One of the things I have learned in the past year is that life is too short.

This led me to realize the importance of doing things that make YOURSELF happy. I carefully thought about what I wanted my New Year's resolutions to be this year. But then I realized a simple thing I wanted to accomplish, and it all became so easy. My resolutions ultimately add up to more self-love and happiness. I may not become extremely fit or travel the entire world this year, but it’s the little things that count.

It's these small tasks I can do that will positively impact me.

1. Run more.

2. Read more books.

Reading has always been a hobby of mine. Unfortunately, the past few years I have had a withdrawal from reading because of how busy I’ve been. This year I’m putting my foot down and taking more time to relax with a good book.

3. Explore more places.

For the longest time, I have yearned to see new sights and explore new cities. I want to learn more about the world, different cultures, and different walks of life. Being busy and not having money has also stood in the way of accomplishing this in the past. I am making a promise to myself to explore at least a few new places this year.

4. Eat healthier.

I’m not saying I’m going to eat a salad every day, or go vegetarian, but I am definitely going to make an effort to eat healthier. My habit of eating macaroni and cheese and pizza rolls every day has to go.

5. Discover new music.

Music is inarguably one of the best things in the world. I have this bad habit of finding a type of music I love and sticking to it. My goal is to step out of the boundaries of the music I listen to.

6. Do more for others.

Seeing others happy makes me ten thousand times happier than any material thing ever could. My goal is to volunteer more, pay it forward, and just do nice things for people more often this year.

7. Get another tattoo.

Tattoos can be such an important and meaningful thing. Before my mom passed away, we had planned to get matching tattoos of something that is very special to us. I know she would still want me to do this. This is one of the things I am most persistent to do this year.

8. Be more positive.

This is by far one of the most important things for everyone. I have always tried to keep a positive mind, but sometimes life just happens. I want to learn how to stand my ground even when bad things happen and keep my inner positivity.

These are just my own personal resolutions, but I encourage everyone to find resolutions that will make them happy!