Picture this!

A world full of people who enjoy playing board games around a table, who look each other in the eyes instead of at their phones.

A world full of children who stretch their imaginations as far as they’ll go.

A world full of men who say “I’ll call you later” instead of “I’ll text you later”

A world full of parents who show there kids more then just the latest movie, game or app.

A world full women who are confident in who they are with out checking how many likes their IG post received.

A world full of millenials who work hard for their earnings instead of feeling entitled to it.

A world full of people who enjoy being in nature instead of just looking at it through a window.

2016 came with many challenges. It seemed like everywhere we looked, in the news, to our friends, co-workers, social media, there was something bad happening. I say we leave 2016 in the dust and make 2017 the best year we can. Here's a few way to start the change in 2017!

1. Unplugged Lifestyle

For me 2016 was filled with stress. Stress from comparing my life to everyone else's I saw on social media. I would see pictures of my friends vacations and feel envious. I would compare my Instagram selfies to other girls selfies and feel the stress of not feeling pretty enough. I learned that I was missing out on life around me because I was to worried about Instragraming, Snapchatting, Facebooking, and Tweeting what I was doing. I had to make sure others saw that I was happy with my life. Social media only portrays what we want it too. I propose that we spend less time on our phones, laptops and tablets and more time engaged with the world around us. Of course snap the cute pictures but post them later; don't miss moments by looking down at your phone! Let's be present in the moment together. I truly believe everyone would enjoy life so much more living an unplugged life and being in the moment, present with each other.

2. Stay Educated

I personally struggle with this. I am terrible about knowing what is going on in the world. I'm even worse about knowing what's going on nationally. However, the older I get the more I see why it is so important to stay educated, truly educated. Not going off what your friends tell you or article titles you see on Facebook (guilty of this one) but truly reading and watching credible sources to learn what is happening around you and to build your own opinions, especially when it comes to elections and things that have to deal with your moral compass.

3. Enjoy the "Collateral Beauty"

Every Christmas my family and I go to the cinema. This year we saw the movie Collateral Beauty and all I will say so I don't spoil it for anyone is that it was simply amazing. Not only was the acting phenomenal but the message behind the plot was something for all ages and something we need to do more. We need to find beauty in every situation, find the silver lining, look at the glass half full. Even in the struggles, conflicts, obstacle and pain there is always "beauty".

4. Embrace Chivalry

Chivalry is not dead but people assume it is. Don't get me wrong, I am all for empowered men and women. But when I hear women or young ladies complain about how they don't need a man to hold the door or buy their meals it makes me sad. Everyone knows that women can be independent but we were created to be with each other. So embrace and appreciate when someone does something for you. Whether that be helping with homework, a stranger paying for a meal or even a boyfriend/girlfriend paying for a meal.

5. Love Yourself

And lastly, don't forget to love yourself. Each one of you are beautifully and wonderfully made by our beloved creator. To many times we forget to love ourself.One thing I learned this year is that its okay every once in a while to put ourself first. Pamper and treat yourself. Do what you love to do and follow your dreams because we only get one life so we have to make it count.

Lets make 2017 great.