If your 2018 has started anything like how mine has, you probably don’t have a lot of hope for how the rest of the year is going to turn out. But I’m here to be a voice of positivity and to tell you that things will work out.

The holidays and the New Year can be such a stressful time for a lot of people and sometimes we don’t always remember that. There is all this hype built up around spending time with your family and friends and feeling obligated to participate in activities. Just never forget to take care of yourself first though. Don’t underestimate the power of self-care; that could mean listening to music, reading a book, hanging with friends, watching your favorite movie, going for a run, or just spending some time alone.

Focus on doing things that make you happy and put you in a good mood to make the most of what is happening in your life. Don’t let the pressures of the holiday season amplify any negative aspects of your relationships with others or stressful responsibilities you have. The commitments you have shouldn’t make you nervous or anxious. Always remember, it’s okay to say no to something you don’t want to do or be involved in.

Even if the environment you’re in right now might not be ideal, you are still in control of your actions and how you feel about something.

Don’t ever let anyone invalidate your feelings just because they don’t agree with them. You have all year to connect with friends and family and strengthen the bonds with the people you want in your life. You have all year to focus on school and your future and you’ll have countless opportunities to steer things in the direction you want to make your life better.

Don’t let the end of 2017 or a bad start to 2018 put a damper on the amount of success you can achieve this year. Anything is possible and there are so many things to be excited about. Maybe you’re graduating, seeing an amazing concert, going on vacation, starting a new job, or seeing some old friends. Whatever it is you’ve got planned, or want to plan, get pumped and start taking steps toward these goals and fun opportunities. Everything that happened last year is in the past and you have a whole new year to start fresh and succeed.

You have 365 days this year to make things great for yourself.

There are so many chances to turn something around or take a new direction. Even if others are trying to drag you down or if there are constant sources of negativity if your life, you can still do this. Never forget that you are your own biggest fan and supporter, even if it doesn’t always feel like it. So don’t worry friend, you’ve got this and I believe in you. Keep your head held high and maintain a positive attitude and 2018 will be one of your best years yet!