NYE: another 365 days for the history books.

So, I have a confession to make.

2016 wasn't really all that bad for me.

GASP.

I know, I know, but just hear me out. Overall, 2016 was kind of a joke - if I was presented with the opportunity to do much of this year over again, I'd probably be like "umm, yeah...thanks but no thanks".

I was hurt this year. I was sick this year. I suffered anxiety over things that I never thought would get to me, and I struggled for a good portion of the last 365 with trying to figure out just exactly how I'm supposed to be fitting myself into this world.

I kinda jumped on the "2016 was a crapshoot" bandwagon these last few weeks, but despite how rough 2016 did get at times for me, it hit me yesterday that I really have more things to be stoked on from this year than things to complain about.

Like, graduating with a university degree, traveling across the world on my own to spend the summer in France, landing a sweet job in the field I've trained for, and about a million other little things that aren't nearly as significant, but definitely still as crucial to my life this year.

Sometimes, the big picture is hard to see.

Sometimes, it's just easier to focus on the negative.

Sometimes, there is so much ugly, so much mean, so much not good, that all we want to do is give up and give in and ask each other "is it 2017 yet?!"

And honestly, I can understand that. 2016 was brutal, 2016 was ruthless, 2016 told us how it really felt. But tonight, 2016 is going to end, because that's how things go - all good AND bad things come to an end eventually; it's our responsibility to live out each minute of each year with love, and passion, and faith, and courage, through all that good and the bad.

So 🍾🍾🍾 to you and yours - may your alcohol be strong and your company be loud this New Year's Eve, and may 2017 live up to all the expectations you're placing on it (just, maybe try to be gentle, 2017 has enough pressure on it as it is...).

XOX

Jessica*.