I’ve seen a lot of these articles circulating the internet lately. So, naturally, with the new year here, I thought I would do my own rendition on it.

Last year around this time, I was stressing over school starting up again; just as I’m doing right now. But things were different. I was broken. Or at least I thought I was. I had recently been broken up with and thought it was the end of the world.

I soon found out that I wasn’t broken, just a bit bent. All of these things I’ve been through make me who I am, so I’m thankful for moments like these; that shape who I have become today. I thought my life was turned upside down, and that was partially true. My life did change once I became single. But, it changed for the better. Everyone needs to spend some time being single in their college years. It helps them learn who they truly are. It made me more independent and I am so thankful for that. I didn’t need another man to pick me up and put me back together, I was in charge of that.

My favorite quote is, “your body is not a temple. Temples can be destroyed and desecrated. Your body is a forest, thick canopies of maple trees and sweet scented wildflowers sprouting in the underwood. You will grow back, over and over again, no matter how badly you are destroyed”. And that’s just what I did. I grew back, better than ever. I am happier now and proud of who I am. I am glad that things are so much different than they were a year ago. We should be growing and becoming a better version of ourselves each year. Some years will be better than others but every year we grow and learn more and more about ourselves. Growth is good, don’t be afraid of it.

I don't normally make New Year's resolutions because I don't do a good job at following through with them. Why do I need the date to change in order to change something in my life? This year is different though, I am going to try a New Year's resolution. I am going to try to be more loving towards my body. Whether that includes eating better, exercising or just more self love.

People don't give themselves enough self love. Be gentle and take care of yourself. Fill yourself up with knowledge, art, books, love, education, experiences. Surround yourself with only positive people who have nothing but love to give you. All of these things are so important. You deserve to be happy, everyone does.

So here's to a Happy New Year and being the best version of ourselves that we can be. Don't forget to learn to love yourself before you let others love you.