Dear 2018,

I think I’m not alone when I say that 2017 was one of the most difficult years I’ve ever had to go through. Luckily for me, the majority of my hardships are documented on the internet for all of the world to see since writing was how I processed said hardships - this means that it is easy for me to go back through my articles and reflect on how 2017 pushed me to grow in ways I never knew I needed to and shaped me into the person I am today entering 2018 - sorry if I look like I've been through it, 2017 did me dirty.

Due to last year being so difficult, there is a lot of hope for you. I have infinite hope that you will bring times filled with tons of love, tons of laughter, tons of growth, and tons of happiness; however, I realize you are unable to keep me away from the times of immense hurt, immense loss, and immense sadness. So instead of asking you for joy and love alone, I ask you this:

Make this year one of life-changing, soul-bettering, heart-uplifting growth.

Make this year one of all-consuming, earth-shattering, boundary-breaking love.

Make this year one of intentional and loving relationships.

Make this year one of huge and monumental change.

Make this year one of gratitude.

Make this year one of progress.

Make this year one of the best years yet.

2018, I have a lot of hope placed in you. Please don’t let me down.