A photo posted by annabelle (@annabelleblythe) on Dec 24, 2016 at 5:39am PST

 

This was the year I began to let myself truly live.

The year I left anxiety, fear, self-doubt and unworthiness at the door. The year I let them not be so unwelcome if they kept knocking.

This was the year I ran toward my emotions, with arms wide open.

This was the year I learned how to love, from a man whose heart was my teacher.

This was the year I learned how to receive, from a lover who knew how to truly give.

This was the year I learned how to show my love in a language that others could understand.

This was the year I learned the importance of rest. The importance of dropping the struggle and letting myself be tired and not okay.

This was the year I learned how to open. The year I peeled back a thick layer, maybe 20, and let myself be open to the world and the humans in it.

This was the year I stopped being afraid of eyes falling on me as I walked into a room.

This was the year I commanded my own presence.

This was the year I learned how to take up space.

This was the year I learned how to kiss more deeply, speak more openly, laugh more fully, love more completely.

This was the year I learned how to walk my talk and live with integrity.

This was the year I learned to be afraid and do it anyway.

This was the year I learned how to surf.

This was the year I learned how to trust my own voice.

This was the year I picked up my pen and let my heart open and bleed onto the pages.

This was the year I learned how to live.

This was the year I realized I know nothing.

This was the year I took on more mentors, teachers and support than ever. The year I recognized that I cannot do it all alone.

This was the year I realized how far I have left to go.

This was the year I woke up to the beauty I have existing inside, without doing anything at all.

This was the year for me.

 

Author: Annabelle Blythe

Image: @annabelleblythe/Instagram

Editor: Nicole Cameron