With the New Year upon us, it's time to make those New Year's Resolutions! Yes, I should definitely hit the gym more than once a month and probably do my homework earlier than the night before it's due, but I’m talking about the real resolutions, the ones we can actually work on this year. Resolutions that can actually change our lives.

1. This year, I want to forgive.

There are so many things we have stored away in our heads, and they drag us down daily. So it's time to forgive. Forgive the friend who made a mistake. Forgive the guy who broke your heart. Forgive yourself and forgive others. We are called to do this, so let's make it happen this year.

2. This year, I want to say yes.

Say yes to adventures and trying new things. Say yes to the spontaneous road trip. Say yes to coffee dates. Say yes to meeting new people. Say yes to things you never thought you would ever say yes to. Saying yes brings about opportunity and new experiences. Saying yes prevents the “what if” and “what could’ve happened.” SAY YES.

3. This year, I want to love myself.

This is always a hard one. We’re so quick to be hard on ourselves whether it be our bodies or our grades or what people think of us so I say WHO CARES. Find your happiness and forget the rest. Treat your mind and body with the love it deserves.

4. This year, I want to embrace the changes.

Personally, this is my biggest battle every day. Things have changed over the years, AND THAT’S OK. It’s time to embrace the new people, new towns, and a new life you have.

5. This year, I want to trust.

Let down the wall you have built and trust the good in people. You will get hurt, and that’s OK. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; He has a plan for you and chances are it is different than the one you have created for yourself in your head. Just go with it this year.

6. This year, I want to challenge myself.

Whether it is a hard class or facing a fear, go for it. We are meant for growth and by challenging ourselves we will grow in so many ways. Give yourself a challenge/goal for every day and then do it. Be fearless. Don’t second-guess your decisions. Use your head, but follow your heart.

7. This year, I want to live boldly.

I want to do everything I can, and I want to do it loud. I want to go at everything whole-heartedly and give it all that I have. I want to stand up for others and myself. I want to be bold in my decisions and actions. I want to boldly make an effect on people this year.

8. This year, I want to live a life I love.

I want to live for myself and do the things I love and enjoy no matter what the valleys and peaks look like. I want to embrace the life I have been given. I want to live a life I’m proud of at the end of every day. I want to own every second that this world can give.

So cheers to you, 2017! Let's do this.