Dear Twenty-five...

Dear Twenty-five,

You have been an interesting year...quite the adventure we've had.  We've had ups and downs.  Some things were expected, and some were unexpected.  Some times were amazing, and some times were awful.  There were good days, and there were bad days, and there were days in between.  

But here's what you taught me:
It's ok to cry, even when you're happy.  It's ok to laugh, even when you're sad.  Love is not always a big, passionate romance.  Sometimes it's just putting someone else before you, even when you don't want to.  It's hoping the best for them and loving them even though they've hurt you.  But it's also important to know when to put yourself first and think about your own needs.  You taught me patience.  You taught me that it's ok to wallow in self-pity for a little bit, but then you have to get out of bed and do something.  You taught me that it's good to trust others but that not everybody is trustworthy.  You taught me how to really forgive....a few times.  But you also taught that me forgiveness doesn't always come right away.  You taught me that life goes on.  You reminded me that God loves me and is always with me.  

I know what kind of person I want to be because of you, Twenty-five.  You helped me find that again.

We had an adventure, Twenty-five, and I'm grateful for you.  But let's be honest, I'm so ready for Twenty-six.

Love,
Me