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HAPPY NEW YEAR!

And with that, you have the endless "New Year, New Me" posts and the cute, sentimental "Goodbye, 2015 and Hello, 2016" Facebook statuses.

But hey, we are all guilty of it... and you shouldn't be ashamed either because it is nice to reflect back on a whole 365 days of YOUR life. It is pretty bizarre to think about too.

But there are a few things I left out of those Instagram collages..

Dear 2015,

Thank you for being one heck of a year.

I mean, I start every year saying that I'm going to change this and do this and blah blah blah...but you really were something special.

I did quite a bit of growing up and really learned how to (somewhat) take care of myself.. Okay, fine. I am STILL learning, but I am slowly but surely getting there.

Thanks for teaching me that people come into my life for a reason and sometimes they stay and sometimes, well, they don't. But more importantly, I have learned that whatever the case may be, it is for the best and you just have to welcome them with open arms...

...or smile and wave goodbye.

I graduated high school and moved on to the "real world." Well, sort of...okay, maybe not really because I still have the safety restraints of college, but it is a little step closer to "real" adulthood!

I packed up my bags and started a new life across the country.

And this is probably what I am most thankful for from this year...

A chance at a new beginning.

A new life.

With this newfound life that I am living I have met some incredible people.

People that have truly touched my life in such a small amount of time. People who are quite literally the craziest, kindest and most amazing people to have ever walked the face of this planet--and I sure am lucky to have them right by my side.

I have finally had the chance to focus on me, and it had been quite the journey. My thoughts and opinions have been challenged more than ever and I can't even begin to explain how amazing it feels to think for myself.

I think, for the first time, I am actually living.

Sure, there were some high times and it definitely felt like I hit rock bottom more times than I care to admit, but hey, that's life.

I have finally opened up to this life and am graciously taking it all in, but never for granted.

I am saying "Yes!" more and more with open arms and it has left me with memories that I will cherish forever.

Most importantly, I started to live for myself.

So, thank you 2015, for being my year.

But, you have come to an end, like all the years before you, and I'm okay with that because 2016 will be even better than you.

And I know this for certain because I am going to make sure of it.

Bring it on, 2016.

I'm ready for you.