Dear 2016,

It's not me it's you.

January 1st is all too fond in my memory. I had no doubt that this was going to be MY year and nothing was going to stand in my way of having the time of my life. I had everything laid out in front of me: I had awesome friends, an easy course load at school, and I was more than ready to see what this year had in store for me. I was determined to make this year my B****.

It is now (thankfully) a new year, and it's easy to say 2016 was far from fantastic. Never have I ever felt so alone in all my life. Never have I ever been more exhausted both mentally and physically. Never (in my college career) had I ever been more homesick. And never have I called home to my mom bawling more than I did in 2016. The questions of "when will life get easier," "why can't I be happy," and "when will things go my way" were things that were consistently coming out of my mouth.

Although 2016 was what felt like a deep dark pit, I have to thank the Lord for this year because with every scratch and bruise along the way came a lesson that I so desperately needed to learn.

During 2016 I learned that friends come and go, but family will always have your back. I learned to let go of toxic friendships and to get out of bad situations before they can get worse. I learned that college is where you find your bridesmaids, not your husband. I realized that although it is cool to have a 4.0, grades do not define you. I learned that sometimes being alone is exactly what you need. And I learned that self love is more important and more rewarding than any love a man can give.

At the beginning of the year (although I thought I knew who I was) I was lost. Finally towards the end of 2016 I knew exactly who I was and where my future is headed. This year was not easy in the slightest, however I changed for the better. I am excited for everything 2017 has in store for me and I am ready to continue my journey of self love.

So, 2016... I think we need to break up.

With deep sympathy,

Madison