Hello 2017

It seems throughout the years I've resolved a million times to stop neglecting this poor blog. Even though today is New Years Day, I'm not back to fulfill some sort of rigid resolution. I'm here again because I am so appreciative of the me that took the time, years ago, to document her life. From time to time, when a memory is sparked, I will log on and search old posts to see what I wrote. I'll see the days and years represented. The hardships, triumphs, inspiration, stupidity or humor, successes and things unrealized, and it's all here. It's a piece of me.

When I think back to this past year, I realize that 2016 was an interesting one. I had so much to be thankful for, and yet in many ways I struggled personally. Ways that challenged me not to write; as if those struggles wouldn't etch their way into my heart and story if I didn't write them down. Ways that made me want to hide and isolate myself, afraid to really let anyone know me or the quiet things I carried. But in this year of personal challenges, I also learned a lot about love and it's reaches. I gained new insight into what it feels like to experience grips of depression, and it afforded me the ability to see others with more empathy. I learned about the absolute relief that comes with a willingness to let my Savior carry my burdens, and trust in my Heavenly Father's will and timing for my life. I learned that despite my perceived weaknesses, that I am so much stronger than I ever thought. I learned how much my family loves me. I learned that I can have friends and be a friend. Despite what was hard, I am so grateful for every minute of it. Every humbling moment of searching. Every gesture of pure love and support. I'm thankful that as the year closed I could look in the mirror and truly know that I am enough.

Moving forward into this new year of 2017, where possibilities are whatever I choose to make them, I feel my mind is cleared and at peace from the lessons 2016 taught me. I feel more like me than I have in awhile, and I'm ready to be back, and be honest, and to share a piece of me on here. I mostly anticipate that I will probably be my only reader, and I'm okay with that. Because I'm here for me, and future me will love my guts for it.