As I enter into my 20s, I find myself constantly looking back on my past. Who I was in high school, what I loved to do, the type of people I surrounded myself with, my accomplishments, my mistakes, and everything in between.

In 20 short years, I have formed this person. This person with dreams, ambitions and values. I love looking back and seeing how all of these have changed as I grew up. My dreams became bigger, my ambitions became stronger, and my values became a part of my identity.

So many people are afraid to look at the past and see all of their mistakes, old friends and bad times, but I love it. I love seeing my growth and recognizing that all of those things and people that are hard to think about have helped mold me as a person.

So, to all of the people from my past, thank you. Some of you I may not have spoken to in years because our friendship just fizzled out or because of some dramatic event (that we probably can't even remember the cause of). Either way, every single one of you has played an important role in some aspect of my life.

You've taught me how to love.

You've taught me how to forgive.

You've taught me how to laugh.

You've taught me how to cry.

Whether you were in my life for a short period of time or I thought you would be in it for the long haul, there's an undeniable truth about our past: It can't be forgotten. Without you and our experiences, I wouldn't have the same dreams, ambitions, and values. I wouldn't have had the same childhood and high school endeavors. Of course, not all of them were my favorite, but I can't help but reflect on them.

To the people from my past, thank you. Thank you for challenging me and growing either with me or apart from me. I have so many irreplaceable people in my life right now, but I need to recognize you. You may have hurt me, but in the end you have helped me.

It's the best feeling in the world to be facing my 20s and be able to look back and smile at the all of the things and people that have made me who I am today.

And on my 30th birthday, I will have even bigger dreams, even stronger ambitions, and will be sharing my values with those around me. And I will still think of you.

Hope all is well. xo