So, it’s 2018, the fresh start that everyone was holding out for. Let’s be real here, 2017 kind of marked a downward spiral for America and the negligence of some problems in society. Can this new year really be that great with Trump in office and loads of other things to constantly stress over? With seemingly everyone and everything else to worry about, sometimes we forget to put ourselves into the equation. That’s why my New Year’s resolution is to (while obviously not disregarding others' wants and needs) put my own mental and physical health first. I'll be doing that in four basic steps.

Step 1:

Let's consider unnecessary burdens in our lives. Are you still hanging with that friend who is constantly making you feel bad about yourself? Still participating in that activity that you dread and only joined in the first place because your friend wanted you to? It’s time to make your own path and do what makes you feel happy and loved. The first milestone of happiness is always to admit what is taking away from that overall true happiness, and surround yourself with people that only want the best for you.

Step 2:

Take a step back. Stress is human and it is unavoidable in some situations, but most of the time we are our own worst enemy. Most everyone has heard that phrase, but does everyone even know what that means? I thought I did, but I was wrong. It sounds crazy, but humans tend to sabotage their own happiness and disregard the fact that tranquility is a factor in being content. Stress leads to overthinking things and underestimation, which is self-deprecating.

Step 3:

Try something new! With a fresh, new year, why not step out of your comfort zone? That’s the only place you’ll discover something you didn’t even know you’d love. That leads to self-discovery and the final step of self-help.

Step 4:

Have fun and be smart! It’s absolutely necessary to take those breaks in life to enjoy yourself -- to go out with your friends or just lay around and take a day to yourself. Be bold and ask that guy out that you’ve always wanted to go out with! Be gone with the invisible rule that the guy should ask the girl. Women have the power to do whatever they want.

It might not be a better government, or a better economy, or a better world with kinder people, but we can choose to be kind, to love, and to give of ourselves and for ourselves. We can make that choice to love ourselves and live the full life we are meant to live. ❤️