Going into my sophomore year of college, there’s so many different changes that I wouldn’t have made if I didn’t realize how important it is to be optimistic, open-minded, and positive.

I’ve started this new year with a mind-set that I’m so regretful of not having many years before. I’ve learned to look at every situation and accept all the aspects of it, while moving forward, or moving along with it.

I’ve learned to love every conversation I have with people, whether that be with strangers or with my best friends. I’ve understood the concept of loving peace and quiet and going with the flow of hectic days that serve no time for a gasp of fresh air.

I’ve decided that I love every outfit that I put on and I look equally as good when I’m presentable or when I’m looking like a hobo, as long as I have a rockin’ smile on my face.

There’s so many ways to wake up and realize that every day can and will be a good day, and it’s taken me so long to realize this. Which is so unfortunate and has added so many dark days to a life filled with constant sunshine (literally, because SoCal, lulz) that I somehow felt was necessary to block out when I felt the slightest bit of pity for myself or felt like the world was coming down on me.

Yes, sad days will emerge, and even worse, no matter how hard you tell yourself all these positive things, you will hit bumps in the road. But the good news is there’s only 24 hours in a day. You get a re-do button every time your alarm goes off the next morning (some call it snooze).

I’ve spent too much time being negative on things that really aren’t that big of a deal literally 10 minutes later. I’ve been upset with people who really aren’t worth the time of day, nor thought processing.

So, along with growing as a human, I hope to grow in positivity. I hope to continue this mind-set throughout all the tests, inevitable failures, late nights, fights, tears, and all the crappy things that come along with being in college. You got to accept all aspects of any situation if you’re going to truly enjoy every day to its fullest potential. You really only have 24 hours.

So on that note… I had a conversation with someone who simply reminded me to not sweat the small stuff the other day — and it was the perfect conversation and piece of advice to be reminded of as I walked into my first week of my sophomore year.

I’m so, sooooooo ready.