Dear 2017,

2016 was extremely rough for me, but it ended pretty well. I have an awesome job, my loving boyfriend, and my amazing friends. I will be going into this year truly blessed with these things. However, even though I have caring people and a great job, I still have high hopes and goals for 2017. The main thing I am focusing on this year is me. So far, 2017 has been off to a great start.

This year will be the year that I find my voice, that I discover who I am. This is the year that I will uncover me, and unlock my full potential. In 2017, I have the hope of finding my style, what I like, and don’t like. I choose to be happy this year, to always find the positive in every situation. I will not let my depression and anxiety get the best of me, I will learn healthy coping techniques and continue pushing forward. I choose to be kind, because some others lack the kindness this world needs. I will grow as a young woman, and learn how to love myself more everyday. I want to grow with confidence. I am going to surround myself with people who love me, accept me, support and encourage me. I am cutting out toxic friendships, and forgiving people who have hurt me in the past. This year I will rule, this year I will shine, this year I will be stronger than ever before.

I am excited to see what 2017 has in store for me. I am prepared for the good, the bad, and the ugly. I am not asking for the best year of my life, but I am asking for a better year than 2016. I am ready to embrace this year with open arms, an open mind, and an open heart. I will learn how to live my life the way I want, and how to finally be proud of myself. I want see change and I am striving for this change I wish to see. I know I am asking a lot of 2017, but this year will be memorable. It will be filled with great opportunities and more blessings. So here’s to you, 2017!

"The world gives you so much pain and here you are making gold out of it. There is nothing purer than that." - Rupi Kaur