Happy New Year! If you’re of the belief that 2016 sucked, these 2017 New Year’s Resolutions worth keeping might be just what you need to make sure 2017 kicks ass.

Yeah, a lot of celebrities died this past year but it wasn’t because the year actually anthropomorphized and started taking them down. A lot of great people died because they were old, many died because of poor health and a whole bunch of them died because they abused drugs. It sucks that we lost so much talent last year, but it shouldn’t really come as a surprise. Realistically, it’s going to get worse before it gets better – aging Baby Boomers and all that good stuff. 

We also had an election that most people are pretty upset about. While most of the piss and vinegar seems to have quieted, there’s still a lot of big talk on social media about….well, I’m not really sure what. There’s a lot of complaining, but so far there hasn’t been any sort of plan put forth. At least not that I am aware.

To a lot of people, it feels like the world is about to end. 

It’s not. I mean, sure anything could happen, but I’m pretty sure WW3 isn’t going to start due to a stupid 3am tweet. It might be embarrassing and humiliating as a country to have that sort of thing taking place, but we’re not going to war.

How do I know this? I lived through the cold war, we worried about WW3 all the time  because we had an old crazy man in office for 8 years. Nukes never fell. It worked out pretty well actually.

However, I understand that a lot of people are worried.

I get that. The good news is, there’s a lot you can do to make 2017 a better.

2017 New Year’s Resolutions Worth Keeping

Be Like Mariah – Last night Mariah Carey had some technical difficulties and gave a horrible New Year’s Eve performance to millions of people live. The internet erupted with disgust, anger and judgment. Mariah doesn’t give a fuck. “Shit happens”, is all she had to say about it. She shook it off and moved on. She didn’t apologize and she didn’t engage with all of those people saying she just ruined her career. Be like Mariah, stop feeding the trolls and do your thing. Don’t worry about what other people think about you, just be and do your best.

Laugh More – Watch old I Love Lucy shows or Seinfeld or whatever show makes you laugh. Hang out with funny friends and laugh until you shoot Diet Coke out of your nose. Laughter really is the best medicine so take it often. You’ll be happier and healthier if you do.

Stop Dieting – Stop denying yourself the foods that are satisfying and start eating what your body craves. I’m suggesting you eat pizza and drink milkshakes for each meal, but I am suggesting you can stop pretending that kale is actually edible. 

Agree to Disagree – Without being a douchebag about it. This past year really brought out the worst in all of us. For millennia we’ve managed to discuss thoughts, beliefs and idea without ripping into each other (I know, that’s not really true, but let’s just pretend it is). If you read something on social media with which you don’t agree, you can simply move on. You do not have to engage, but if you do you can, and should be, civil about it. 

Get Out and Live – Shut down your computer for a few hours each day and get out into the world and actually experience it. Spend time with people – laughing – go out and try new restaurants, learn to dance, take a cooking class. Anything, just get out there and enjoy yourself. 

Be Kind – Do your best and assume everyone else is, too. Spread kindness by complimenting those around you and especially yourself. Refrain from petty arguments and looking at the glass as half empty. The glass can be refilled, that is what’s important.

Happy New Year!