Last year, my life changed. It wasn't because I went through some traumatic experience or had some unexpected epiphany about the nature of existence. It was because I finally got a Hydro Flask, also known as an overpriced vacuum insulated stainless steel water bottle that can keep a beverage at its desired temperature for hours and hours on end.

Before that, it always felt like something was missing in my life. I felt spiritually unfulfilled, craving some sort of sign or acknowledgement from the universe, in the hopes that I would find this mysterious missing piece. I tried going to church, reading books about soul-searching and finding yourself and even doing yoga. None of it worked, until I finally realized what was wrong, and it was staring me in the face the entire time. I was missing a Hydro Flask.

Now, I refuse to drink from anything other than my wonderful black 21 oz. Hydro Flask with a straw lid. Transporting liquid through the straw and into my mouth gives me a feeling like no other, a feeling that I fully owe to this wonderful water bottle contraption. This was the missing piece I was craving in my life, and I can no longer imagine my life without my Hydro Flask.

These days, my Hydro Flask and I do everything together. We go on walks, go out to eat, go to the movies, and even watch TV at home. We do it all. My Hydro Flask is not just my water bottle. It is my friend, my companion, and my partner in crime. Some say that dogs are man's best friend, but those who say this have obviously never owned a Hydro Flask.

Once in a while my Hydro Flask and I may disagree on something, but this happens with all close friends. For example, my Hydro Flask and I have differing political views on certain issues, and therefore naturally we argue about certain things, but these arguments only bring us closer together.

My life has dramatically changed since I got my Hydro Flask, and I fear the day when it will no longer work, because then I would be forced to spend around $50 on a similar Hydro Flask that would do the exact same thing. Some have brought up the point that you may be able to get a similar water bottle of a different brand at Walmart or some other retailer for about half the price, but any true Hydro Flask fan would never fall for such blasphemy.

There is no equaling a Hydro Flask and no other water bottle comes close to one, and any true Hydro Flasker knows this. It breaks my heart to know that not everyone owns one, and I don't understand why people are trying to solve issues like world hunger and poverty when not everyone owns a Hydro Flask. This is the issue facing the world that needs attention first and foremost.

So, I want to say thank you to my Hydro Flask. Thank you for keeping me healthy, happy and hydrated. Thank you for being the missing piece in my life.