After taking a social media hiatus in September, Selena Gomez has returned to the platform this afternoon with a heartfelt message to her fans. "It’s been awhile since you have heard from me, but I wanted to wish everyone a happy new year and to thank you for your love and support," she captioned her three portraits of herself.
"Last year was definitely a year of self-reflection, challenges and growth. It’s always those challenges which show you who you are and what you are capable of overcoming. Trust me, it’s not easy, but I am proud of the person I am becoming and look forward to the year ahead. Love you all."
Gomez's post comes after the singer took two months away from the spotlight to focus on her health. Gomez sought treatment for her mental health at an East Coast facility in October after reportedly being hospitalized twice in the fall due to low white blood cell count, a complication that can arise in kidney transplant patients.
Gomez was first seen out after her time away in December when she went on a snow-tubing trip with her friends. She appeared in their Instagrams but until today, she hadn't posted on her own account.
Gomez went horseback riding with friends last week, and was photographed hanging out with Taylor Swift and Cazzie David a day after her horseback outing.
In September, Gomez explained on her Instagram why she was taking a break from the platform. "Taking a social media break. Again," she wrote on her last selfie. "As much as I am grateful for the voice that social media gives each of us, I am equally grateful to be able to step back and live my life present to the moment I have been given. Kindness and encouragement only for a bit! Just remember- negative comments can hurt anybody’s feelings. Obvi."
Alyssa Bailey is the senior news and strategy editor at ELLE.com, where she oversees coverage of celebrities and royals (particularly Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton). She previously held positions at InStyle and Cosmopolitan. When she's not working, she loves running around Central Park, making people take #ootd pics of her, and exploring New York City.
