It is 2017 and it is time for some change.
1. Get rid of any anger you may have.
This may be the hardest for some, but resentment is only harming yourself and wasting your energy and happiness. Forgive those around you. Have a light heart because at the end of the day we are all just humans reaching for the same goal: trying to figure out how to live the best we know. We are all struggling together and we ALL deserve some more kindness in our lives. Make an effort and learn to love.
2. Let go of the pressure to have everything figured out.
From the age of 10 my career goals have changed more times than I even have fingers to count. Props to you if you know completely what you want to do, who you want to be, and your exact direction in life because mine is still a huge mess of confusion. Learn to accept changing directions or no directions for that matter. Going into the future blind and willing to let the wind take you is how we should all live.
3. Let go of being ashamed to be who you are.
Do you do dorky things that if anyone found out, you would be so embarrassed you may crawl into a corner and die? I read a quote the other day. What if there is someone out there (friend or significant other) who does the same quirky things you do, but you walk right past each other because you are too ashamed or scared to show who you truly are? Embrace being embarrassed.
4. Say goodbye to petty bitterness.
I have to admit, this may be one of my hardest pills to swallow. Do not let busy traffic temper your thoughts too much. Do not let crowds tick you off. Do not let an annoying coworker or roommate spin you the wrong way. Learn patience. I have come to realize a lot of the time people do not mean to frustrate you, so do not let them.
5. Do not be a proponent of negativity.
The world already has enough of that. You are more than good enough. You are capable enough. You are strong. You are kind. You are wonderfully and fearfully made and hand crafted. If you met someone who spoke of every thought you said about yourself, how long would you be friends with yourself? Treat yourself well. You never truly fail until you stop trying. Believe in yourself because you deserve it. You CAN do it.
6. Let go of the stress society causes.
Click off. Unplug. Take a little time away from the constant notifications, work emails, and distractions. Be with yourself for a little while.
7. Push away any idea of hesitation.
Grow some confidence and if you cannot force yourself to do it anyway. Do not waste your life away wondering "what if." Do it. Take the trip with friends you don't really know. Take the internship in a city you have never been to. Go on the date with the person your friends have been trying to get you to for the past few months. Make 2017 a year of "yes."
8. Let go of self-mutilation.
Fill your body with healthy foods, people, and thoughts. Do good for yourself because it does so much good for you without even thinking. Our heart beats always, eye blink constantly, and brain thinks persistently. No questions asks. Treat it well. You are full of so much good and beautiful creation. Respect your body and respect yourself. Be thankful for what you have.
9. Let go of harming your world.
Be thankful of nature and the world around you. It gives so much when all we seem to do is take. Respect your land and what is given to you. It is so little, but turn off a light when you leave the room, unplug your charger when you are not using it, and try to not use as much water. The world is not unlimited, but kindness is.