Dear 2018,

2017 was hard for me. Just. plain. hard. To go into more detail, it was painful, dreadful, heartbreaking, and exhausting. This was probably one of the worst years of my life.

I lost many friends. I got screwed over by a lot of guys. I got diagnosed with an overbearing mental illness. I gained weight. I worked so many part time jobs as my degree has not gotten me anywhere yet. My relationships with my siblings are disastrous and unbearable. I feel ashamed and worthless. I have become a homebody. I find no purpose in life.

Well 2018, after a tiring year, I am not sure if I am prepared for you, but I am more ready than I thought I would be.

I have stuck through my treatment plan this year and I thought I would have quit by now.

I put myself out there to date guys. Although many were jerks, I will continue to try.

I applied to places outside my comfort zone that I never thought I would.

I am trying to learn radical acceptance, to change the things I cannot change while doing my best to help the world.

I have accepted that I have close friends who live far, and keeping in touch is important.

I learned that big corporate jobs won't make you happy; your passion will.

I worked more than 5 jobs over the course of a year, which is a lot but I am figuring out my goals and desires.

Although this letter is short, I guess what I am asking from you 2018 is that I do not need my year to be perfect, as perfect does not exist.

I ask for peace, love, health, and happiness for me this year.

Please give me the strength to find peace within myself and forgive myself for the things I cannot change or control.

Please give me love, from family members and friends. A significant other wouldn't be so bad this year either, if you can throw that in.

Please let me mentally and physically get better. I want my hard work of treatments to pay off.

Lastly, please let me find happiness within myself. This would bring me most joy.

Happy New Year to you 2018. Please make it a good one for me.

Best,

Molly