With 2016 coming to an end and the beginning of a new year, I look back at what I have learned this year and realized one major thing was letting me be me. In other words, I came out from the dark and shared about my biggest fear: my mental illness. And through that, I learned a lot.

My mental illness has taught me a lot. One major thing it has taught me is to not shy away from myself and what is going on. It taught me to own up to my flaws and speak up about the difficult times.

It has made me a stronger person. My mental illness has given me a voice, one that I had never had before. One that I am not afraid to share with the world, and that is a big step in the right direction. It has also given me a new initiative, one of wanting to help others.

Another thing it has taught me is to stand up to my fears, because I am bigger then my fears. It has taught me not to run away from things that scare me or make me uncomfortable, but to face them head on.

An important factor I would have to say that my mental illness has taught me, is that not everyone will be there for you when your at your lows and your highs. But it has given me a new outlook to my relationships whether it be with my friends and family.

With the new year, I am looking forward to what else my mental illness will be able to teach me that will help me continue to grow.