2016 was not a good year for most people, me included. A lot of bad things happened: deaths of our favorite celebrities, a very split election, and many other events.

Personally, a lot of things had happened. I lost a car, people around me and even came close to losing my sanity a couple of times (It is hard to tell these things to you all but I have learned to be more open in my articles. It is like talking to a best friend and letting you all get to know who I am better). I did not let them get to me, though. I took the advice my father always gives me, "Some day I won't be doing this anymore." It has helped me out tremendously, and I hope that you can take advantage of it as well.

No person should have to go through what we have gone through again like we did last year. Although, we can change it. Make life better, easier to bear. Change is a constant occurrence and, although some do not like it, it is inevitable. I did not used to like it but I have learned to embrace it. Because, with these new changes, comes the good, a better life.

But how can we pursue the good? Have it become attracted to us?

By doing good things for us and others around us, good things will happen. Here are a few ways we can make 2017 a better year:

1. Take a Vacation

Who wouldn't like a good vacation? I know I would love to be on a beach right now rather than staring out of the window in a classroom right now. I think we all would, though. These breaks we are given seem to go by so quickly that we feel like we already need another.

A vacation is a great stress reliever and allows us to take a step back to clear our minds so that we do not become too stressed out. Whether you take it in the woods, on a beach or to lands far away from home, as long as you are happy, life becomes a little more enjoyable.

Even the new trend of a staycation works as well. Go to a spa or do something that you would have never thought to do! (If you want an article on some ideas, do let me know!)

2. Make New Friends

Talk to someone you have never met in a class. Having a social life and talking to new people really is a great stress reliever.

I can't even remember what it is like to be shy anymore. To those of you that met me in college, yes, I was once very shy. I kept to myself a lot and one of my friends really got me out of my shell. I do not think they know who they are but I cannot thank them enough for doing this for me.

Sure, sometimes I still get riddled with social anxiety but most of the time I just let my mind go free. It is better to just let your mind go free than just bottle it all up and never say anything at all. I swear on it. If you are scared, come talk to me. I won't bite...much. Haha!

3. Find Love

Love is in everything. It does not have to necessarily have to be with a person. Take up a new hobby and fall in love with it. Write or read a book or watch a movie and fall head over heels with the characters (You can even do this with the new friend of yours or on your staycation, your choice!).

Just follow your heart and let it take you to the ends of the earth.

These are just a couple of suggestions I could come up with, I hope they help you become better with mind, body and spirit! See you next week with a new one, party people, and stay awesome!