It’s been a few days since the end of our beloved (or not so beloved, depending on your situation) 2015. 2015 was the year of "Parks and Recreation"’s season finale, the breakout of Caitlyn Jenner, ISIS’ Paris attack, Adele’s new album, heated political debates, and the mis-crowning of Miss Universe. So while 2016 starts off with the usual countdown and romantic stroke-of-midnight kisses, I decided to make a few new adjustments in my life. I believe that I’m at an age where change is inevitable and changes shapes character through attitude and experiences. So hopefully these six changes can help me, and maybe you too, have a year filled with smiles, laughter, and 365 days of a life fulfilled.

1. Making time

When you’re 18, you’re told that this is the beginning. This is where you start to develop who you are, you meet friends that stay with you for the rest of your life, and you might even meet your significant other and start dreaming about that one day when there’s going be a cake with miniature bride and groom figurines on top. This is a time where you’re going to want to take pictures and maybe even write down how your day was (and risk being called the mom of the group...I’ve learned to embrace it), and know that being in a state of bliss is something worth living in the now.

2. Detach

I’ve been reading a book that talks about living life through detachment. It talks about experiencing life’s moments by letting go completely and instead focusing on how you’re mentally feeling. Let your emotions take over you, let them overwhelm your entire body. Notice if your body is tense or relaxed, if you’re gritting your teeth, or smiling from ear to ear. Once you recognize what that emotion feels like, you can allow yourself to detach and understand what each feeling does to you. Think about it: How many times have you wanted to cry but held back the tears? How many times did you want to tell someone that you love them but didn’t because you didn't want to seem emotional? This emotional inhibition mentally and physically blocks us from truly experiencing what it’s like to be a human being. Turn on your emotions; learn to know each one like the back of your hand. Learn to detach.

3. Be more Christlike

Being humble, being selfless, and being slow to anger are some of the foundations of Christ. This is something that I will never perfect, but that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t try it. I want 2016 to be a year where I focus less on myself and more on others. Starting with how I treat them.

4. Practice fulfilling engagement

Recently I had a talk with one of my closest friends about how people will do almost anything to seek status or to fit into society’s standards, how some people will do anything to earn approval from the people around them. I want to steer away from small talk; I want to engage with a person. I want to learn about them and understand who they are, and if you’re cringing at what I just said, I ask you to reevaluate why this is uncomfortable to you. Our society is made up of brief questions and answers that usually end with “I’m fine.” Life is short, so make time to check on your friends and ask about their lives. Dedicate five or 10 minutes, or even a whole hour, to learning about who they are in this world. I guarantee it’ll make the next “How are you?” a lot more meaningful.

5. Practice self love

I’m doing this by doing a little bit of yoga each night. By giving time to focus on my body along with a little meditation through something I love to do, I get to relax and reflect on how my day was without the calamity of the outside world interrupting.

6. Expressing

Similar to what I said about detachment, I want to be able to express when I’m angry, when I’m sad, happy, affectionate, etc. without resentment or embarrassment. I don’t want to hide my feelings; it doesn’t matter what emotion I’m experiencing at the moment, if I’m lucky to live in a nation with the freedom with expression, I want to take advantage of it. My time on earth is too short to cover up what my soul feels for the sake of my earthly, naive pride. So be content with where you are, and take the next day step by step.

2016, be a year where I learn what it means to be alive. Let me learn to be in this world and not of it. Let me have a year with memories to tell my best friends 10 years from now; I'll take anything you throw in my way with embracing arms.