Yes, I'm aware 2016 was a pretty bad year that was desperately needing to end.. but hey! It's done, over with. And not to boast or be ungrateful, but my 2016, personally, wasn't all too horrible, honestly. But that doesn't mean I am choosing to ignore or am unaware of the many tragedies that happened in the world around me as well things that happened personally to ones I love. However, it's a brand new year and you can make it however you want it to be. I know I've made it one of my New Year's resolutions to be more positive about the upcoming year because I'm kind of known to be pessimistic about things like that.

Now I know I normally write about a list of random things.. but this time this article will be a list that doesn't particularly have a certain number of "reasons" or whatever. It's just a list of suggestions on how to have a better new year.

1) Reinvent yourself.

New year, new you right? You may not have liked who you were in 2016, but it's a new year and you can always start over, and there's no better time than the new year.

2)Tell yourself it's going to be okay.

I know this one is a tough one and it's always easier said than done. I don't know who may be reading this, but if something personal happened to you in 2016 and it's been rough, I understand. However, it's a new year to focus on positivity and to be excited for better things to come.. because believe it or not, it really does get better y'all.

3) Not everything is going to work out exactly how you want it, and that's okay, too.

Yeah, it sucks and it's frustrating when things don't go your way. I've been there, trust me on this one. But guess what? We serve a God that has greater plans than you could ever desire for yourself. So if He says no, be thankful and remember that He has something better in store for you that's coming.

4) You're still a beautiful person in 2017.

I don't know who you are, dear reader, but just know you're absolutely beautiful inside and out. This one is a tough one for me sometimes, too. Sometimes you just need to take a long look in the mirror. Don't look at your flaws but instead see the things that make you who you are. Don't let anyone else tell you differently. You were designed exactly the way God wanted you to be, and He doesn't make mistakes. Don't question His own creation because every aspect of you is amazing.

5)Look ahead to the positive things happening in 2017.

I can name one right now. You're alive another day. That's another day to try again and make each day a better one. Here's more. Some of you may be graduating high school, getting married, expecting kids, getting your first job, a new pet, going to college, paying your first month's rent. There's so many endless possibilities of the positive things that lie ahead this year. Now go and seek them out.

I'm encouraging everyone and myself to make 2017 your year no matter who you are or where you're from. Don't linger on the things from the previous year(s), but instead remember that there's so many things that only you can make out of 2017. It's up to you. Go travel the world, find peace, nail that interview, whatever. And remember in the end it goes all to the One who gave you this incredible life, so don't forget to thank God everyday for the blessings that you have received and will continue to receive. Happy New Year, guys!