A Letter To My 2016 Self

I'm quite happy to be seeing the back of 2016, but it definitely taught me a few things.

Hey girl!

Wow, what a year we have had. I know you feel pretty shitty at the moment but trust me because right now you're so fucking happy. Don't roll your eyes, it's true! We learn a lot this year so let me give you a bit of a head's up on what's to come.

Don't let the opinion of other's define you. Or more specifically in your case, don't assume the opinions of others and let that get to you. Stop trying to be someone you're not just to feel accepted by other people. Actually, stop thinking you need to please other people altogether because guess what? You don't need to. Everyone you know loves and adores you for exactly who you are. When you let go of those thoughts and worries, you're going to be happier than ever.

Don't let anyone or anything define your happiness. I know it's cliché but happiness is all about you. I know you just want to feel like you fit in with them, but you're in the wrong place. You'll figure that out and you'll put that energy into better friendships that have a positive impact on you. Once you're happy on your own and within yourself, the rest will come.

Rid toxic people from your life. They aren't doing any good on your mind. Once you finally step away from that world you're going to get your confidence back, trust me! You are finally happy within yourself and you attract amazing things into your life in the second half of the year.

It's okay to feel. I know you're scared of expressing any sort of feeling and you don't know why but as hard as it can be, it's worth it. Some magical things happen when you let that wall down and are just straight up honest, real and raw with people. It'll change your life. An old friend comes back into your life but stop being in denial and just run with it. It will be one of the best things to come out of 2016.

Hard work pays off. You haven't had a break at all this year but you've achieved so much. You completed three unpaid internships and worked three different jobs, and for a while there you did all four things at once you crazy thing. You should be so proud and it's been worth it because guess what? You finally landed a full time job in the media industry! 2017 is going to be a good year, babe.

Love, Emma from January 2017 xxx