one else.

Every year, I like to set myself some goals for the new year we are entering. Did I accomplish everything I said I wanted to do in 2017? Not exactly. But I am one step closer to accomplishing it all.

I am one step closer to being my best me and living my best life.

2017 was a really crappy year for me, but it was also pretty amazing. Funny how that works. It was a year of learning and change, that hurt so terribly, but was so worth it in the end. I'm a little nervous to see what 2018 is going to bring me, but I am also equally as excited.

I'm doing nothing but progressing, and I don't plan on falling back. I'm coming for you, 2018. As for 2017, thanks for being an absolute horror show, and an absolute blessing at the same time.