Dear 2017,

Last year, the ever-wise Kylie Jenner predicted that 2016 would be “the year of, like, realizing stuff,” and we would all be “like, realizing things,” and so on, and so forth.

The hand motions help. But to be quite honest with you, she kind of hit the nail on the head in one perfect swipe. So much happened in 2016 that it forced us to grow up, put on our thinking caps (mind the irony), and pay attention to the world around us. But I’d like to hope that instead of the year of “realizing”, youmight be the year of understanding.

Every year brings something different – hence, why we call it the “New” year. It’s a completely blank canvas upon which we decorate. And the most fearfully exciting thing about it is that no one has more than a minuscule idea of what this next numerical marker of time will allow us to paint. Think of the possibilities! This is why I’ve always loved New Year’s resolutions – having a list of things we hope to improve upon to mirror this concept of what is fresh and new.

So, 2017, in my determination to make you great, I have written a few resolutions of my own that will cultivate you for the explosion of potential that you hold inside.

In 2017, I will not bite my tongue. I will speak the words that are too often held in.

I will look for the light, finding joy and positivity even in life’s darkest corners.

I will turn some “I’m sorry’s” into “thank you’s”.

I will remember that simple joys are sometimes better than granted wishes.

I will listen to the voice in my head telling me I can’t, laugh, and show it that I can.

I will not be numb to my feelings.

I will not feel guilty for going on a creative tangent – inspiration is far too ephemeral.

I will de-clutter my things and my people, if they don’t contribute to my happiness (s/o Gilmore Girls revival).

I will consider both sides in every situation.

I will run. And not away from my problems.

I will read everything.

I will go with my gut, and not question it.

I will do one thing a day that scares me.

I will fear less.

I will listen more.

I will end every day thinking “wow, I lived a life today”.

I will breathe in, breathe out, and let go.

And I will be more methan anyone has ever seen.

* Cue the streamers and Frank Sinatra’s New York, New York.*

2017, I must admit that I’m a little nervous – that always comes with the idea of the unknown. But I do know there are some good things coming. I will learn and I will grow, and you will help me. And I will help make you all that you should be. So get ready for your debut, you’ve got a lot of expectations to fulfill!

It's nice to meet you,

- me