Dear 2017,

You've come as a saving grace to most of us. 2016 was a hellish year. The idea of not being in that year anymore has honestly made me happier than a toddler at Christmas. In fact, just being able to say that it's 2017 has brought a lot of relief, at least to me.

With this power, however, comes a lot of expectation and responsibilities. After the disaster that was 2016, I believe that the world expects a lot from 2017. We're expecting many comebacks, a lot of happiness, and world peace. However, while I don't think that we can expect that much out of 2017, I do believe that we can expect more.

2017, we really need you to bring better things than 2016 did. 2016 gave us happiness where it could, but there was a lot of loss. Around the world, in the world of entertainment, and (at least for me) in my own personal world. This has left us confused and wanting a change to come. This is where we expect much from 2017. And I believe that we can start to expect a little too much from one year, so I have only one request from 2017.

I want this coming out of 2016 and going into 2017 to bring about a need for difference. A need for change. We can wish for big things, we can expect 2017 to bring a complete turnaround from 2016.

But, 2017, we can't expect you to do this for us, can we? You're just one year. A year isn't even a sentient being, it can't do anything. Here's what it can do:

We can take this want for 2017 to bring change, to bring change ourselves. We can dream and hope and expect as long as we want, but the real change can come from us. Whether the change you want for your own life is wanting to be more adventurous or wanting to read more books, you yourself have to make that change.

Figure out more about who you are, what you like, who you like. Take the time to understand the people around you. Care for others more. Care for yourself more. If you don't like something in your life, make it change, or eliminate it entirely. This is a year that will allow for change, and will be understanding of that. Make people smile as much as you can, but remember that your happiness is just as important. Or, maybe start small this year. Take that leap and learn to do things by yourself. Go see a movie you're excited about by yourself. Try new things that the 2016 you wouldn't have expected you to do. If you're not really in to big leaps or enormous changes, making a small difference can really be a big one to someone else. Do what makes you happy, and don't let expectation and worry bring you down (to the best of your ability!).

Our expectation that 2017 will bring about a difference in our lives and in the world is a dream and a hope. I believe in hope as much as the next person, but I also believe in taking charge and making change yourself. This drive and want for this new year to be completely different than the last is valid and legitimate, but it's important to recognize that we can do this ourselves. Whether this is on a small scale and personal, or you find it in yourself to want to enact a huge change somewhere else, I say that this is the year to do it. After the turmoil and stress of last year, this is the year to be a change and make a difference.

So, dear 2017. Please, allow us this chance to make a change. You are one year, 365 days and 52 weeks. Let us make a difference this year.

Sincerely,

All of us.