We all have hopes for this upcoming year. I know sometimes it is hard to keep hope alive, though, because life has its ups and downs. Even though the trials of life, it is important to keep your hopes up. It helps you get through it all. Here are five reasons I think you should never give up hope:

1. You never know what is going to happen, good or bad.

Some people, myself included, worry about the future, not knowing what will happen whether good or bad. Most of the time, the unknown events will benefit you in some way. Then you will be happy it happened and wonder why you feared it in the first place. As I tell myself all the time, “Let Go, and Let God.” Live your life to the absolute fullest and whatever happens will happen.

2. Change is necessary for you to grow as a person.

Most people hear the word “change” and they freak out. Change usually has a bad reputation, but change can be good. It can be subtle changes or huge changes. We all need to have some type of change, whether good or bad, to grow as a person. I know some changes are hard to cope with, but God doesn’t give you a situation you can’t handle.

3. Getting out of your comfort zone is scary but healthy.

You cannot stay in the same spot your whole life. It’s healthy to push yourself out of your comfort zone every once in a while, whether its talking to your crush or going on a spontaneous road trip. Staying in the same place for too long is unhealthy. It’s important to go out of your comfort zone and live your life to its fullest potential. You have to do something that scares you every once in a while, and it will benefit you, I promise.

4. You are stronger than you think you are.

Many people don’t think they are strong. They don’t see what other people see. Everyone has the strength to get through or do anything that life throws at them. I’m not saying it won’t be difficult, but that is when your strength comes in. Your strength can pull you out of this rough time and make it so much better. I know it’s easier to just mope around during a rough time, but that's not healthy. You can rise above and turn the rough time into something positive. Believe in your strength, I know you have it.

5. People are going to hate on you no matter what.

There will always be someone hating on you for what your doing, your success, or even what you are wearing. I think people forget that the reason that people hate is because they are jealous of what you have or your success. They are trying to bring you down to raise themselves up, which usually fails because they look like a bully. Sometimes it's hard because we get hate about our insecurities, but use your inner strength to not let it bother you. As Miranda Sings says, “Haters back off!”

Life will throw difficult scenarios at you when you least expect it, and that’s why it is good not to give up hope. You can turn anything positive if you set your mind to it. God is always with you and will help you through what your going through. He will give you the hope and strength you need. One of my favorite songs is “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack. It reminds me of how hopeful I can be when things get rough. Don’t lose hope. I know sometimes it's easier said than done, but it’s worth the risk, I promise.