2017 year in review. This year has been better for me than the last couple of years. I’ve closed some chapters and started some new. I’ve enjoyed living this year in my new home, and experiencing the pride and accomplishment that comes with having something you’ve worked so hard for. This year I’ve made a few new friends and parted ways with some old, and I’ve continued to more intricately carve out a life for myself that I love. I’m continually learning to set boundaries for what I’m willing and unwilling to accept from people who want to be in my life. All the while unlearning to hold onto guilt for not being more “accommodating” to those people who do not deserve to be in my life. I feel a little like this year has beat me to death. But it’s more the beat-to-death you feel getting off a roller coaster. Your hair’s a tangled mess and the back of your thighs burn from the hot metal seat but, overall, the ride was a good one. It's that time again to raise our glasses to another new year and another new start.

This is the time I write my year in review. 2016. There's a quote from Hemingway, "write hard and clear about what hurts". This year was quite difficult for me, personally. I had a nervous breakdown in January. I don't know if that's the correct way to say it as I don't think you truly ever get over it, you just maintain yourself differently. Someone close to me told me to hang on, the time will come when the good days outnumber the bad ones. I did, they do. I would never wish this experience on anyone but if I can be honest with myself about this whole year- I have learned a great deal about myself and those close to me. I can't imagine not having my family there to keep a tight grip on my wrists and I'm grateful for the empathy I've learned. This year I've come quite a long way and I'm truly grateful for the people in my life that have seen me around the bend. "And it has been one hell of a year. I have worn the seasons under my sleeves, on my thighs, and running down my cheeks. This is what surviving looks like, my dear." It's that time again to raise our glasses to another new year and another new start.

I have a lot to be thankful for this thanksgiving. My new house. My loved ones. A job that I love. My dog. Improved mental health. My life, the fact that I've been through absolute hell this year and still survived.

11/23/16 "He said I was just a waste of three years. I finally got the closure that I needed."

Ernest Hemingway

Ernest Hemingway