2016 was the most difficult, trying, stressful and exhausting year of my life — and I wouldn't have had it any other way. This year was a year of change and growing and I learned more about myself and who I want to be in these last 12 months than I have in all my 18 years. I both lost and gained people, beliefs, and opportunities this year... And these situations not always been the easiest but they have always been for the best in the end as I have learned so many important lessons I wouldn't have otherwise.
For the first time in my life, I am so eagerly awaiting the start of the new year. In the past, the new year was always something that was exciting, but mostly because of the whole ordeal of a New Years Eve party and the ball dropping and the usual hype that died down the next day, but not this year. This year 2017 is a fresh start, a whole new opportunity to put into action all the new ideas and changes I'm so eagerly awaiting to make in my life.
So, hello 2017.
This year I say yes. No longer will I let fear hold me back. I will say yes when I'm longing to say no and I will allow myself to be spontaneous, to live life to the fullest and to learn important lessons along the way.
This year I let it go. For too long I have been an over-thinker and over-analyzer, not anymore. I will go with the flow and put the past behind me and understand that I can't change it, and more importantly, I will be at peace with that. I will move on and be happier because of it.
This year I focus on myself. If there has been one thing God has constantly shown me this year that I only need to rely on myself to be happy. No one, no boy, friend, club, job or class can give me the fulfillment and happiness that I can offer myself. If you want to be happy, you must first choose to be. This year I choose to rely on myself and I stop looking for my self-worth and happiness in other people or things.
This year my glass is half full. Being an over-thinker it's very easy to get caught in the tangled mess in my head and quickly begin to focus on the negatives rather than the positives. This is a very slippery slope, but this year is a year of opportunity. Life is all about how you choose to view it. You can see your glass as either half full or half empty, this year mine is only half full.
This year I will love. After a year of such hate, I choose love. Love for my neighbors, love for my friends, love for strangers, love for my enemies, and love for myself. Love will always win. I don't have the time or energy for hate, it's draining and unsatisfying. I will love everyone I meet and offer the same compassion I wish to receive from others.
2017, I welcome you with open arms and anticipation. Bring it on.
