There's no doubt that 2017 was a curveball that nobody saw coming, yet we all took our swing at it. I'm glad that we've made it to another new year, but in the newness of the year I hope we take time to reflect on what we took from the past year.
1. Love people regardless of your opinions.
We are called to love people and that hardly means that we should neglect those who are different from us. Opinions change and keeping an open mind to others is something that we need to continue to work towards. 
2. The ones who genuinely love you will be there for you.
And those who don't love you, they are missing out on someone important.
3. We can't be perfect but we can keep trying.
This year we saw so much imperfection, but just because we know the world is broken, doesn't mean that we should stop trying to do better. We can better ourselves.
4. People we love will let us down and that's ok.
Learning to forgive those who we love for letting us down takes time, but I promise it's so much better to forgive someone we love than to have a grudge and never speak.
5. Talk to people who care about you and your problems.
It might seem obvious to do this, but in all truth, it can be hard to tell people what you're going through. Don't be afraid to tell them about life.
6. Your parents love you.
As much as some people hate to admit it, it's true. They do so much for you that you may not see at surface level. Give them a call or text them today and tell them you love them too.like doing, but it's something we should learn to do.
7. A relationship will not fulfill you.
If you keep chasing after a relationship with someone, you're doing it wrong. People let you down and there's no way around that. There is so much more to love about life than a relationship.
8. It's ok to cry.
Crying is human. We are human. Crying isn't something people like doing, but it's something we should learn to do.
9. Look for the beauty in existence.
Sure, this sounds a little prestigious, but I hope you do try to do this. People, places and things have so much beauty about them, if only we look further than surface deep.
10. Be who you are.
As much as we try to mask who we are with social media, we must not be afraid to be who we are. We are unique individuals who deserve more than just a list of people who like our most recent post. Do what you love and be proud of who you are.
11. Take a break from social media.
2017 was the year media took the world by storm. We had to keep updated on world events, our friends' lives, the drama at school, but where did that leave you? Take a break every now and then to get reacquainted with who you are and what you've accomplished, instead of posting about it.
12. Take spontaneous adventures.
We are creatures of habit and when we become so tired of the routines, we need to get away. Go to waffle house at 2 am on a Thursday. It's your life and if you don't make it adventurous, who will?
13. Find music you love and listen to it often.
Diversify your music library. It's a game-changer.
14. Text them first.
2017 was the year that we learned that we don't have to be scared to get our message out there. There isn't any shame in being first.
15. Let your significant other hang out with people other than you.
Don't take up all their time. They have a life outside of your relationship and if they don't, they might not be the one for you. Allow them to have aspirations and friends.
16. Know your worth.
People will cut you down for being who you are. Don't let them define your worth. You deserve so much more than you even know.
17. You were made for something greater.
Don't take for granted your existence. There is a reason that you're on the earth. You're the one who will change the world someday. Believe that.
2018 is a new year and every day is a new opportunity. Try be a part of something greater than yourself every day.
