Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17

When it comes to New Year's Day, we are all looking for a solid New Year's resolution to start the year off with a bang. Most of us opt for exercise or healthy diets, but what about all of the other good stuff? While those options are important (and included in my list below) there are SO many more positive resolutions to be made this year!

What positive New Year's Resolution will you choose for 2018?

1. Eat Healthier.

This is everyone's New Year's resolution, right? Well, change it up! Instead of just eating healthy, try meal prepping, or journaling your food consumption. Make it a goal to eat certain types of foods or to cut out certain types of food.

2. Say "Yes" more often.

Every day we say "no" to something. Sometimes we are saying "no" to things that we could easily say "yes" to. Whether it's going out for coffee with your coworkers, going for a walk after lunch, or seeing a movie with a friend. Try saying "yes" more than you say "no." You might like the way it turns out!

3. Exercise throughout the week.

Not only is this a healthy choice for your weight loss experience, it also helps with stress and anxiety. Spend some time in the gym each week, and you will see great, positive changes in your attitude. Exercise helps almost every aspect of your life.

4. Make your bed every morning.

This one sounds a little weird, I know. But if your day is completely horrible, but your bed is made, you're coming home to something that is put together. Spend 2 minutes each morning making your bed, and it could turn around your entire day.

5. Put your phone away 2 hours before bedtime.

This one is tough, especially for millennials. But it will make bedtime much more relaxing. Try reading or writing in a journal before bed instead of scrolling through social media. You will wake up refreshed, and you will feel less attached to your phone during the day.

6. Read for pleasure.

We are so used to being forced to read horrible books from school, that our feelings towards reading tend to be skewed. Find a good genre, a good author, and a good, comfy spot and try reading for fun! I find it easier to do this when you are able to relate to the book or if friends are reading the same book. Maybe you could even start a book club?!

7. Call instead of text.

Be more personable this year. Take a little extra time to talk to someone over the phone or in person. It makes communication better and it means more to people. Wouldn't you rather hear someone say "happy birthday" or "thank you" than to read it?

8. Send handwritten notes.

When you apply for a job or meet someone new, send them a handwritten letter to let them know that you care. It is much more personable than an email. Employers appreciate this, and family and friends appreciate it too. There is nothing better than a card in the mail instead of an email in your inbox.

9. Smile at strangers.

A homeless man once said, "We are people too; just acknowledge that we are there." Ever since I heard this, I smile more, I wave, and I speak to people I don't know. Do this with caution, but remember that sometimes a simple smile can make someone's day. Smile at everyone, especially the ones who aren't as fortunate as you.

10. Take a picture every day.

Don't forget your year. Take a minute to capture a moment. Laying in bed all day, SELFIE! Going to the mall, SELFIE. Dinner with a friend, SELFIE. Capture the moments so you don't forget them.

11. Travel more.

Use your vacation time from work to travel a bit. Whether this is an hour car ride away or an 8-hour plane ride, do it! It makes for good memories and it makes vacation time eventful. Grab some friends or family and go somewhere you've always wanted to go.

12. Write down something that you're thankful for every day.

A gratitude journal is a great way to show thanks and to stay positive. I have done this for a while and I find myself trying to make my day more positive so that I have something to write down at the end of the day. Even on the darkest days, there's something to be thankful for.

13. Speak positively about people. (Even when they're not around)

It's easy to point out the negative parts of a person or to complain about someone when you don't agree with them, but try something different this year. Spend time talking positively, or praying for someone. When they aren't around, be mindful of what you are saying and thinking. You never know why that person made that decision or why they acted a certain way; your judgment probably won't change that person.

14. Keep a planner or calendar of events.

Keeping a planner or calendar is a great way to stay organized and stop overextending yourself. If you're going to say "yes" more, you need to make sure you're saying "yes" to things you can commit to. Having a reference to events makes life much easier.

15. Drink more water.

This is a great lifestyle choice for many reasons. It's good for your body, but it's great for your mind. Making healthy choices makes your body happy, and releases positive hormones in your body. More water means more smiles!

16. Learn something new every day.

Take some time to learn something new each day. It could be a new word, a new country, a new place, or a fun fact about someone. It's important to be a learner for your entire life. A growth mindset is something that we should take advantage of and something that not everyone has. What did you learn today?

17. Spend more time outdoors.

Did you know that 75% of adults and teens in the United States are vitamin D deficient? This is something that we could cure by spending 30 more minutes outdoors each day. Sunshine (in moderation) is good for your skin and soul. It's important to spend some time outside so we can beat vitamin deficiencies and explore a little while we are at it!

18. Put the past behind you, and look forward!

It's a new year, which means it's time to make some positive changes. Don't look back on the poor decisions you made in the past, but look forward at all of the great accomplishments and resolutions you'll make in the future.

Pick a few positive resolutions and stick with them this year!