Dear 2016

You've challenged me in many ways throughout this year. My perspective on life has completely changed, and through the hard times, have fully realized what is important in life and what simply isn't. To date, I have to say that 2016 has been my most difficult year overall, and also my best yet in many ways. I've laughed uncontrollably, I've cried my heart out, I've felt the strongest I've ever been, and been hit the lowest where it hurts the most. And as we reach the end of the year, I have a lot to leave behind me and a lot to be thankful for.

For one, there's the traveling. To be able to see more of the world this year was such a blessing (in disguise). Every time I come back from traveling, I get a new piece of perspective that helps to mold and shape me into being a better person - and that's something I want to be able to do, no matter where I go.

Orlando - To see a dear friend of mine I haven't seen since graduation almost 3 years ago. It's bitter sweet knowing some friends will just be so far away, but you can't change that. You can only work around it and make the best of what it is Even though when you meet again, you pick up where you left off, time flies too fast, really. Savor the present moment. The present is all we ever really have. Thank you guys for being you and staying connected. #staypresent

Mid East-Atlantic Road Trip - First time traveling solo and was on the road on my own for 5 days. From Boston to New Haven to Harrisburg to Philly (days 1-3) to Harper's Ferry to Charlottesville to Shenandoah National Park to Virginia Beach (days 4-6) to Arlington to D.C. (days 7-8) to New York, and back (days 9-10). It was just so great to see faces I haven't seen in such a long time. I caught glimpses of the most beautiful garden I'd ever seen in my life while also getting a small taste of the south. I don't think I'll ever forget that sunrise at Virginia Beach I dragged myself out of bed for (not really a morning person, but it was well worth the effort), and I can only hope to see something like that again. I also could not have ended my trip better by meeting up with my aunts in New York. We explored the new Chinatown and I let them loose upon the Woodbury Outlets before driving everyone home. 

Luckily, I was able to drive over 24 hours by myself with minimal issues and avoided getting my car towed. It was just amazing to realize that in the times I was on my own, I was alone, but I was not lonely. I recommend everyone travel alone at least once in their life just to try it. There's nothing quite like learning how to be in your own company and being strictly self-reliant in a completely unfamiliar place and make the best of your trip. Solo travel isn't for everyone, but it's worth the experience. It's worth testing your own potential - comfort zones are nice, but nothing grows there, nothing thrives. #carpethatfuckingdiem

Arizona - Where a dear friend and I road tripped through out the state and saw the Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Meteor Crater, I camped for the first ever in the red earth of Sedona, and we stayed in a tree house for a night in Prescott. I for one, had never appreciated a shower so much in my life camping in the desert and we were low-key terrified of our car breaking down in the desolate bad lands where there was zero phone service and no sign of life for miles upon miles. Whether we were talking about the significance of fig trees, researching foodie adventures, or jumping with joy over every cute dog that passes by, we always have a good time and I'm very thankful to have a friend like you. That "intuition consultant" was very right when she said you help to inspire others to explore their potential and fulfill their dreams. I mean, I don't know about her other predictions lol but please don't change that beautiful thing about yourself. #supergirlgoals

Minneapolis - My cousin and I went to visit a friend in Minnesota for her birthday and we had a grand old time of happy hour upon happy hour and of course the Mall of America. Minneapolis is one of those places where I would never think to go if I didn't know someone who lived there. It has it's own charms and living like the locals humbled me into realizing how much I have while living in a bigger city like Boston. Thank you Minneapolis for what you had to offer us. Perhaps next time I'll tackle canoeing of the great lakes. #theresnoplacelikehome

New York City - July 4th was chokingly hot, humid, and crowded with over 3 million people also trying to catch the fireworks. But it was a worthwhile trip. The 9/11 Memorial made me tear up and walking the Brooklyn Bridge hadn't made me so happy for water in a long long time. Besides seeing my first Broadway musical, I think tea time at L'aduree and SoHo Fashion District had to be my favorites. Surely I will need to return to the city again. I could never live in New York, but it has too much to offer for just a weekend getaway. #neverendingadventure

