This year I will skip the famous saying, “new year, new me.” Not because it isn’t true- but because I am a new version of myself each and everyday, not just on New Years day. I also feel like such a cliche as that cannot even begin to describe the changes this past year has given me. If I had to pick one word to describe my year it would be learn.

I learned a lot. I learned more in 2017 than I have ever before in my life. I learned about the world, the people that inhabit the world, and myself. I learned my strengths and weaknesses. Along with more about who I want to become and how I want to be remembered.  

The thing about lessons though is they aren’t always easy. Some of the best learned lessons this past year was from the worst pain I have ever endured. It’s a hard truth but it molds us into who we are meant to be. It still amazes me that as people, we have days or circumstances we think we won’t ever survive, but somehow we do. And we only become stronger from it. 

Out of all the things I learned the past 365+ days, the most important is that the sun will always set each night and rise each morning. There is something about that simple truth that is comforting and gives me hope. And I hope it gives you hope, too. 

Through the ups and downs- it was the worst and the best year all wrapped into one. I look back now and laugh and Praise God for getting me through all those days. It is so important to stay thankful for even the small things on our difficult days. I am beyond ecstatic to begin this new year and see things unfold before me. Last year was a year to heal and learn- this year is to live- and what a fabulous feeling it is to do just that. Cheers to a new beginning.