Hello 2016 Version of Colleen,

This is Colleen speaking from the other side (sorry for the Adele joke, it's still a popular song here in 2015).

This is going to be your year. 2016 will be your year. Well, 2012 was supposed to be your year and 2013, 2014, 2015 -- and that didn't really go as planned. You have this fear of New Year's resolutions, mostly because like everyone else in the entire world you don't stick to them. You're left halfway through January with sore legs and a new level of disgust for the vegetables you've been attempting to cram into your mouth; this in turn makes you crankier than you were when you said you wanted to be kinder and you end up feeling like even more of a failure than the previous year.

This year, though, will be different. I recently read something online that said, "I think 2015 was supposed to break me... but I'm still here." And it really resonated with me. Mostly because it's true.

Like I said, we don't do New Year's resolutions well, and you definitely didn't want to write an article about it; mostly because -- let's be honest -- you didn't want to have the responsibility of sticking to every single one of the resolutions you put in said article (and people could hold you accountable for). I thought the best idea would be to avoid that subject entirely, continue to consume coffee as if it would at some point go out of style, still click the, "Yes, I'm still watching," button on Netflix and avoid arm day as if it were the plague.

But remember, I read that saying online, "I think 2015 was supposed to break me... but I'm still here."

2016 Colleen, when I take a glimpse at my year in review, I hurt. Although there were wonderful moments that happened to me, some of the most difficult moments of my life had happened this year. My year had been balanced with moments that I was at my absolute highest and happiest and then the fragments where I laid curled up in a ball on my bathroom floor hysterically crying. Many people in your life battled cancer, and some even lost their lives to it. You failed at certain tasks, embarrassed yourself often and even lost a best friend to life. I had been through a lot these past 12 months.

"I think 2015 was supposed to break me... but I'm still here." I smile when I read that sentence. I smile because 2015 did try and almost succeeded in breaking me. I'm still here, though (hanging on by a thread, but I'm here). I had found the strength from within (and the help from a few close friends) to piece myself back together.

So, now I look forward to 2016 with the confidence that this will be my year. I think, above all else, 2015 was a growing experience. I lost people and things I once held dearly, I was heartbroken, and I was deflated and defeated countless of times. Through all of that hurt and upset, I grew into the person I was supposed to become at this point in my life; someone who is willing to face resolutions head on and even write an article about them.

I won't call them resolutions, as much as instructions on being happier in the new year, but nonetheless here is the list I have compiled for you, 2016 Colleen.

1. Be you.

You found yourself in 2015. And you're a pretty cool person. Cherish you. Don't let anyone take away who you have become for any reason. And if they try, show them the door.

2. Find good in every day.

Some days you'll have to look harder than others, but you know that negative thoughts create negative currents. Surround yourself and your own mind with positivity. You know only good things can come of it.

3. Forgive.

Last year, you were hurt a lot. You weren't given apologies for this hurt, either. Be strong. Forgive the people who have wronged you even when they haven't asked for it. Who cares what they think, it'll make you feel better and that's what's important.

4. Stay calm.

You have a temper, girlie. Remember to take a moment and breathe. Don't sweat the small stuff and don't say things you'll regret.

5. Get off your phone.

Live in the moment, not on the internet. Social media only steals time from your studies and your friends. You don't have to text people every day. Live, live, live.

6. Be more daring.

Don't think about asking that guy to coffee or sitting next to that really talented girl in your writing class, just do it.

7. Don't care about what people think.

Stop getting embarrassed. Life is embarrassing. If you're going to let the fear of embarrassment hold you back from doing things, you aren't actually living.

8. Do for you.

Eat, sleep, train, breathe, live for you. Don't feel bad about making a decision that'll better you. Don't feel bad about moving on and moving forward. Do for you. The people who matter and are important will be doing for them and loving you no matter what.

9. Read more.

Colleen, press pause on Netflix. Enlighten yourself with the words of some of the classics or the newest novel on shelf. I know how happy reading makes you. Pick up a book and be happy.

10. Let go.

It's hard and it hurts. Not having had closure sucks. I know. But trust me, you're better off. It's OK to reminisce and get upset once and a while, but let go of the people who have left you. When you think of them, send them some love but then keep moving. They don't want to be a part of your life right now. And quite frankly, that is their loss.

11. Do not stop dreaming.

It doesn't matter how many people tell you no, how lonely you get or how often you doubt yourself. Do not stop dreaming. The dreams that come true are the ones that were fought for. So fight. Fight for yourself and your dreams harder than you've ever fought for anything.

12. Wear more lipstick.

You always feel your best while sporting a new shade on your lips. Wear that confidence every day. Take on the world.

13. Stay motivated.

This year, I lost motivation at points when life dragged me down. Do not let this happy to you. Stay focused on the goal. The people who hurt you and leave you can't come with you to the next level. And honey, you're going to that next level. Stay committed.

14. Be healthy.

I don't mean lose weight, or eat like a rabbit; I'm talking about being healthy. Take care of yourself; meditate and practice yoga, take time to relax and decompress, go for walks and enjoy the sunsets. Moderation is key with everything. Take care of yourself to live a much better life.

15. Love.

Love yourself, love your family, love your friends, love strangers, love your enemies. Love everyone and everything. Keep your heart open and soft, with the understanding that the world is an awful place without love. Be that person who spreads it.

This is your year, Colleen. I promise. Make it happen.

Much love,
2015 Version of Colleen.