Another year in the books. 2016 is in the bag. We made it. Add some more cliche quotes about ending a year and starting a new one cause I've really lost my train of thought in thinking of them... 2016 definitely had its moments both good and bad. As the year ended I watched two separate videos. One dealt with the tragedies and God awful things that occurred in 2016 and the other dealt with the not so bad and actually really awesome things that happened this past year as well.

Did you know that a huge amount of volunteers got together in India and planted around 50 million trees in only 24 hours? Did you know that the rate of child mortality throughout the entire world has gone down and continues to do so? Did you know that the grand opening of The Museum of African American History and Culture happened in Washington D.C.? Did you know that a great mission was undertaken to move 500 elephants to protect them from poachers and habitat loss? Did you know that there is an increase in the tiger populations and that pandas are finally moved off the endangered list? Did you know that the ozone layer has begun to fix itself? Did you know that many strides are being made for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals? Did you know that new ways in trying to prevent Alzheimer's' have been in the works? Did you know because of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, researchers were able to make huge advancements in finding a cure? Did you know 200 strangers attended a World War II veterans funeral, the man was homeless and without a family so these individuals stepped in to pay their respects? Did you know there are people who overcame depression, survived cancer and overall became happier with themselves? All of this happened in 2016.

(You can read more of these amazing stories here: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/11/11/amazing...)

It's real easy for us to look at all of the negative things that happened but we must not forget to look at the really amazing things that occurred in 2016. Yes, I will greatly miss all of those who have passed away and yes, I fear for the political climate and the over all well being of my neighbors both near and far but hope cannot be lost. I hope that we can work to make 2017 a better year for both ourselves and for the people we hold close and those we do not know.

Okay enough with the serious jargon. Here I have put together some things (both serious and funny) we can do to make our 2017 and the world as a whole a little bit better. Enjoy and maybe even partake in some of them, eh?

Climb a mountain, do something crazy.

Maybe it's Mount Everest or just a really big hill in your local park, go do it! It could be life changing... or just some much needed time with yourself and nature. Also, anything extreme is encouraged like bunging jumping, skydiving, getting a tattoo, telling someone you like that you like 'em... Remember to be safe and send me a picture. Good luck, soldier!

Partake in a spiritual or religious service/gathering.

Whether you're religious, spiritual or not, this will most definitely be something awesome to do. There are so many religions: Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Catholicism, Judaism, Wicca, Taoism and many more. New members are welcomed at all places. Even if you're not really into a religion there are many spiritual groups, groups that get together to talk, make a difference or both. Seriously, you don't have to join anything... just go and have an experience!

Pet more animals.

Your 2017 will go from 0 to 100. Trust me. My 2017 goal is to pet as many "Moo Moos," aka cows, as I can. I love 'em.

EAT WHATEVER YOU WANT!

If you wanna go on a diet, DO IT! If you wanna just eat more than you ever have before, DO IT! Seriously, whatever you do with your eating habits is solely up to you. I plan on just continuing to eat all the Fettuccine Alfredo I get my hands on...

Help a homie out.

Whether it is something big or small, lend a hand. Grab the door for someone, volunteer somewhere, help your family around the house. It is great for not only you, but the person you are helping. I MEAN LOOK AT THIS DOG, HE IS HAVING THE TIME OF HIS LIFE... HELPING!

Go somewhere, anywhere.

Get on a bus, in a car, on a plane, set sail- JUST GO! Time away from where you live can be so flipping refreshing. Go with either a destination in mind or with completely no idea of where you will end up. Throw yourself in the middle of the chaos that is the world and bask in it. See what cool Snapchat Geofilters there are.

Clean.

Now this can mean a multitude of things. From literally cleaning your room, your home, your bathroom to cleaning out the people who bring you down in life- cleaning is good. Go dust some furniture, scrub your toilet, get a garbage bag and fill it with the clothes that are the, "Oh, I will wear that EVENTUALLY" type and tend to remain on the hanger with the tag on... Donate what you don't want! And regarding the people in your life, try to surround yourself with the people that you know are YOUR people. Those are the people who have your back and do not weaken you with their ill intentions. Go clean!

Tell those you love that you love them.

Too much loss happened this past year and a lot of it was unexpected. Unexpected loss of loved ones, or those who are taken from us too soon, I personally feel, can sometimes come with regret. Regret that we didn't spend more time with the person, regret that we didn't get to know the person better, regret that we didn't tell the person how much they meant to us. Tell the people you hold dear that you love them. It can NEVER be over said. I love you!

Be cool.

I was really struggling on what to make this last one so I looked at my 10 year-old sister and posed this question to her, "What do you wanna do in 2017?" She looked at me with the most serious face and hit me with, "Be cool." What an inspiration. Be cool, whatever cool is to you, go for it. Rock those shades, rock those killer dance moves, be YOU, because being you is the coolest. Alright, that last line was real corny but also true as hell.

Alright, now go make 2017 a year that is good for YOU. Before you know it, we will be ringing in 2018, it all goes by so fast... we must make it all count. Happy New Year!