To my past,

You have taken a lot from me, but you have given even more. You have knocked me down, but you gave me a foundation to grow. You have blessed me with sweet memories and moments that I will never experience again. You have led me to people and places who have changed me.

I have loved and I have lost. I have laughed and I have cried. You've taught me countless lessons— some harder to swallow than others.

You have challenged me on numerous occasions. Every once in a while, I thought all I'd ever do was fail, all I'd ever be was what I was at my lowest. You showed me how careless people could be, including myself. I've made many mistakes, but I've always made pretty great decisions.

You have changed me so much. With every obstacle, challenge, and big life moments, I have molded into exactly who I am supposed to be. I now realize that I wouldn't be even close to the person I am now if you didn't throw pain, loss, and struggle my way.

You have taught me how to understand others and how to love them. You even taught me how to love myself. I thank you for that. Thank you for forming me into someone I am proud of.

With that being said, I am thankful for you and the lessons and challenges I have overcome, but I will never come back to you. I will never turn around. I will keep going forward. You will never have the pleasure of sucking me back in and beating me down again.

I fought my way through you and came out stronger. Stronger than you. I will never come back. You are forever behind me.