Though all the New Year’s parties and celebrations have been neatly put away in preparation for the next one, and the holiday season is over (for now), there is still a lot circulating on how you can make 2017 "your year."

People are still sharing workout videos and healthy recipes, which we all know will die down in a couple of weeks, and many are still reminiscing on 2016 and how it impacted their lives, positively and negatively. While last year was definitely one for the books, no matter how much you loved or hated it, it’s time to begin anew. As many others do, I say I’m going to make 2017 “my year” like I say I’m going to make every other year “my year”, except this time, I actually mean it.

This year, I want to see things I’ve never seen before. I want to go places at times I’ve never even stepped foot outside my house, and explore beyond any of my previous horizons. I want to not just step, but end up jumping out of my comfort zone, embracing this life, this beautiful world, and everything they have to offer.

I want to spend time with the people who complete my life, who make me feel whole. I want to be with my family and my friends, both old and new, and cherish every moment I have with those who mean the most. I want to go on new adventures, I want to taste new foods, I want to conquer (some) of my fears, and I want those I love to be right there, taking the journey with me.

With that being said, I want to be at peace with myself this year. I want to be able to be alone and not feel alone; I want to truly love myself and who I am, and see myself in the positive light that others see me. I want any progress made on me to be for me, any growth of my mind, body, or soul to be because I want it, not because I want others to adore it. I want the confidence I see in other girls, the ability to feel carefree and happy in my own skin, and I want that confidence to come from within.

Most of all, I want 2017 to be a new beginning and the first of many wonderful years to come. I plan to love myself, love the places I go, and love the people I meet this year. I plan to be positive and to enjoy my life with those I hold close to me. We all say we need to make the year we are in “our year” because we are constantly thinking each new one must outdo the last, but in reality, if you are happy, doing things that make you happy, with the people who make you happy, what needs improvement?

I am a firm believer that if you can make one year “your year," you can make every year “your year," just by continuing to be the beautiful “you” you are.