I have been thinking a lot recently about the past year and a half of my life. I have never in my entire life had a year like this before. One could say, "Why Hannah, of course you haven't, no one graduates high school and goes on to college more than once." To that person I would say, DUH! Not what I'm talking about. This year has been the most dramatic and event filled year. And while I sit here and think about it, I can't help but see all the positives.

I have been hurt this year beyond comparison, and things seemed to happen over and over again. The pain seemed to be overwhelming and like I would never overcome it, and get out of the pit that I was in. The pit, that I helped dig, sometimes. The pit that others kind of forced me into. The pit that somehow I crawled out of, and filled up with the many happy memories and feelings that this year also brought. There were times within the pit that I was so down on myself. That I felt the way I USED to feel- when I was young, unsure, and insecure with myself. Those things, I thought would never come back into my head, much less with the fervor in which they did return. Last summer was an emotionally tough summer for many reasons. And not that I was depressed, but I was just sorely unhappy with some things in my life. Whilst I was unhappy, however, so many new things occured that made me excited and hopeful for times ahead- as well they should.

I have had so many blessings and happy times this year that I can't help but look back with an all knowing eye, and realize that those things that happened in the pit, well, they're over now, and insignificant. Insignificant in that I have learned to forgive and forget. God has given me grace to accept that those things did indeed happen to me, but they do not define who I am or how I react to things. They changed me, definitely, but for the betterment of my life and well being. I learned what is good for me and what I deserve. And how I should react in situations, and how I should not. Not to mention how much grace I need to give to people.

I look back a year ago today and am amazed at how much difference a year can truly make...I am far happier than I was then, and thank God everyday for the blessing in which he has granted me. :]

~Hannah~