"New Year, New Me" is a cliche that I wish I could say has applied to me at least once over the years, but I'm always back to my old habits by January 5. This year I'm going to look at it more like "New Year, Updated Me." Same me, but with some cool updated features, like iOS 10.2, but better. 2017 is going to be a year with (hopefully) no bad vibes because I'm going to do my best to leave them all in 2016. Thanks for nothing, 2016. Here's to 2017 being the year that we all want it to be; here's to freeing ourselves from the things that weigh us down. For that to happen, leave these things behind:

1. Associating yourself with toxic people.

Toxic people comes in various forms. They will never be worth the trouble they bring or the way they make you feel.

2. Allowing people to bring you down.

Some people will do whatever they can to make sure you don't shine. Don't let them. Shine so bright they need shades to look at you.

3. Shit talking.

It doesn't make you look better, it doesn't make the other person look worse. It's make you look petty and bitter.

4. Insecurities.

Whatever they may be, however many you may be, leave them behind. Free yourself from the monsters within you. I'm not sure how, but we can't stop trying until we do.

5. Procrastination.

We aren't in high school anymore. It's not "cool" to wait until the last minute to do something important. Start early, take your time, make it rock.

6. Your infatuation with the boy who treats you like nothing.

There are boys out there who will go out of their way to make you happy. You're a queen, it's time to be treated like one.

7. That friend who only contacts you when it's convenient for them.

You have better things to do than hang around like drying laundry for your friend to give you the time of day.

8. All the voices in your head that tell you "no."

The only thing you want/need to hear in 2017 is "yes, do it."

9. Your comfort zone.

They say life begins at the end of your comfort zone. It's time for life to begin.

10. The obsession with "likes."

Do you see anyone getting "likes" when you step outside the house? No. Social media isn't real. Your value isn't based on how many "likes" you get. We have more important things to stress about.

11. Half-assing things.

Giving 100 percent is so much better than giving 50. If you're going to do something, do it all the way. Why be lazy when you can be awesome?

12. Pleasing others.

You were not put on this planet to please others. You're here to do more than just survive. Make yourself happy. Do things you like.

13. Comparing yourself to others.

We're all different, we're all on our own paths. Focus on bettering yourself rather than being better than someone else.

14. Blowing through your paychecks.

I'm all about treating yourself, but make sure you have enough to pay the bills and put some into your savings. Being broke isn't fun.

15. Making excuses.

You're not seven anymore. Own up to things. Or, better yet, actually do them.

16. Putting your goals and dreams second.

This life is too short (or long) to not do the things that make you happy. You should be shooting to reach every goal you set, making your dreams that much loser. Don't let anyone/anything hold you back.

*Cheers*