F. Scott Fitzgerald once wrote: "I hope you live a life you're proud of and if you don't, I hope you find the strength to change it."With the passing of the New Year and the ritual of making resolutions, keep in mind what would make you feel proud of yourself—but more importantly, what would make God proud of you and your life as well. Lean on His strength and understanding to guide you in the process of "new year, new you," and in 2017, change your life for the better.

In 2017, I hope you don't chase new looks and body expectations to the point where you lose your own beauty that God personally created you for. I hope you say, "I'm beautiful enough in God's eyes," and keep your individuality the same. I hope your body expectations only lead to living a healthy lifestyle and never to drastic measures just to fulfill an ideal body weight you believe you need. I hope you hear God speaking to you, telling you how amazing and loved you are no matter your weight.

In 2017, I hope you don't go blindly looking for love and instead focus on the love God already has for you—waiting for the time He's already picked out for your significant other to come into your life and make you feel happy. I hope you don't try to force love within someone who doesn't deserve it and spend countless nights in tears wondering why you weren't good enough for them. I hope you know you're more than enough in God's eyes and the person He has planned for you is going to be in similarity to how He loves you and cherishes you. I hope you know that's worth the wait.

In 2017, I hope you find peace within yourself and within God. I hope you pray when you're stressed, worried, or anxious for the strength and comfort that the Lord has already promised to give us when we call to Him. I hope you don't feel tied down by obligations and responsibilities to where you feel as a prisoner to the burden of being overwhelmed. I hope you remember Philippians 4:6-7: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." I hope you know God is a God of peace and will help you find comfort when you're in need.

In 2017, I hope you live a life that God would be proud of and if you don't, I hope you find His strength and wisdom to change it. I hope this year you lean on His understanding and His plan for your life instead of your own worldly dreams and aspirations. I hope you find your happiness in this beginning of a new year through God.