1. Learn to open up.

Sometimes it's easier to keep everything closed in because we don't want to be vulnerable to another person and face the potential of getting our feelings hurt. Stop closing yourself off this year because when you finally open up to someone you will begin to connect on a new level. Also you never know what opportunities may arise from it.

2. Say I love you more...and mean it.

We toss "I love you" around either way too much or not at all. This should be the year that you tell the important people in your life how you love and appreciate them, but only if you mean it. This year don't be afraid to tell someone how you may feel.

3. Say yes.

There are times we wait for the "right thing" to come around and we let many opportunities because of it. This is the year to say yes to more opportunities that come your way.

4. Do what you are passionate about every day.

At the end of the day you should lay your head on your pillow and be totally satisfied with what you have done in your day. This can be done by doing what you love; it can be something as small as taking time to read, exercise, etc. Do what you love because when you do, part of your day feels less like a responsibility and more like happy living.

5. Forgive.

Harboring harsh feelings toward someone is exhausting so this is the year you let it all go. Forgiving doesn't mean forgetting, but it is time to free yourself of the angry burden.

6. Eat well & exercise.

This ones pretty self explanatory. If you treat your body well, you will feel well. Do this by eating your greens, exercising often, stretching, and getting a good night sleep. This will improve both your physical and mental health.

7. Set goals and take actions towards them.

At the start of the year make a list of goals you want to accomplish this year. By doing this, you are holding yourself accountable to your goals and this will encourage you to take action towards them. Dream big because there is no such thing as too large of a goal.

8. Be grateful for the things you have by giving to others.

Take time to look around and realize how lucky you are. Be thankful for the things we most often take for granted. When you finally realize how fortunate you are, then it is time to give back to others. You can do this by donating old clothes, volunteering at shelters, assistant living homes, etc.

9. Let go of things you can’t control and realize that nothing can be perfect.

I know for me I strive to be perfect in everything, but what we all need to realize is that no one is perfect. We need to stop trying to achieve perfection by embracing our flaws. This year you need to stop trying to control everything to create the perfect year. There are many things in life that we cannot control so embrace whatever life throws at you.

10. Remove the negativity from your life.

This is the year to cut the negativity out of your life. This includes an stressors, toxic relationships, horrible places, etc. It may seem impossible to cut out a person or place in your life, but you will find that by removing negative energy from your life, you will be lighter and freer.

11. Stop trying to please others, please yourself.

This is the year you put yourself first. Take time for yourself. With everything that you do, do it for yourself, not anyone else. Because in the end you will be happier and more confident in yourself.

12. Let go of what happened yesterday.

Last year was last year. It is time to move forward by letting go of yesterday and start looking forward to tomorrow. Things in our past have shaped us, but they do not control us. Appreciate your history, learn from it, but force of the future.