It seems that the closer we become to the new year, the more talk I hear about how terrible 2017 has been, and how we all just can't wait for 2018 to arrive, so that we can do our best to erase this past year from our memory forever, and start our New Year's resolutions in order to have an amazing year. While 2017 has been quite a roller-coaster, I have a different view of this past year. I am truly thankful for this year and all that it has taught me, and, shockingly enough, there is a part of me that is sad to see it go.

Although 2017 has had its fair share of troubling times, it was also full of beautiful memories that deserve to be celebrated and cherished.

While the year 2017 brought everything from laughter and happiness to hardship and tears, there is much to be learned from every moment. Instead of wishing for better days to come, we should cherish the good memories, and do our best to learn from every difficult situation that was experienced this year. Choosing to remember all of the lessons that we have been taught this year, rather than trying to forget this year altogether, will be so much more beneficial as it will contribute to personal growth.

Expecting to have a perfect year in 2018 isn't exactly realistic, either.

I am hopeful that this year will bring many wonderful memories with those that I love, but I must keep in mind that I am not perfect, and every day of this coming year will not be perfect, either. However, we should do our best to be joyful in every situation and find something good in every day, even when it isn't easy.

Here's the most important thing to remember above all else: every day that we are alive on this Earth is a beautiful gift from God that should be cherished. We should approach every day with a purpose and a positive attitude, as hard as that can be at times, knowing that everything happens for a reason, and one poor decision or unfortunate hardship does not define us. Maybe one day, we'll look back on what seem to be the low points of our lives, and be grateful for what those experiences taught us.

So, here's hoping that 2018 will bring the most beautiful of memories, teach us the hardest of lessons, and we will all be blessed with another unforgettable year full of opportunities and obstacles, memories and struggles, and, most importantly, a positive outlook throughout everything that life throws at us.

"This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." — Psalm 118:24

Happy New Year!