I've thought the past few weeks about what goals I have for 2017. My new year resolutions aren't complete and probably won't get finished. One thing I do know is I have one main focus for the new year: me.

I've deemed 2017 as "the year of me". Now, I don't say this to be selfish. I'm not forgetting those around me and the contributions I can make to peers and society. What I do mean is I want to work on myself. Growing up in a small town, I've been placed into this tiny little box that basically labeled how I would feel, react, and be to the society around me. Everyone around me generally held the same beliefs and were similar characteristically. There were no real surprises. I grew up knowing what I wanted to be and looking forward to staying in town to further my education.

When I decided to move to Chattanooga, two hours from home, I did not expect much to change. I figured staying in Tennessee meant that the people around me would be like those at home. Boy, was I wrong.

Moving to Chattanooga was the biggest wake-up call of my life. I finally busted out of the little box of my hometown into this brand new world. Everyone around me now held different beliefs. They were all different characteristically. I was a stranger in this new universe without the knowledge of who was like me.

The past few months, I have learned so much about those around me. I've learned about their beliefs, values, etc. They've given me insight into the world around me. They've taught me things and showed me different perspectives that I've never even thought to look at.

My goal for 2017 is to find me. I am no longer confined to the tiny box of my hometown. I am now able to have my own thoughts and beliefs about the world around me. It's time to find who I am and what I believe. It's time to focus on me, rather than what the world around me wants me to be. While I try to identify myself, I plan to hold strong to my Christian beliefs that will continue to define me, no matter how I end up finding myself.

I don't know what the future holds. I headed into college with the next four years of my life planned out, and those plans were quickly replaced with confusion and doubt. I don't know what I want to major in. I don't know what I want to pursue as a future career. I'm no longer passionate about many of the dreams I've held since my early childhood.

Here's to the year of me. The cliché saying "new year, new me" may be my mantra for the upcoming year. Additionally, I chose to hold onto the following verses as I plan to find my true self while also pursuing my identity in Christ:

" Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings." 1 Peter 5: 6-9

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2