The New Year stands before us like a fresh chapter in a book.

What will you write for the next chapter of your life?

It’s entirely up to you.

New beginnings, fresh starts, reaffirmations of love and promises for a brighter future all come to mind as we see in the New Year.

We make promises to lose weight, improve our career paths and we make heartfelt promises to the ones we love that we will express more, love more and be more.

In this New Year, why not make new boundaries for your life, plan a new adventure, say yes to the things and people that make your heart beat faster and say no to the things and people who discourage you.

No matter what you decide, make 2017 your best year yet.

1. “I want to spend this year focusing more time on my family and learning to say no more often to the things that are not important to me.”
Wendy Kennelly, Nelson Bay.

2. “My hopes for 2017 and beyond are to be healthy, wealthy and wise.”

Robyn McCleary, regular holiday maker to Nelson Bay from Penrith
“I want to cut back on work and travel more in 2017.”
Ray McCleary, regular holiday maker to Nelson Bay from Penrith.

3. “My plans for the coming year are to be happy, to travel and to spend time with the people I care about.”
Lyn Manwarring, Nelson Bay.

4. “My hope for the New Year is simple, that people would be good and be nice.”
Hugh Muncaster, Nelson Bay.

5. “My wish for 2017 is to make many people happy with my photos of community events in the Bay during the coming year.” Henk Tobbe, Nelson Bay.

6. “To enjoy 2017 and have some fun!”
Tahnee Cook from Medowie

7. “I would like to do more exercise and not drink any alcohol. I’ve recently given up, but I hope to moderate it in 2017.”
Roger Johnson, Hawks Nest

8. “In the new year, we would like to have more family adventures in the great outdoors.”
Abbie, Ashley, Oliver, Aleesha and Scarlet Ray from Bulahdelah

9. Anne Ullmann of Nelson Bay is looking forward to de-cluttering and making some positive changes with her six grandchildren and their diverse personalities.

10. Olivia Newcombe, 11, visiting from Newcastle with sister Abby, 14, and mum, Jennie, all have exciting things ahead in 2017. Olivia is starting Year 6, Abby is looking forward to being 15 and Jennie has just finished her child care traineeship and is looking forward to a wonderful year with her girls and husband.

11. Ryan Pye of Corlette reflected on when the power went off and the community gathered together at the RSL to eat and support one another and just as importantly charge their phones. He is looking forward to travelling to Europe for the first time in 2017. Zac Jurd of Nelson Bay is hoping everyone has a great 2017.

By Jewell DRURY