Dear self,

Let me start by saying, I'm so proud of you for making it through 2015 -- what a year, am I right? You got through a lot of tough things this year, and if you don't feel at least some sort of pleased with yourself, adjust your attitude right now and remember all that you've come through. With that being said, 2016 is going to be so exciting -- maybe the best year yet. However, I want to remind you of some of things that are welcome to come with you in this new year, as well as some that are not.

First things first, you are so young. I feel like you forget this sometimes and you get really caught up in being a big girl on the brink of adulthood. Just because you have yet have an apartment, you go to school full time, and you work, it doesn't mean you have to have it all figured out right now. It's OK if you still call your mom, it's OK if you have an emotional breakdown every once in a while, and it's even OK if you cope with things by going to get a McFlurry knee-deep into the night -- but please just make this one every once in a while. Here's the thing, besides those weak moments that happen on occasion, you're super strong, and although you may not see it, you have a lot of yourself together. Heck, you're a full-time college student with a job and social life -- not everyone can say that. Keep up the good work.

Second, as far as school goes, keep pushing yourself. You're at the point in your college career where most of your classes are degree credits and will apply to your future job. I know Netflix-and-chilling by yourself seems like a really good plan sometimes, but I promise having a pretty GPA is an even better plan. By now, you know how you function in school. You will put things off. You will have freakouts when you realize something is due in an hour and you haven't started, but chill. Get better at writing things in your planner and taking advantage of time off. Don't wait until the day before to study for your hardest exam and ask for help when you need it. Just remember, if you got through the fall semester alive, you can get through this one, too.

Third, do more things for yourself. Stop wanting to and not following through. Take off a few weekends and plan a trip to the city. Don't say "yes" to the things you don't want to do and take hold of the things you're passionate about. You're scared that you're going to graduate and regret not enjoying your time in college. Well, I'm telling you you're not allowed to be scared any more. Pursue relationships with friends you want have. Go to D.C late at night and explore. Follow through with plans you make and plan accordingly with your work schedule. Working is great, and necessary, but in a few years, work will be your life. These are the glory days. Act like it and stop hating your life because you aren't making time for yourself.

Fourth, let people in. And by people I mean friends (back off thedating mobile for a little while, girly). Reach out to those around you who you've always wanted to get to know but were too "busy" to ask. They'll probably appreciate it. Make yourself public; make yourself available. Be that girl who's at the events, the one who shows up with a positive attitude and participates -- especially when no one else is. In the long run, you'll be happy you did and you'll never have to wonder how fun it was because you were actually there.

Fifth, as mentioned before, lay off of dating. You are not in the state to pursue a relationship, and even if you were, you would not be ready to love and serve the other well. I know having that companionship seems super awesome -- but like, you're free to do life now without someone else stopping you. If you want to stay out until 3 a.m. without a fight, you can do that. If you want to hang out with your guy friends, you can do that. Learn about yourself in this time of singleness. Allow yourself to make decisions, be available, and have fun without anybody else in your way. Trust me on this one, and I think you'll be really thankful. Stop waisting time on the guys who aren't your type, on the guys who don't appreciate you, and on the ones who aren't the one for you. Until you know for sure that you are comfortable completely in your own skin -- remain single.

Last, let the past be the past. You were hurt, really, really bad this past year. And it really sucked. But you have learned how to overcome trial better than ever. As you continue to grieve and move on, focus on letting the past go -- and yes, forgiving those who hurt you. As much as you have to grit your teeth and ask for them to be blessed, this will be better for you in the long run. Don't linger on what has happened, don't be that girl who can't stopped talking about what happened, and let new things in. Change is hard, but you will not regret this change. In the end, all things work out as they're supposed to and you will be blessed 100-fold for doing what is right.

Take a deep breath in, and let it out with all the hurt and hate from this past year. Remember all the good things that 2015 brought, and only let those memories in. Forgive those who hurt you, take care of yourself, and learn to love who you are as an individual as this new year comes in. You are good enough. Say it to yourself: You are good enough. Believe it, girl. 2016 better watch out because you're going to kill this year. Be kind to others and yourself -- these are your glory days.

XOXO,

Yourself