This year, I hope you have more belly laughs. Deep unrestrained hearty loud laughs. The ones that prove you’re alive because your cheeks are so sore from smiling and your stomach feels like you completed a tough ab workout. The ones that highlight the beauty of the present moment. No form of emotional pain will matter when those deep vibrations are released from the root of your soul. You won’t be worried about what is to come, but truly living in the now because all you can focus on is trying to catch your breath.

I want you to have more belly laughs so you’re reminded to cling on to the genuine parts in your life. The essence of a belly laugh is exceedingly authentic and sincere. Stick with the truth that buries the negativity, the lies, the relationships, and anything else that produces false advertisement of who or what they are.

I wish you outrageously laugh until tears are streaming down your face so you may understand that vulnerability is not something to be feared. Belly laughs don’t showcase the prettiest of faces or the most delightful sounds, and quite frankly they expose you to possible judgement from others. But they are also a renewal of the spirit and can be what you need at that exact moment. From the events you have witnessed this year, it’s safe to say you have learned that life is short. And to make the most of it, it’s necessary to take a step towards knocking down those concrete walls – share your weaknesses, express how you feel, ask for help, give more hugs, do things that scare you. No more pretending that everything’s okay when behind closed doors you are struggling to put life’s simplest pieces together. You are worthy of an abundant life so even in the most uncomfortable and ugliest of times, be open and let those laughs roar.

I pray more belly laughs comfort your heart and help you realize you’re not alone. I hope they open your eyes so you see you’re connected with people who support you. People who cherish you. People who love you. Belly laughs are the product of good company, and like a balloon with too much air, good company will fill you up and make your contagious light burst.

I long for your year to be packed with more belly laughs, but really I just want 2017 to mean something to you. Let it be the year where you wake up each morning and tell the world to bring it. The year where you define happiness and walk in love as you approach new opportunities. Come into this new year captivated with who you are, what you do, and where you’re going. You are highly favored and deserve all the blessings coming your way. I hope 2017 is good to you.