By the time you are reading this, it will be one week into the New Year. But I am writing this in 2017 still. I usually never have New Year's resolutions, and to be honest, I still don't. But in general, I have one general goal in mind, “to do positive things." That goal is very different from “being positive." I actually do not believe in being positive because I think there are true moments in life where people have the right to be upset.

For example, if a person's mother sadly passes away, they have the right to feel negative emotions. It would be ridiculous to go up to a grieving person and say “be positive." I also believe that it is healthy to feel appropriate amounts of negative emotions. Those feelings remind us what we value, desire, appreciate, and cherish. Sad feelings lead us to happy feelings eventually.

My goal is to make positive choices in my life. For example, this year I made the decision to be completely sober and it was my best choice ever. Being sober is not just “don't drink" or “don't smoke".

I want to stay away from Advil when it is unnecessary, or taking vitamins that I do not even understand what they are for. I truly believe that if I increase my water intake, I won't have as many headaches. I have to take medication for medical issues, I feel as though that is very vital for my health. But, unless a doctor tells me that I need to take a pill, I prefer not taking unnecessary medication.

Another positive change I want to make is what happens to the outside of my body. I am choosing to use less makeup and more face mask. I love makeup, but rather not wear it every day. I chose to do this for other people's pleasure instead of my own. I love getting all dolled up for a party, but that is it. When in class, I find my makeup to be distracting. Also, it dries out my skin. Instead, a sheet mask hydrates and is better for my skin. Plus, they have cute little animals on them!

One way I want to improve my body is meditation and yoga. I know that sounds very “basic" but it can truly help myself. I have vertigo and balancing problems. In 2017, I began seeing a specialist for health problems that I have. The solutions include an anti-seizure medication and balancing therapy.

In order to feel healthier, I want to use meditation to help with my migraines, and yoga for my balancing issues. My college also offers daily hikes, which will help me connect with nature. I believe this is a healthy way of connecting my body to the Earth. There has been proof that by working outside, you can improve your body's center of gravity and help yourself balance.

Finally, one huge positive change I want to make is my media intake. I want to read less new stories about tragedies, and more positive news. I also want to read one book a month and read more affirmations. I want to wake up inspired, and with a healthy mind. I already write daily in a journal.

My goal is to continue in do so, and write down daily goals for the day. That also includes my outtake though. As a writer, I have the option of choosing to write things that will inspire others or not. If I create one article that truly makes someone's day better, I feel accomplished. Other outtakes are my work in the National Society of Leadership and Success. I want to be remembered in those organizations as someone who improved and benefited others.

I believe that I can truly make more positive choices in my life in many other ways. Currently, these are my mine goals and later, I shall add more. I am not sure what 2018 holds for me. My family and I will be entering the new year together in Disney World's Magic Kingdom. I think to start the year off with the ones I love most, and in a world full of magic, is a sign that this year will be great. I hope you all have a very positive year!