As we head into the holiday season and prepare ourselves for the new year, we reflect on everything that had happened to us. We are sure that you are smiling widely at some memories. We are sure that you are cringing at some not-so-fond memories.

But relax: Many people, including David Mezzapelle of “Contagious Optimism,” think there are so many reasons why we should look forward to 2014. Skip to number 20 for David’s message, or enjoy yourself and click through slides from people like Mitch Albom (author of “Tuesdays with Morrie”), Dr. Sanjay Gupta (medical correspondent for CNN) and Wally Lamb (author of “She’s Come Undone,” which was selected for Oprah’s Book Club).

This feature is published in the January 2014 edition of “Reader’s Digest.”