Dear God,

Thank you for allowing me to make it to the holiday season this year. The start of 2016 was rough to say the least, but I tried to stay the course. I asked you to help me be tough, positive, and optimistic. You told me I would find true happiness but my focus would need to shift. You helped me begin to focus on things that I could control and this allowed me to worry less and grow as an individual.

With this new found focus I learned to love fitness and my body. You helped me create a positive body image for myself, something I had always struggled with. Without your help I wouldn't have started eating healthier and focusing on my entire body. You helped me realize that taking care of my health should always be a top priority and this allowed me to begin to love myself.

Thank you for allowing me to begin to find happiness in myself and not searching for it in anyone else. You taught me the importance of self reliance. Too many times I have put my heart and effort into others just to watch them take and never give back. Thank you for telling me that I am the most important person in my life and helping build me up. After I learned to love myself I learned to appreciate my blessings more.

You have blessed me with loving family members, supportive friends, the freedom to pursue any opportunity, and a home in The United States of America. Thank you for putting my parents on this earth and helping them find each other so they could create my beautiful family. Thank you for blessing me with a brother who is growing into a gentleman. Thank you for allowing me to find someone who brings lasting joy instead of short term happiness.

Thank you for allowing me to surround myself with people who pursue you. This holiday season I thank you for everything and everyone you have given me. I will continue to look to you in times of need and pray for your help with my everyday life. Your love is unconditional and the blessings you bestow upon me are infinite.

Amen.