Every new year I am faced with the fact that just about everyone I follow on Twitter had the absolute worst year of their life. If it wasn’t for the simple unfollow button, I probably would have lost my mind from all the negativity. However, I, too, am guilty of dwelling on the negatives and coming to the conclusion that the past 365 days were worse than years before. Society has a problem with putting negatives over positives; we always tend to want to view and hear the negatives, which is unfortunately highlighted during the start of a new year. This thought draws me to reflect on my 2017.

Looking back, I can agree I dealt with a lot of catastrophes including losing my aunt to cancer, watching my grandma sit in a hospital bed for weeks, failing more tests than I passed, losing my 14-year-old little fur baby, and many other minor incidents, which felt like the end of the world. At the time, these things were hard for me to go through, but looking back, my strong support system and great friends have helped me to get through the bad and see the good. Bad times really bring together great people and with that, I can get through anything.

Along with a year full of loss and other misfortunes, I simultaneously experienced a year I will never forget. I was picked to be a leader on a middle school retreat to expand kids’ minds about God, I was chosen to represent Xavier in the NCYL program along with some of my talented classmates, and my teammates and I won two consecutive grand championships in show choir. I also decided on a college, found a roommate, and made more friends this year than I could have ever imagined. Perhaps 2017 was filled with good.

For my New Year’s resolution, I am changing my mindset. I am going to see every day as a blessing, focus on positives, and turn negatives into learning experiences. In 2018, I plan to travel, expand my horizons on different cultures, attend more concerts, and do things that show me what life is all about. I know this next year will bring obstacles, but I am ready to look back on the last day of this year and know that I can’t complain about anything. Life is a journey of ups and downs, but from this year on, I plan to enjoy the ride.