"My wish for you is that this life becomes all that you want it to your dreams stay big, your worries stay small, you never need to carry more than you can hold, and while you're out there gettin' where you're gettin' to I hope you know somebody loves you and wants the same things too. Yeah, this is my wish."

With this being the last month of 2017, it allows time for us all to look back and reflect on the year that we've had. I've seen multiple posts where people are saying that they are ready for 2017 to be over for whatever reason. Regardless of what your 2017 consisted of, to wish it away isn't going to solve anything.

Moving into 2018, here is some advice:

Firstly, I would suggest that you appreciate everything that happened in 2017. The good, the bad and the ugly, everything that happened to you was for the best. It doesn't matter how you perceived it, I'm going to bet that you learned something from it; therefore, you can take that knowledge into 2018.

In 2018, focus more on the positive side of things. When things aren't going your way, it's easy to get bogged down in the negative. Well, rather than putting all of your energy into focusing on how bad the situation is, look for ways to turn it into a positive experience.

Learn to let go an have fun. I know it's a cliche saying that all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, but honestly, whoever said that isn't entirely wrong. It's fine to focus on school or work, but make sure that you are saving a healthy amount of time for yourself to actually enjoy life. Whether you just binge watch Netflix or go for a night out with friends, I promise your mental health will thank you.

Take time to better yourself. Whether it is spiritually, physically, or mentally, do something that is going to benefit you. Find a church to go to, start going to the gym regularly, or take time each month to just sit down and read a book for fun. People want to make their year better, but that starts by making a small aspect of your routine better.

Take the time to improve your relationships. Don't go into 2018 holding grudges. Forgive those that have hurt you because, by not forgiving them, you are giving yourself a hard heart. You owe it to yourself to spend more energy on those that love you than those that have hurt you.

BE BOLD. Don't spend this year doing the same old same old. This a chance for a new start. Reinvent yourself and become anything that you want to be. Going into the new year, I am suggesting that you take risks and chances, no matter how much they may scare you. I know that looking back on 2017 there are things I wish that I could have done differently, as well as opportunities that I should have jumped on, but I chose not to because I took the safer option.

For 2018, I am pledging to be the best version of myself that I can be, which includes taking risks, being more open with my opinion, bettering my relationships, leaving grudges in the past, and moving forward with my life. I hope that each an every one of you can make 2018 everything you want it to be and more. Lastly, it's OK to be scared in terms of the changes you are about to make; when you're scared, it means you're about to do something really brave.

God bless, and happy New Year, y'all!