Let 2018 be the year you finally say yes—to all that you’ve held yourself back from having, to all that you’ve been afraid of, to all the opportunities and blessings and new connections that are knocking at your door. Instead of shying away, instead of letting fear guide your heart, instead of being a victim to the circumstances of your life, I hope you take chances, take steps.

Let 2018 be the year you finally open up—to thoughts, to ideas, to people you love, to the strangers with whom you have potential to build something beautiful. Peel back the layers around your heart; break down the walls. Instead of living like you’re fragile and taking timid, terrified breaths, be vulnerable and brave. Instead of closing yourself off, I hope you realize the possibility you have, your life has, when you decide to let hope in.

Let 2018 be the year you finally decide to love—without holding back, without worrying whether or not your feelings will be reciprocated, without questioning or doubting or over-thinking every little thing you do or say. Instead of waiting for love to come to you, I hope you busy your mind with things that make you happy. And when love does come, I hope you embrace it fully and fearlessly.

Let 2018 be the year you finally walk away from your past—away from the negativity you’ve harbored, away from the people who have left you, away from relationships that didn’t work out or paths that didn’t open the way you wanted them to. Instead of looking backwards, I hope you look forward with outstretched arms.

Let 2018 be the year you finally leave—the person who has an abusive hold on your heart, the job that doesn’t suit you, the man or woman you used to be. Whatever doesn’t grow you, whatever’s holding you back, whatever’s meant to be in the past, I hope you leave in the past. Give yourself new beginnings by closing doors that are no longer meant to be open.

Let 2018 be the year you finally burn with passion—for the things you create, the work you do, the relationships you build or fall into. And whether that’s jumping into new projects, exploring interests, or pursuing connections, I hope you fall into things without wondering how they’ll end up. Step forwards towards people. And do everything with a full heart.

Let 2018 be the year you finally believe—that you are meant to do great things and you will. That each year, each month, each minute is an opportunity to start over, to pick up the pieces, and to rebuild even stronger than before. This year, I hope you quit thinking that you’re running out of time, or that you’ll never become the person you’re meant to be. I hope, instead, you see the light inside of you and you let that light burn.