With everything that has happened in 2016, it seems as though everyone is looking to 2017 to being a better year; I know I definitely am. From the devastating events that happened last year to the numerous influential people that were lost, 2016 didn't seem the greatest. But hopeful eyes are looking to 2017 to be bigger and better than ever.
Let's start off well and send out some good vibes, here are some tips to help 2017 be the best that it can be.
1. Focus on yourself
2017 should be the year of putting negativity in the past and looking for the year to better yourself. Channeling the very special Tim McGraw, stay humble and kind. Think: Where do I want to be in 2018? How can I get there? Focus on who you are, who you want to be and where you want to go. Set new goals for yourself, not the typical New Year's Resolutions that you know you can't keep up with but ones that you know you can accomplish and make you feel great once you've done so.
2. Try something new!
Maybe learn a new recipe every week or every other week. Try a new workout regimen or find a new favorite artist you like. 2017 doesn't need to be the same old same old. Take up a new hobby or submerge yourself in an old hobby that you haven't given attention to in a while. Take a class that doesn't necessarily pertain to your major but is something you take an interest in. I'm obsessed with sports, a huge history buff and I absolutely love art and even though I'm a journalism major, I'm taking a class this semester about the history of graphics in sports (literally couldn't be a perfect combination for me. Haha!)
3. Have a year-long project and keep up with it
I'm trying bullet journaling as a means to not only keep me organized and on track, but to hold my memories from the year. It is acting as my to-do list, my class schedule, my favorite songs from the year and places to visit as well as my bucket list.
Maybe the project you take up can be a form of service, where you dedicate each week to doing something good or giving back to the community in which you are placed. Maybe it's saving money, I know that one that I like is the $5 Challenge. Any time you cross paths with a $5 bill, whether it's after a night out or a movie with friends, put it away in a special place and don't touch it! See how much you can collect by the end of the year.
4. Try some sort of cleanse
Maybe it's some juice or water or crazy fad-diet cleanse, try it. Maybe it's a social media cleanse, try it. Or, maybe it's just simply a bad vibes cleanse, try it. It might be something goofy or something that you don't think will work, but you'll never know if you never try. And maybe in the process, you'll find something that works and helps you feel better, whether that's about yourself, your friends or family or simply the world around you.
5. Go on a spontaneous adventure
Explore the world around you. If you're still in your hometown, try to find a hidden spot or go somewhere you don't usually go. If you're away at college or off somewhere for an internship or new job, explore the area. Maybe you can discover a new coffee shop that is perfect for studying or getting work done. Maybe it's a state park or an attraction that everyone wants to go to.
I know when it comes to those living in Ames, either Ledges State Park or High Trestle Trail are really cool places to visit as well as great spots for photo ops.
6. Take pictures, but don't live through the camera lens
In the age of social media almost every one is looking for their next story on Snapchat or their next sensational Instagram post. And yes photos are great for not only letting the world know what you're doing but also great at documenting everything you've done and accomplished over the year. What they're not good for is actually letting you live and experience your life. Sometimes it can be too much when the only thing you may see or hear is the click of a camera.
Cheers to getting through one year and preparing for another. May the odds of 2017 being the best, be ever in your favor.
