TLDR: an appreciation post for my 22-year-old self and the realizations that came from being a 22-year-old who was just starting on life :))

The past year have been a roller coaster ride- never knew time flew this fast. Looking back to the different chapters this year has unfolded is so crazy. There were heartbreaks and lessons that changed a great deal to how I understand life and relationships now. There was happiness that made me feel like I was important at one point in my life and made me understand the dynamics that take place within the spaces of two people destined by the universe to meet, but not to stay. I graduated and had my first job and my first taste in adulthood. I pushed through the boundaries of my comfort to find healing and do the things to live life normally again. My 22 has been wild.

To my last day being a 22-year-old, I hope to leave all the heartbreak and pain of the past year behind me and hopefully face this new chapter of my life with optimism and a hope that better things are up ahead. I don't know a lot of things, but I pray that the next year will give me more wisdom and understanding to fully comply with the inequity of life. I hope that it will become a gentler and calmer ride, that I won't do a lot of survival, but just continue to live life and have fun.

Although I am getting older, I know that the child in me is still there in every sip of coffee and every breath of fresh air- I wish to continue to cherish that. I want to love as if it was like breathing. I want to live because life is worth living.

To my 22-year-old self, know that you did well. You survived most of the toughest battles that came your way this year, and I'm still in awe how you're still here and living. You continued to be the kindest person I know despite the countless heartbreaks and discomfort that you went through. You've been so fearless although courage was never your best suit. But despite that, you continued to tread the darkness with only a little spark of light within you, and still provided warmth to those who needed it. Know that in the next year, we don't have to fight anymore. We can finally lay it down and just live. You can finally let your heart and mind to rest knowing that we are finally safe. To my 22-year-old self, I thank you for protecting us and keeping us company throughout the loneliest nights of our year and although bruised and heartbroken, you will pass us on to 23. You have nothing to worry anymore for our 23rd self is already equipped and ready to face anything it will come its way. It is a little more mature and braver. To my 22-year-old self, you can finally rest tonight; thank you.

I can't stress how much appreciation I have for my 22-year-old self. I'm just glad to be turning 23. I'm grateful for all experiences; the good and the bad, that made me the person I am today. I'll never forget this year and will forever cherish the time I was 22.