Here it has come, the New Year. It seems as if each year goes by quicker and quicker than the last.

Growing older, finishing college, finding new jobs, losing friends, losing loved ones, feeling lost and seeking opportunities has been 2016 in a nutshell, and it's safe to say a lot of us are ready to take on 2017.

With New Years comes resolutions. It is almost obvious that some of us don't make resolutions, or if we do, we do not stick to them. But, there comes so many times in life when we wish we had done something differently, said something else, cut somebody out a long time ago. Well, the solution to these regrets are easy: plan ahead and make realistic resolutions.

I believe these five resolutions are something we continuously think about, but with life happening so fast it is easy to let it pass by and be forgotten. Pull into 2017 with these realistic resolutions and you will realize your life might end up more positively 💜.

Here are 5 realistic resolutions for the new year:

1. Create a new hobby. The free time we get from this hectic life should be spent on creating or doing something positive. Writing, drawing, baking, reading etc. are just some ideas to get your brain running and for you to stop dwelling on bad habits.

2. Spend more time with family. Not only does spending time with your family help you bond, help you relieve stress, or helps you feel better in general but you will realize that your family is the people who will not judge you, who will let you vent and say anything, who will always be there. So do not take this for granted in 2017.

3. Wake up early. Waking up early will show you not only how much you can get done in one day by being productive, but how good you feel by getting up and starting the day. There are only 24 hours in one day, wake up and get a start on them!

4. Give up speaking negatively. Even about yourself. Stop being discouraging, think more positive in any given situation. Every problem has a solution and it's easier to tackle it with a positive attitude than to go into it negatively- the outcome will probably be the same. I had read somewhere that you should stop apologizing for little things, like being late. because apologizing is linked to negative actions. Instead, start thanking people. Thank people for waiting on you, thank people for their time, thank people for forgiveness, etc.. Lastly, it is the time we put speaking negatively about others in 2016. If you do not have anything nice to say, do not say anything at all. If you do not like somebody and others are talking about them, just say nothing. Nobody has to know how you feel about everybody on the planet. And nobody needs to know your business.

5. Speak more on how you feel. This year, do not let anything pass you by. Accept the opportunities this year has to offer and grab new opportunities yourself. Don't have any shame in your game. If you want something- go out and grab it, search for it, and claim it. Never be embarrassed or ashamed to let others know how you feel. Whether you love them, are upset, are uncomfortable with plans, open your mouth and express yourself!

I believe that with 2017 we can all agree everyone is diverse in their own unique way. It is accepted and expected. Be you and be proud. Don't let others make you feel like you shouldn't have your own opinion, you do.

Here's to a happy, healthy New Year and to new traits that'll make your 2017 bright and positive!