This was the year I didn't see coming the one that shook me out of complacency. When I learned to stop being compliant, to demand what was rightfully mine, refuse to settle for anything less than what I deserved. I lost patience with small talk, fell in love with midnight conversations. I crossed deserts and oceans with the man I love at my side, as we lived out of suitcases, drunk on life and laughter. This was the year that came with a gentle tap on the shoulder, reminding me who I was and what I could be, if only I'd just open my arms and let the light in, stop over- thinking and start living. Give myself permission to fall as long as I got back up again.

I held the ones I love, closer let go of the things that weren't meant to be mine. Looked my past dead in the eye and said, you aren't welcome here anymore. Chased away the cobwebs that I had let linger far too long. Told the moon I was sorry-this is now my time in the sun.