This time last year I was going through a major life change and experiencing great internal turmoil. I wasn't sure of anything really: who I was, what I wanted, what my calling was, anything.

I was still recovering from insecurities and anxieties that plagued me throughout the years. I was always working toward what was next, stressing myself out to the point of being unhealthily overwhelmed, constantly, during the now. Working incessantly to create a life that I could be proud of but never giving myself credit for what was already accomplished.

Then, as soon as I moved away for college my entire view on, well, pretty much everything, flipped drastically. One year ago I chose happiness as a top priority. I chose to change my outlook on who I was. I chose to maintain a sense of pride in what I have done so far. I chose to be unapologetically myself, living each and every day dedicated to my passions.

Since then, I have been the best version of me yet. Since then, in turn, I have been able to use these passions to project love to those that i meet and the powerful situations I involve myself in to make this world a better place. Since then, I have had inner peace unlike any that I've ever experienced.

I beg you to love what you do. Don't let the fallacy of falling in love with just the idea of a society constructed view of what you "should" be. Truly be honest with yourself when reaching milestones like these. Even if the initial step seems terrifying at first, even if it means letting go of everything you ever thought you wanted, embrace your transformation.

If you would have asked me for advice last year I would've said something like "good things come to those that work their asses off for them." This year, I would like to add to that something that I now feel is even more important. That is that good things happen to those who have a mindset that they have good things. It's less about 'making' the good things and more about seeing the good things that are so present, daily. Good things happen to those who are present for every content moment that they're given, no matter how small it may seem.

Since this time last year, I have learned so much about myself, love, life and starting over. a lot can change in one year. Today, I am overwhelmed with something other than stress: gratitude and enlightenment. A feeling of weightlessness that I wish I could give to everyone that I know. Wishing you all Godspeed in your future endeavors and accomplishments, whatever they may be.