I've learned a lot of things this year...not everyone who smiles at you is your friend. Fear really is terrifying but when you face it, the feeling is euphoric. I can say no and not feel guilty. I can say yes and not feel guilty. I know when to walk away from anything that isn't good for me, but the best thing I learned is that happiness is inside of me and always has been.

I AM strong today because weak didn't suit me. I AM beautiful inside today because being ugly was horrible. I AM kind, generous and loving today because I've been poor, broken and unloved. I AM who I am today because of my yesterdays and I don't regret one single day.

You sure as hell didn't come this far to only come this far. Keep going.

One day you're going to look back and wonder why you wasted so much time worrying about things that never mattered much.

To everybody who didn't believe in me, thank you. Because of you, I had to find my own way, and I did.

Your opinion of me is nothing more than a made up illusion of what you want me to be in order to justify your own insecurities.

I'm not afraid of love. I love love. My heart loves love too. That's what hearts naturally do. Love. They are not meant to be caged and protected. They are not meant to be locked up. Birds are happiest when they are free from a cage and singing. So is your heart.

The person I am today would like to thank the person I was 5 years ago for not giving up. You're awesome!

Make your desire for a better life stronger than your desire to stay in misery.