2016 seemed like a nightmare from which we would never wake. It took beloved celebrities -- everyone from the great Defense Against The Dark Arts professor to the princess of the intergalactic rebellion. It put an oompa-loompa colored reality TV star at the reigns of our country (speaking of oompa-loompas, we lost Willy Wonka this year, too). Here's a list of a few ways in which we each can make 2017 amazing:
1. Be a little selfish.
This isn’t to say that you should go all Kim K. on everyone this year, but it’s okay to be selfish sometimes. Make 2017 the year of YOU. Take a break from taking care of everyone else and treat yo self.
2. Become an activist.
No matter your political leanings, this year will likely be unprecedented in the political field. You have to become your own activist to ensure your rights under Trump. Whatever you’re fighting for -- women’s rights, African American rights, better international policy -- you can’t count on others to give you what you want. You'll have to be your own Susan B. Anthony. Petition for policies, write to your local politicians, create online campaigns; anything can help you become an advocate.
3. Find out what it is you love most.
Find something you love as much as Kanye loves himself. Make sure it is what you want, not what others want for you. Advice and guidance are amazing for those who are unsure of their path, but at a certain point you have to stop listening to outsiders. No one else knows what you’re capable of. No one but you can know what is inside of that beautiful brain of yours. If you want to be the next Jennifer Lawrence but your parents want you to be the next Meredith Grey, follow your gut. It’s worth the few awkward family dinners.
4. Go after it.
We "started from the bottom, now we’re here"—let’s Drake this year up. 2016 seems to have been setting us up for failure, but the greatest achievements are born at rock bottom. Now that you’ve found what you love, as the great meme Shia Lebeouf says, JUST DO IT. If you don’t at least try, you will always be unsatisfied with life.
5. Stop listening to negative people.
Apart from the mass of adorable puppy videos, social media seems filled with “the world is burning” sentiments. In order to make this the year to beat all years, you have to ignore the naysayers and Negative Nancys. These people will only keep you from what you want.
6. Have a good time.
As life guru Tom Haverford says, "you've gotta work a little to ball a lot". Everything has been so tense lately; anxiety
and depression for young people are at an all-time high. Take a breath and calm
your brain for a little while. Go out with friends and rock a karaoke version
of a classic Britney Spears single. Head to your favorite restaurant and stuff
your face until you feel like the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man. Get together some
of your favorite people and watch the new Harry Potter spin-off for the 3rd
time in theaters.
Whatever you decide to do with next year, leave your mark on it. 2016 spiraled out of our control—let’s take hold of this year and make it ours.
