This year was a little more challenging than the rest - and I think I speak for a lot of us when I say that. Among the losses of 2017, however, there were some wins. There exists a certain degree of nostalgia for the year behind me, but there are a few things I do not plan to take with me in 2018.

1. Regret

No one likes to feel regret. Regret implies that there is something wrong with a decision you’ve made. It’s easier said than done to say, “make good choices,” but maybe it’s time we stop judging the choices we’ve made as “good” or “bad.” In 2018, make choices and accept them. Accepting the choices you make often leads to less frequent feelings of regret - and consequently more thoughtful choices.

2. Fear

Whether it’s fear caused by media panic or mental illness, there are millions of people who live in fear on this Earth every single day. Living in fear, however, is not really living. The unfortunate reality is that each one of us has a limited time on this planet, and there is no way of knowing when ours will end. If we spend our days living in fear, we miss out on the wonder and beauty of the world and people around us.

3. Sadness

If life has taught me anything, it’s that sadness and joy go hand-in-hand. I wouldn’t want to banish sadness from my life, but I’m ready to leave excessive sadness behind in 2017. The year ahead promises new hope and beginnings, and that’s the optimistic mindset we should take with us in 2018.

4. Loneliness

Cuffing season: a trending topic this winter season. To all the people out there, in a relationship or not: having another person in your life shouldn’t be your happiness, they should add to your happiness. It’s okay to feel alone, and I don’t intend to invalidate anyone’s feelings, but know that loneliness is a choice. No one has to be alone. Lord knows there are more than enough people on this planet to interact with (too many). If you suffered from loneliness in 2017, choose not to be lonely in 2018.

5. Insecurity

Regret, fear, sadness, loneliness - all of these things feed insecurity and self-doubt. With that in mind, insecurity may be the hardest to tackle. Confidence is a challenge to find and maintain in the media ridden world we live in today, but let these be your mantras for 2018:

I am loved.

I have a place and a purpose on this Earth.

I am enough.