2017 is finally here and we have found ourselves with yet another new beginning. I have been thinking a lot about new beginnings lately and have decided that rather than starting over, we should be focusing on moving forward. The idea of starting over with a new beginning means that you don't want to remember what has happened in the past. What does that help? In order to feel completely fulfilled in life and the things we are doing, we have to remember what has come before. It's not enough to give yourself a 'clean slate'. Learning from the mistakes you have made in the past can be extremely beneficial as you go on with life.

2016 was not the best year. With the increase in violence and terror attacks around the world including the Orlando shootings, Bastille Day attack on France, and the bombing in Brussels (to name a few) along with the shadow of helplessness that fell over the country post-election, it's obvious that we need a serious change. But instead of forgetting about all of the horrific events that happened over the past year, we need to remember them and use them to propel ourselves into thoughtful action this upcoming year.

What is thoughtful action you ask? Simple, it's exactly what it sounds like. So many people let their emotions guide their actions after they feel attacked or threatened, almost like a kind of fight or flight state. They don't think before they do things and a lot of times only end up making the problem worse. While it is natural to feel emotional after an emotionally traumatic event, it's just as important to give yourself time to grieve and get those emotions out. After the initial shock is gone and you are able to think more clearly, it is then that you should be thinking about what you can do. This is thoughtful action. Allowing yourself to think clearly about what has happened and what you can do next is going to give you a better and stronger course of action. However, what makes this even better is the emotions that back everything up. Keeping the emotional charge behind your thoughts is going to make your actions and decisions stronger and keep you engaged with the things you care about.

2017 is a time for change, from the people and for the people. 2016 has given us an opportunity to think about what we want and where we want to go. The new question now is how are we going to get there? There is so much hate in the world right now, but we also have so much potential and so much passion. Fighting hate with hate only creates anger and violence. But open communication and spreading love is exactly the breath of fresh air that 2017 needs. So take the time to think about everything that has happened and learn from our mistakes.

Happy New Year everyone, let's make it a good one.