Sacramento and San Francisco - My girlfriends and I were pleasantly surprised of what Old Sac and San Francisco had to offer. It was basically another trip where we went from one food destination to another and the weather was nice enough for us to explore the city by foot. I don't know if it's the food, the atmosphere, or the city itself, but San Francisco is the only other city I can picture myself living in besides Boston. I felt so at ease. There's always something to do, but it's not overcrowded and hurried like the East Coast. There's a special place in my heart for the San Francisco. Thank you ladies for being such amazing travel buddies and such amazing people. #westcoastchill

Acadia National Park - I've seen a few pictures about Acadia and finally got the chance to go with a friend of mine. It was off season and we were surrounded by old people, but we didn't mind. If anything, seeing them dance in the restaurant and climbing around the park gave us a better perspective of how age is only what you make of it. Of course that's far off into the future but I will probably be one of those old ladies in the restaurant dancing like no one is watching. #oldpeoplegoals

Ogunquit/Portland, ME - I saw Portland for the first time this summer and we caught a pokemon while eating lobster so that was pretty sweet. I loved it enough to take another friends there while he was visiting. He's only in the U.S. for a year studying before he has to return to Asia and I loved the chance to see him again an show him a little of what New England has to offer (including his first lobster roll). Before, he showed me around his home; this time I was able to show him around mine. #oldfriendnewexperiences

Last year, I learned a lot about knowing my self-worth. This year, I learned it again, only harder. This time, it was in my career. Long story short, I got screwed over, and was out of a job. It was one of those situations where when everything seemed to be going okay, you do everything you're told to do without a single complaint, you do everything you can to complete what you need to, and then you get completely blind sided, landing paralyzed in a situation you didn't think you would face until - bam - it hit you.

I took it in stride - as we know, we can only growfrom dark times. Especially since now, none of that matters. I have moved on knowing how insignificant this little piece of time of my life will be later. I will look back and will continue to not give a single fuck of what happened, and press on, giving all my fucks towards the present and the future. Some things are simply out of your control, and you can only learn from it and move on.

What I am most grateful for in 2016 are the friendships I have built along the way, that I would not if I were still in that office and the opportunities I've had since I left. I certainly would not have been able to travel as much if I weren't in the situation I was in. After all, all things happen for a reason and there is always a light that follows darkness if you keep looking.

There were too many good times to count, and too many inappropriate pictures to post, so these will have to do lol I'm often asked how I'm always so happy - and the truth is, I just focus on the positive. I don't live in ignorant bliss and I don't deny that bad happens. I am fully aware bad happens, but because bad happens, it makes me even more grateful for the good. Yeah, I'm having some serious bumps along the way on certain aspects of my life, but frankly, I'm too grateful for what I have now to focus about what I lack. Appreciate what you have while working towards what you want - take it a day at a time. #goodvibesonly

Whether we were exploring new cities to our hearts' content; getting lit in Chinatown; hosting inappropriate themed parties; questioning the decline in humanity and society as a whole; fawning over adorable animals; pigging out over Mama Ly's home cooking; gushing over love; roasting fbs; bringing out our inner alter egos; hunting for career opportunities; reminiscing over rowing; being exemplary students and faculty at our private state university; catching pokemon; or #real bonding...

thank you for being my friends #squadgoals

I walk out this year a completely different person and I am so happy with the person I am slowly becoming. I've met and gotten closer to some of the most loving and understanding people I've ever known in my life and they've taught me a lot about about strength this year. I still have so much to learn. Under my current circumstances, I've come to the realization of what really makes me happy and that being career-oriented isn't a bad thing, but letting it consume me is more of a problem than I would like to admit. There's so much more to life than that. To all of my shortcomings this year, I say I will #justkeepswimming and press on one day at a time. The past is the past and the most we can ever do is make the most of our present. The sun will always rise the next morning, after all.

And so to you 2016, I say thank you, for all the lessons and leisure, the trials for the triumph, and a renewed sense of purpose and self love. To all my loved ones, who only helped to add to my sense of self-worth, who've been with me since the beginning and stayed with me now, who've I've only just met but have felt like I've already known far longer, thank you for being in my life.

I can only imagine the magic that is to come in 2017.

2016, it's been real. Peace out.

Sincerely,

Chelle