I know I’ve been repeating myself post after post, but I cannot get over how much of a rollercoaster year this has been.

I sometimes forget the lifelong memories I’ve made because of how clouded my mind has been in 2018.

But I am finally so thankful for all that I have learned in just a short amount of time.

It may not be what you need, by just in case you were curious, I wanted to share the 18 things I’ve learned in this past year.

As I reflect on these lessons, I am realizing how strong I am. I am realizing how powerful I feel when I put my words down on paper.

And I hope you too can realize that you are stronger than whatever life throws at you.

I’m so excited to start 2019 with a smile and open arms in an amazing country.

Here’s to what I’ve learned this past year and how I can grow as a better person from here!

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1) There is no reason for you to know what is next. Enjoy where you are.

2) Everything does and will happen for a specific reason.

3) Mai pen rai. It’s okay, everything is okay, no worries.

4) Patience.

5) A smile can carry you a long way.

6) You are stronger than the even your worst thoughts.

7) There is ALWAYS light on the other side.

8) Tacos are still the best food in the world.

9) My writing can help and has helped others. Writing will always be therapy for me.

10) Students will always give me unconditional love. And I love my students!

11) Mistakes will happen, but they are lessons to be learned.

12) I am my own worst enemy.

13) But I’m also my own BIGGEST fan. The enemy in me can be forever silenced because I’m finding strength within.

14) I am beautiful in my own unique way.

15) I can make this world a better place, one post at a time.

16) Go at your own speed. There is no finish line to be crossed.

17) Music can cure anything.

18) Drugs are no longer a gateway or excuse to happiness. You can have fun without and you have had fun without!

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I am realizing with each post and each word how great I feel writing down my thoughts.

If you can relate through this mental health battle, I’m sorry but power through!! Your words mean more than you could imagine.

And if not, I hope this gives you a better understanding of the world of confusion and uncertainty I, and those with mental illnesses, constantly live in.

It’s not that I wish this world on someone at all, but rather, I hope my posts are helping those who are silently suffering.

I hope it brings an understanding of mental instability to those who are unaware of it’s jarring past.

Instead of prying behind closed doors of your neighbors, I hope the discussion of mental illness continues because you never know who it could be helping.

As always, keep fighting. Keep going and stay strong!!

I’ll always be fighting for you and your light,

Lizzy<3