Happy New Year!

I've never really subscribed to the saying 'new year, new me' but as I look back on all the successes and hardships of 2016, I realize the transition into a new year is a great time to let go. A good time to do better, to love louder, to put aside the guilt and bitterness over things in your life that may have failed and to aspire to make 2017 your year.

One of the greatest ingredients of success and happiness is hope. So I asked some of my friends to do me a simple favor: to anonymously finish the phrase: "In 2017, I hope..." Here are some of their responses.

"In 2017, I hope I go to a good college."

"In 2017, I hope to be happy."

"In 2017, I hope I can have 15 million in my bank account."

"In 2017, I hope I maximize my potential."

"In 2017, I hope to embrace my inner Leo.:

"In 2017 I hope I can work harder to reach my long term goals and reach a few short term goals on the way like finishing my first year of college, saving up money, and being healthier!"

"In 2017, I hope I will bring light to every life I touch."

"In 2017, I hope for good health and happiness for myself, my family and friends; new ideas, new insights, spiritual growth and success in my business."

"In 2017, I hope to sing happy birthday to both my grandparents one more time, to travel to new places, to get one step closer to graduation, and to live less on my phone and more in the moment."

"In 2017, I hope I become stronger—in trusting God, loving myself, and life in general."

"In 2017, I hope to encounter all the new opportunities God has waiting for me."

"In 2017, I hope for an abundance of love and joy because 2016 was not my year. I went through a lot of hardships and obstacles but I know that I matured through them and that whatever I learned from all of the tough days will be used in 2017. I hope to love and appreciate myself and life more than I ever knew possible."

"In 2017, I hope to finally marry the man of my dreams and be happily married!"

"In 2017, I hope to focus more on the things I love. I want to write more and delve into topics that are not only interesting, but relevant to our times. I want to broaden my mind, not only in terms of knowledge, but, more importantly, broaden it so that I am more understanding, and, overall, a better person."

"In 2017, I hope to get my life together, or at least start to."

"In 2017, I hope to live the year to the fullest!"

"In 2017, I hope I can be a bit more mature, but still have fun."

"In 2017, I hope to put myself out there more and be open to new experiences and people."

"In 2017, I hope that the nation can get along, I hope to pass my first year in nursing to make myself and my family proud, and I hope that I can better myself in any way."

"In 2017, I hope and pray for all of my loved ones to remain safe and healthy no matter where they are in this world. I hope and I pray for my relationship to continue to strengthen and for happiness throughout. I just hope and pray that everyone makes it to their beds every single night. Oh, and a cure for cancer would be quite an impeccable cherry on top!"

"In 2017, I hope to work on self-improvement, mentally, physically, & spiritually."

"In 2017, I hope I can be a better athlete."

"In 2017, I hope I attend a prestigious university and obtain the highest level of education I possibly can. Education is key."

"In 2017, I hope I come to terms with where I live. I hope the homesickness subsides and I can fully immerse myself in my training. I hope I can realize that it's not about the parties or making the most friends, it's about working on your craft and improving yourself every day. College is a huge part of your life, but it's also only four years, so I want to fully enjoy it while I'm here."

"In 2017, I hope to build a relationship with the guy I have a thing with."

"In 2017, I hope to get a B in my data structures class."

"In 2017, I hope to be more at peace with myself!"

"In 2017, I hope there can be a larger emphasis on happiness and less negativity!"

"In 2017, I hope I can find happiness within myself again."

"In 2017, I hope this year is good to me."