I think I can speak for most of us when I say that I am so glad that 2016 is over. I, however, cannot say that I go into 2017 without some mixed feelings.

I won't sugar coat or tell a long anecdote and try to connect it to some mystical, wispy philosophical statement: there are many of us who have things to fear about this upcoming year. There is a lot of uncertainty, a lot of worried-ness that has already been evident in this first month. The future, our futures, are unclear. But this fuzziness about what is to happen does not have to be crippling.

Use the worry or the uncertainty to make things certain. We cannot predict the future or control everything that happens, but we must take control of what we can.

Take control of the things you have allowed to simply happen in your life. This year I have promised myself that I am allowed to say "no" to things that I do not approve of or want to do. This is something that I can change in my life, and it is something that I will change. Last year, and basically my entire life, I have been nothing if not a people pleaser. I say "yes" in order to keep people in my life, even when what I've said "yes" to is something I absolutely, 100 percent do not wish to do. This has been small things, too, and I've still said yes in order to keep friends. I have decided that this year, my happiness and my comfort will be just as important as my family's and friend's. My personal comfort will be a priority. I will allow myself to say no to what makes me unhappy or what I don't want to do.

On another hand, I will allow myself to say yes to those things that I want to experience but have been too ashamed or uncomfortable to do before. A small example of this: I have recently started running again. While I am being more active, I will not restrict myself or let the idea of being more "healthy" get in the way of what I love. I love ice cream and cookies and I really, really like mac & cheese. I am allowed to like these things and be an active, healthy person. Health does not have to mean eating nothing but salads and working out 8 times a week. My own definition of health is what I will say yes to.

So, take control of what you can in your life. Say no to things, say yes to things. Drop toxic people out of your life, don't be afraid of making new friends or meeting new people. Stand up for the things you believe in, learn to listen when it is time to listen. Do not let fear of opinions, or fear of what is to come, get in the way of your path to what will make you happy or what you need to do.

I will accept fear into my life. I recognize its importance and will not allow it to be overwhelming. This fear is going to drive me to success and greatness this year. I am allowed to be worried about the future. I will not be afraid of it.