Dear 2018,
You fulfilled some of my highest highs, and some of my lowest lows. Through my triumphs and hardships, you have taught me so many valuable lessons and transformed from a child to a young adult. I want to take the time to thank you for every messy situation, every smile and every tear.
You taught me a lot. You taught me that nothing ever hands itself over. If I work hard enough, though, nothing is unachievable. You waved this treat in front of me with the possibility of getting into my dream school, University of Florida, and graduating high school with my AA Degree. You made me fight for it. My last resort was to take Applied Calculus because of you, which I was in no way prepared for. It turned out to be the hardest class I had ever taken. You showed me that the obstacles the world hands me don’t matters. It is my determination. If I want something bad enough and fight hard enough for it, it can be mine.
You taught me how to love and how to depend on someone who wasn’t myself. But you also taught me not to depend on someone too much. Nothing is guaranteed. You gave me a pretty hard pill to swallow. No matter how much you pour into a person, they can still turn their back on you. More than anything, you revealed my strength. You let me give everything in my life to one person and ripped them away, tearing my heart into pieces. Rather than being bitter or holding resentment, I am grateful. You have proven to me that even when my world shatters, I can always hold myself up.
You transformed me from a child into a young adult. Through moving away to college and paying to live on my own you have instilled the responsibility of controlling my finances. You have taught me the importance of self-health, making sure I eat right and exercise enough, even when I don’t want to cook or get out of bed.
You gave me faith. In my worst hardships I fell into the hands of the Lord and reinstalled a consistent relationship with Him. You led me to find Alive Church and allowed me to stumble into my new home.
Friends. At first, I felt saddened by the multitude of friends you took out of my life for only a few to take their place. But you taught me the value of true friendship. Quality over quantity. I wouldn’t trade any of my new best friends for anything. You gave us some ups and downs, but you make sure we never forget our unwavering love for one another.
My Italian heritage has never failed to show me the importance of family, but you 2018, exemplified it. Moving three hours from all of my family was difficult. My mom was definitely the hardest. Blood is thicker than water, always. It doesn’t matter the situation or circumstances. Family is family, and you should always have their back.
I wanted to keep 2017, and wasn’t prepared for my time with you. I didn’t walk or stumble into you, I fell. However, I am doing it different next year. I am breaking through my restraints of 2018 and busting into 2019 with a smile on my face. I have peace in my heart, knowing that no matter what the year brings, I can handle it. Knowing that in the long run everything will be okay. No matter the obstacle, I will achieve the goals I set for myself. Not because I am prepared for it, nor because it will be easy. It’s because you have given me the determination and strength necessary.
You were one of my toughest ones yet, but my most valuable.
Thank You for Everything,
Nicole
