Most of us are pretty hesitant to proclaim 2017 as our year and after the 2016 we’ve had, I don’t blame you. It’s been rough. There’s a Go Fund Me to keep Betty White alive through the New Year, colleges have debated over how “offensive” it is to fly the American flag on campus, there were rogue clowns one the loose, and who can forget Harambe (RIP). 2016 could not have ended soon enough. Sometimes you truly have to hit rock bottom to find out what you are made of. Instead of looking back at 2016 as the year that kicked everyone while they were down, look at it as the year that launched you forward. Here are 6 ways to help you let go of everything that made 2016 so miserable:

1. Forgive

Holding grudges takes a lot of time and effort. You are draining your own energy and creating a cloud of negativity around you. Forgive all the people who wronged you, whether it was family, your boss, or your ex. Trust me, I know it’s hard to forgive those who broke you but they had the easy job. You put the pieces back together. No one will ever be able to break you down the way they did again. You are stronger because of them.

2. Be Thankful

Every experience, positive or negative, teaches you something. Be thankful for the opportunity. Did you get into a great college? Or did you just quit the worst job ever? Either way, be thankful that you opened your mind to new experiences and learned something about yourself. Be thankful for the bad relationships, they help you appreciate the good ones.

3. If You Don’t Like Something, Change It

What did you hate about 2016? You are in control of your life. No one is making you keep your major, your job, your apartment, or your boyfriend. Whatever you don’t like, change it. If it any aspect of your life that is not working, it’s going to start creeping into other areas. That job you dread going to every morning is taking energy away from that yoga class you love teaching. You shouldn’t have to force it. Make 2017 the year that you stop doing things out of habit and do them out of intent.

4. Stop Procrastinating

Now is a good time! You could wait until tomorrow, until your situation is better, or until… you name it. There will always be a reason to wait but if you want to pursue something new you should probably get started. No one ever achieved their goals by sitting on the couch waiting for the right time.

5. Fall in Love…

Fall in love with yourself. Stop looking for the one. I’m sure they are out there waiting for you, but it you keep looking for them in every person you meet, you’re going to make a lot of wrong decisions. Make 2017 about you. By cultivating your dreams and interests you will start to surround yourself with the right people and stop worrying so much about love. Leave the losers of 2016 behind and focus on someone who truly matters…you!

6. Believe

Most importantly, believe in yourself and your decisions. It’s great to have friends and family behind you. Mine are some of the best, but even when no one thinks what you are doing is right, the only opinion that matters is yours. Are you confident in the moves you are making? Are you happy with your life?

2016, we won’t miss you but thanks for the ride, I guess. As for 2017, bring it on! It can only go up from here.