The year 2017 has been nothing short of disastrous for our country, our planet, and our mentalities. Our county has lost all sense of unity, due to a division of beliefs and viewpoints. Our planet is in need of our help and has been begging for our attention and care for decades, but 2017 especially has demonstrated that our constant years of neglect is wearing heavily on mother earth, and she is now crying louder than ever for our help.

Our mentalities have become warped because of all of the turmoil 2017 has provided, and has made humanity less humane. It's safe to say that change is necessary for the new year, and with that comes a sense of responsibility for all of us. Three simple resolutions can change the state of our world today, and help us make 2018 a better year than the last.

Open Your Mind To Different Perspectives.

Even if you seem to have a different belief than someone, it doesn't mean that your opinion is the only one that matters. In our current society, there are enough platforms of media to state our beliefs, opinions, and just overall thoughts on just about anything. The downside of these platforms is that we tend to form biased opinions by hearing out only the voices we agree with, and ignoring anything that goes against our own beliefs.

However, one-sided information is not the truth. The truth is out there and it may not be served to us on a silver platter, but YOU do have the power to seek it as long as you are willing to broaden your horizons and place yourself in a different viewpoint. In order for change, you must be informed on all aspects of an issue. So do yourself a favor in the new year, and stop unfriending people who post a status that you disagree with, watch more than one news station, and keep an open mind.

Pay Attention To The Planet's Needs.

Earth is in trouble and we are doing nothing to help. Climate change is real, and it is happening right now. The effects are right in front of our eyes; glaciers melting, waters rising, severe hurricanes, wildfires, and earthquakes are all a direct reflection of how we treat the earth and the environment. Too many innocent lives are lost, and too much damage is being done to the planet we live on. In 2018, be AWARE of the damage you are causing when you choose not to recycle, forget to unplug your devices, and allow fossil-fuels to continuously burn.

Consider energy-conserving methods, take advantage of public transportation (or even better for your health walking), and stay informed on government decisions that affect the planet. Education is important and spreading knowledge allows us to save the world we live in. It will not only make our lives better but will also ensure a future for the next generations to come.

Smile At Strangers Walking Down The Street.

Now this one may not seem as directly influential as the other two resolutions, but you would be wrong if you thought that. Smiling at strangers can change the world. Smiling signifies kindness, and there is nothing more our society needs than kindness. We tend to become caught up in our own lives/problems/needs so much so, that we ignore the struggles that other people may be going through. Smiling at a stranger walking down the street could change that person's day, and possibly even their life.Everyone is carrying their own heavy baggage and burdens, so having a reminder that you are not alone in this world is a comfort that everyone needs.

New Years Resolutions always are directed towards our personal needs and goals. I'm going to get a gym membership, I'm going to eat healthily, I'm going to work on myself, these are all positive resolutions that people tend to focus on and they are all extremely beneficial changes. However, we need to begin to look at the bigger picture of life as well.

We need unity, we need to save the world we live in, and we need to bring the quality of humane back to humanity. 2018 can be the year of change, and I truly hope that it is, but it all starts with YOUR personal decisions to do so.