Most will agree that 2016 was an emotionally exhausting year. As a nation, we experienced dozens of celebrity deaths, a controversial political election, the breakup of Brangelina and the unfortunate defeat of the Warriors as they blew their 3 to 1 lead and lost game 7. There has been a lot of negativity and sadness spread through social media regarding these issues, as well as many more tragic stories about terrorism and poverty that take place around the world every day.

While we are merely in control of ourselves rather than the world, many are beginning to focus on making 2017 a better year for all. While this is easier said than done, I agree that we need to remember the little things in life that are good for the soul- things that will remind us to be grateful for what we have and what we are here to do. So, I decided to reach out to some pretty awesome people in my life and asked them three important questions and divided them into categories:

1. Name something that makes you happy.

Simple and natural phenomenons:

Taking walks through the park on sunny and breezy summer day- Hieu

The feeling of the world right before it rains- Hannah

Laughing- Cecelia

Music- Olivia

Puppies- Jack

Cards- Jessica

Hugs- Loretta

My nightly serving of ice cream- Aidan

Warm weather / going to the beach- Mikayla

Naps- Monica

Friends and Family:

Being with my family- Kristen

Overall balance within the family- Jim

Making other people happy/ laugh- Erin

My family- Matt

Spending time with friends and family- Sam

Spending time with my girlfriend- Kyle

True Friends- Lauren

My friends at Stonehill- Joe

Hanging out with my friends- Nia

Family get-togethers- Jared

My kids- Kate

Being with my children and grandchildren- Evelyn

Everyone I talked to had one of two answers to this question; they find happiness from either spending time with their friends and family, or from little things that could occur every day. I particularity like that many people had different variations of the same thing, which made them the same but different to each individual. I also found that the little abstract things that give people joy like ice cream or hugs caused me smile too, and made me appreciate these things even more.

2. Name something you’re good at.

Memory skills:

Remembering facts about historical events- Hieu

Reciting lines from The Notebook- Hannah

TV and movie trivia- Jim

Sports and activities:

Basketball- Jack

Football- Kyle

Skiing- Cecelia

Basketball- Jared

Painting- Nia

Writing- Monica

Baking/cooking/being a mom- Kate

Solving problems- Olivia

Interacting with others:

My job- Kristen

I’m good with kids- Jessica

Being a wife, mom, and Grammie- Loretta

Working with kids- Erin

Being me- Matt

Making people laugh/happy- Sam

Working with kids- Mikayla

Socialzing- Lauren

Listening- Evelyn

Procrastination (love this one):

Writing essays the night before they are due- Aidan

Writing a paper the night before it’s due- Joe

I was able to break this one into four different categories. I think reflecting on something you're good at helps to build confidence and promotes self-love, which is so important in a world that focuses on your weaknesses and tries to tell you that you're not good at anything. I loved receiving these answers and I can honestly say that I agree with all of them for each respective person. I'm glad everyone sees the good in themselves that I see in them, and took a moment to focus on their strengths.

3. Name someone who loves you.

Parents, siblings, spouses, and friends

Hannah Withee- Hieu

Jack Henry- Hannah

My mommy- Jack

My love Jim- Kristen

My amazing wife- Jim

My parents- Jessica

Nils /Dad /Poppah- Loretta

My best friend Hannah of course!- Aidan

My parents- Erin

My wife- Matt

My family (and Hannah Withee)- Sam

Abby Yerrington- Kyle

My family (and Justin Bieber)- Mikayla

My dad- Lauren

My mom- Monica

My brother Zach- Joe

My mom- Nia

You guys- Cecelia

My mama- Jared

My family- Kate

My husband- Evelyn

My sister- Olivia

While self-love is extremely important, it must encouraged by others who love you as well. One must have a strong support system in place, especially in those moments when you forget to love yourself. The relationships people build with others make life more enjoyable, and I'm happy to see that all 22 people who participated in my survey selected a parent, sibling, spouse, or friend that they know loves them. A special shoutout to all those who mentioned me in their answer to this question, I'm glad you recognize how much I love you. And I hope everyone else takes comfort in knowing they are loved by whomever they mentioned, and by me as well.

Here's to starting out 2017 the right way; with happiness, self-love, and support from others.