Why We Can't Despise 2016

In an emotionally dramatic way, 2016 has been a parent whose standard practice is tough love; something I was raised on and have always respected and appreciated. I've probably shed tears 350 days out of the year; over my own heartbreak, over others' heartbreak, over the sheer terror that exists in our world. However, I will never look at 2016 as a downfall or something that "needs to end," but rather a year that has lifted me up and shown me just how much emotional strength I have... which I discovered to be a lot. I know my heart, and I know that its healing will continue into the new year; Therefore, a new year won't necessarily change me but will force me to reflect on its predecessor. 

So, I'd like to thank 2016 for the devastating heartbreak that has since made my heart stronger; for the not-so-thrilling rejection that has motivated me to keep trying with a positive attitude and a genuinely grateful spirit; for all of the times that made me say "I can't," to later realize that I could; for all of the mistakes I convinced myself I was making, to later find out they weren't mistakes, but steps within God's big, mapped out plan; for all of the doubt I brought upon myself that taught me just how bad doubt is for the soul; for all of the people who demonstrated unconditional love and support to prove that good does in fact exist; for the ability to detach from manmade pleasantries/addictions (AKA- social media), and focus on the natural beauty of this incredible Earth that God has given us -- which is, for the record, WAY better than Pinterest; for all of the hard times that helped me see more clearly the good that surrounds me in life; for the strength to continuously give everything I have emotionally, knowing very well that it might not be reciprocated; for reminding me that having your own heart broken is so much easier than breaking another's heart; for the laughter and jokes that often got me through; for reminding me that, although a temporary pleasure, one can't avoid pain through said laughter and jokes; for giving me the strength to face my internal pain head on, and walk away from it.

From the bottom of my broken, yet mending, heart: Thank you, 2016, for being a good parent. I needed you. We all needed you. You've done a lot of good through your tough love... And, for that, we should be forever be grateful.