It's my birthday and I'll cry if I want to.

As far back as I can remember, I've never been alone on my birthday. I've always had my family and friends and a boyfriend that would help me celebrate another year of me being completely awesome. Then last year happened. I. Was. A. Wreck. I woke up that morning feeling extremely depressed. I had been waiting an entire year to be rid of the awkward age of 22 that Taylor Swift sings so positively about like it's some sort of super-power giving number. I was in one of the most wonderful cities in the entire world with a group of amazingly great friends. But for some reason, I just couldn't shake off that feeling. To make matters worse, I was running late to work.

I remember walking to my Program Manager's office, on the verge of a complete breakdown, thinking of what smart remark I could make if he asked me why I was late (like that would really make a difference in me getting written up or not). He didn't ask, but he did tell me happy birthday as I signed my write-up paper. Clearly, I wasn't thrilled at the fact that I felt like I was being mocked and wanted to jump over his desk for having the audacity to wish me a happy birthday as he bestowed such an unhappy thing upon me. By the end of the day you could just tell that I was an emotional wreck. At our final circle, my Team Leader had everyone say what they liked about me to cheer me up. Most of them stated something about my outgoing personality and how much fun I was to go out with. Ironic since I was so unhappy on what should have been a glorious day. I spent that evening eating a medium pepperoni pizza and some hot wings from Domino's all alone on my bedroom floor as I cried hysterically and watched the newest episode of HBO's Girls.

A year later, and 24 isn't looking much better than 22 or 23. I'm back in San Antonio (a place I promised myself I would never come back to), I don't have a job and in about a month or so I will probably be without money. But I did it to myself and I am willing to accept the fact that sometimes you have to take a step back so you can move forward. So here's to you, 24, and everything that you have in store for me!