Do you ever get those moments where you just sit back and sort of reevaluate every single aspect of your life that's led you to where you currently are?

It's like you're in a race and as much as you try to catch up with everyone else, they always seem to be going faster than you. And then you're left stranded and falling behind while everyone in front of you is getting closer to the finish line where you can barely see it.

But here's the thing, and something I've been finally coming to terms with after battling with it for most of my late teens and now early 20's: Life is not a race, we all get to where we need to be at our own pace. And that is okay.

I'm the first one to admit that I'm a victim of doing this, probably more than I should have. I would constantly compare myself to others, whether they be people I knew or complete strangers I followed on social media because their lives seemed so much better than mine. Every day I would scroll through Instagram and Facebook to see what exciting news someone would post. And as much as I would like to say I felt happy for them, I didn't, I felt extremely jealous.

Now, I know that sounds incredibly selfish. But when you're 23 years old and you see people either younger, the same age as you or even a couple of years older than you accomplish so many things and go through so many life events before you, you sort of feel like you're nothing.

But then I think to myself, there is so much I've already accomplished so far in the 23 years I've been in this world. I've graduated from college, I'm in graduate school, I work two jobs, I met my favorite author and singer, I've learned to take better care of my mental health, I've had amazing opportunities when it comes to my writing by showing it on different platforms and having internships. I've reconnected and made so many new friends, I've never felt more comfortable and confident in myself and my skin, I'm the most independent I've ever been these past six months and I've learned to rely on myself for so many things I used to need others for.

And even though these may not be what some would call, "life-changing," they're pretty great to me. Because if you looked at my life a year ago you wouldn't see the same person writing out all of these things I've been able to do. That girl didn't know what she wanted and she continued to stick around and see where life would take her, only to be disappointed in the end.

So, to my friends who are in wonderful relationships, whether they be brand new or still with the same person you met in high school, I'm so happy for you. I hope I find someone who looks at me the way that person does to you.

To my friends who are getting engaged or married, congratulations, you're going to make the most beautiful brides and I hope your day is everything you hoped and wished for when you were a little girl playing dress up in your room. I can't wait until someone sees me as a permanent person in their life instead of temporary.

To my friends who are pregnant or have a baby already, you're going to be the best mother to your child and I already know some of you are the best mothers to your child. Getting to hold them and see them smile gives me all I need to know that one day down the road I'll get to hold my own child and then you can too.

To my friends that are at their dream jobs, I know how hard you worked to get there. And I know my time will come, I still need some more time and that's alright.

To my friends who have their own place or moving in with their significant other, I hope this next chapter in your life you're either sharing with yourself or someone else is everything you wanted and more. One day I'll get to say the same thing.

To the boy who broke my heart back in September that's now with someone new, after less than a couple of weeks of breaking up with me. And after saying you still loved me, I hope you treat her right and don't do the same thing to her that you did to me. I can't wait to take my time and wait to find someone that makes you nothing more than just a bunch of dusty memories I keep covered up in the back of my head.

And to my friends who are right where I am in this moment, who don't have any of that yet. Be patient, we'll get to the finish line.

There's so much I have to look forward to this year. So it's time I stop scrolling through my phone, put it away and just live for once in my life. Stop settling and caring about a boy who won't text me back right away.

The world is still moving even when you feel like you're in a standstill. It's up to you whether or not you want to keep moving.

So, keep moving.