Above is a picture from a memory in 2018, and it was a great day full of laughter and joy. However, 2018 was not the year a lot of people were expecting it to be. For some it did not come with the perfect relationships, the perfect friendships, or the perfect opportunities or wishes we originally planned for this past year. It came with a lot of obstacles, challenges, and regrets, but also came with rewards, memories, blessings in disguise, and lessons.
For me, 2018 was not perfect, but every year isn't. I lost a lot of friendships that meant a lot to me, but also learned something about myself and I grew from it. Personally, 2018 was a year of growth. I graduated school, got accepted in UW Madison, became stronger with my faith, and took care of myself more mentally and physically. But here is the thing, I am still the same person I was last year.. I improved on what I wanted to improve on; however, maybe I look more fit than I did last year, but I still have my flaws and things I am insecure about. It took awhile, but I started to love myself more than I have ever did before and connected to people who cared and wanted the best for me compared to my older friends who did not want me to succeed. Speaking of, just because I improved myself throughout this year, does not mean that I am a "new me" as some people would like to say- and that mentality needs to go.
For those who are reading, I want to challenge you to become the best versions of yourself. I am trying to say allow yourself room for growth and errors, not ways to make yourself different and a new me this year. I want your kindness to radiate towards others, but more importantly yourself.
I hope 2019 brings you joy, but also hardships to teach others who they really are. I hope 2019 brings friendships that last a life time, but also closes doors that need to be closed in order for new plans to occur. I hope 2019 radiates positivity and happiness, but that it also brings blessings in disguise that challenge you to become the best version of yourself. I hope you take care of yourself both mentally and physically to live the life you have always wanted. Whether that means going to the gym more often or taking 'me time Mondays' during school days. Sometimes I think we forget that Mental health is just as important as physical health, and I hope you acknowledge that your appearance is not always as important as your mental well being.
2018 maybe was not your year, and 2019 may not be either, but there is ALWAYS time to improve yourself and that little steps are important to work towards a bigger goal no matter the time of year- so just give it all you got. A new year, does not always mean a completely perfect new life. There will be new challenges that will arise, but will be solved and that is because with each year we can improve ourselves to be better, but not different.. we are who we are and there is always room to improve.