I can dwell on what a crap year 2016 was. But it will end, and 2017 will start. It doesn’t mean that things will instantly be better the moment the ball drops at Times Square. The problems and losses we faced in 2016 will still be there. But a new year gives us the opportunity to hope. Here are the things I hope for in 2017.

We see the humanity in one another, not just how we classify each other by politics, class, ethnicity, or beliefs.

We resist prejudice, especially our own.

We honor the memory of the artists, scientists, athletes, and humanitarians we lost in 2016 by encouraging the next generation to take their place and to be creative and generous ourselves.

We demand of our new president and his administration that he serves all of the American people, puts our needs ahead of his own, and makes our nation freer and more just. This responsibility also belongs to his supporters and party, because his success or failure affects all of us. We are all in this together.

We think critically, ask questions, and challenge assumptions.

We develop thicker skins, more patience, and a willingness to laugh at ourselves.

We appreciate what we have instead of bemoaning what we don’t.

We use goals instead of resolutions to make the changes we want to see in our lives.

We stop blaming others or our circumstances for the problems we have in our lives. We still have power, even if it is only our ability to change our attitude.

We never give up on hope, no matter how difficult things get. When we lose hope, we lose the willingness to overcome any challenges we face.

Have a Happy New Year.