It’s a new year so you know what that means: New Year’s Resolutions. That’s right. It’s the time that we all reflect on the past year and look at what we want to change or do more/less of in the upcoming year. I have never been one to set a specific goal when going into the new year.

My goals for each new year have always been a little different but all with the underlying goal to grow more in whatever way during that upcoming year. It could be to grow in my faith or to grow by being a better friend to those around me, but no matter what, growth has always been present.

Don’t get me wrong, resolutions that involved a specific task to complete something whether it be to complete a marathon or go to a new country, these are all great goals to have. And I have always admired people that set out and complete these specific goals.

Bottom line is that during this time of the new year we are all wanting to grow and be better in many different ways. Little or big, we want to practice or do something within the upcoming year. But then, February rolls around and some of us forget about the things we promised to do more of or work towards at the beginning of that new year.

This year instead of stressing out over completing a specific New Year's resolution goal, I made a list of 8 things that I wish for or want from 2018.

1. Gratefulness; to be more grateful for my family, friends and health.

2. Confidence; to be confident not only in myself, but through my faith.

3. Motivation; to be motivated to chase my goals within school or work

... Basically, work hard at everything I do.

4. Joy; to find the joy and happiness in the little things.

5. Patience; I tend to always be looking forward to the next thing, which is great in some cases, but it is also important to enjoy the now.

6. Intentional; to be more intentional with all my relationships.

7. Live Loved; to remember each day how loved I am.

8. And lastly, GROWTH; to grow in different ways through all these other goals.

By having these eight wishes, it will help me grow this year by not stressing and to show compassion to the people around me.

Now, I may not always do these things, but by writing it all down as a reminder will help me remember how I wanted to see myself grow within the new year. So that when I look back at 2018, I will think of all those words to describe the past year.

A new year doesn’t mean you have to change yourself (hints the New Year, New Me saying), we just need to continue to learn and grow from each year that passes.

So, what are some of the things you want to do to see grow within your life, not only during this new year time but all throughout the year?

Happy 2018!