In March of this year, my family lost my sweet grandma to Alzheimer's disease. Just months before that, we lost my grandpa to natural causes. The image of his frail body lying cold in the bed of his nursing home stayed in my head for weeks.

In April, I experienced my first real breakup. In hindsight, I'll admit, the relationship wasn't great, but that didn't ease the pain of suddenly losing it.

Just months after that, my mom sat me down to tell me her annual mammogram had come back positive this year. Only a small sprinkle of cancer cells had been detected, but it was still cancer.

And finally, in June of this year, my very best friend moved out of the apartment building we shared in Springfield, MO, and back to her hometown, and I haven't seen her since.

These events arose sporadically over the course of the year, but it felt like they swarmed at me in one big blur, like it was an arrow and I was it's target.

When it rains, it pours, as they say. I felt weighed down, anxious, and exhausted.

I think there comes a time when you have to take a step back, examine your situation, and just breathe through your thoughts. Understand that life is continuous as long as you choose it to be, so it's important to be grateful, even in the chaos.

It's December now, and I have grown. The leaves that were once so green have aged and fallen. The trees are now bare, and the wind is bitter cold.

So much has changed in my life since spring, and this brisk air is refreshing to me. Despite the dark circles under my tired eyes, I feel, in a sense, new.

A new relationship is slowly blossoming like I would have never imagined. He's kind, but resolute; gentle, but strong; and he understands me like no other.

My mom has undergone months of treatment, and, at least for the time being, is now cancer-free. Of course, I still miss my grandparents, but it's a relief to know they aren't suffering anymore.

Especially this time of year, it's so easy to feel the weight of the world. (I'm looking at you, seasonal affective disorder.) So, my point in writing is to tell you this: It may be raining now, but seasons do change.

I don't know what's going on in your life right now, but I promise it will get better.

Breathe. Feel the wind on your face. Call your mom and tell her you love her. Seasons are changing, and you have no reason not to.