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Leo: You’re too busy taking your 102nd selfie right at midnight because you thought a pic with confetti would get a ton of likes on Instagram.

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This year I will go to the gym six times in January, three times in February, and once in April. On a Wednesday in September, I will opt to take the stairs over the elevator to my 4th floor apartment and experience both a glowing sense of accomplishment and a Charley horse.

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At 11:59 I begin to miss the Snapchats I used to receive from you. I begin to miss your little hands, and your brown hair. At 11:59 I suddenly remember what the perfume you used to put on smells like. I compare the scent of your perfume to the girl standing in front of me looking into my eyes because she wants me to be her new year’s kiss, and it doesn’t suffice.

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How will you find the things you love if you’re not trying because you’re afraid? No one changed the world by living vicariously through YouTube and Cheryl Strayed novels. If something scares you a little that probably means it’s going to end up being a defining moment or experience for you.

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Everyone needs to vent once in a while- “Ugh traffic was so bad this morning”, “Ugh why is it raining”, “Ugh my wifi is soooo slow”. Don’t get me wrong, in now way am I above these petty complaints, and there’s nothing like a solid vent session. We can’t change these types of things, but perhaps we can change our outlook.

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That beautiful sunny day or the adorable puppy you see on the street or your favorite song from 2006 that randomly comes on the radio? Take note. Take it in. Freaking sob your eyes out if you want to. Appreciate every ounce of sincere joy that it brings you. Be grateful for every joyful (and no-so-joyful) moment you are given in this life.

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It’s really not fair for to criticize those who haven’t had their start yet, even if they choose to get their start at the same time everyone else does. Personal goals are sometimes difficult to maintain and it might be time for people to be more accepting of that.

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(1) My wish for you this year is that you have lots of laughter.

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Here we go again. The years may change, but every December 31, the questions remain the same. Do I splurge on an overpriced, underwhelming dinner at a restaurant where the criminal intent is to rob special-occasion thrill-seekers blind?