"Thank you," is a friendly, respectful way to express acknowledgment of a service or act. Typically, the services are beneficial and of a positive light.

"Thank you for helping me study for my exam."

"I appreciate the ride, thank you."

"Without you, I don't think I could have done it, so thank you."

And when it comes to thanking those around us, we typically thank those who helped us in a positive way. They provided immediate help and support. But who we forget to also thank, is those who indirectly help shape who we are through less positive means. In the present, their actions may not seem of a service to us, but in the long run, those actions mold us into who we are.

To everyone responsible for who I am today, I would like to say "thank you…"

To Mom...My rock, my hero, my ridiculous dance partner, my day one… you are the reason my independence was possible. You taught me to be myself and do life for me. You gave me a role model who exudes courage from within. Every day you remind me to never lose my way even when things get hard, thank you.

To Dad...With your tough exterior, you've taught me to never take sh*t from anyone. I was raised with thick skin. There is no crying when you don't get what you want. You get up off your ass, wipe off the dirt and keep fighting for whatever it is. I am my greatest strength, thank you.

To my brothers… Over the years, we have grown closer. Because of you two, I know I will always have someone there for me. If a boy is mean, or I need the motivation to work out, I can count on you. The best big brothers a little sister could ask for, thank you.

To my coaches… Athletics were the biggest part of my life growing up. From tee-ball to division I track and field, none of it would have been possible without you all. Whether coaches I will remember for the rest of my life or simply a volunteer parent, it is because of you I got to experience being a part of a team and playing the sports I love. Forever I will be grateful, thank you.

To the friends who've stuck around… There may be few, but I know you aren't going anywhere. You have shown me that not everyone leaves. That when people care about you, you know it. Distance has proven the strength of our bonds. You are my backbone, thank you.

To the friends who haven't… I struggled constantly, wondering why I wasn't good enough for you or why you didn't care about me. Your treatment destroyed me emotionally. More than not, I sat in my room crying to myself about what I did to deserve how you treated me. And even so, if you ever needed me, I wiped the tears and was there to help. You used me, and I let you. But now I know. Now I know to remove anyone who isn't worth my time. That sometimes, you have to let people go, even if it might seem hard. Thank you.

To my first heartbreak… Boy did I suffer. Stuck in chronic battles about what went wrong. What did I do? Why did this happen? Will he ever come back? I gave myself hell. But for what? Once the gears finally clicked, I realized there didn't need to be any questions. There didn't need to be any mind games. What happened, happened. Coming to terms with my emotions and understanding that sometimes things aren't meant to be pushed me into a whole new perspective on life. I don't have to force things that aren't supposed to be, because if it were, it wouldn't be a force.

I am given one life, which is going to be lived in the present. Not the past, and not the future. For that epiphany, thank you.