Every year on December 31st at midnight, you toast with champagne with your closest friends and family and list off the things you choose to work on for the new year. Fireworks are going off in the background and you're looking at pictures through your phone that were created by some of your favorite memories.

"Lose weight" and "start exercising" are probably at the top of that New Years resolution list. But the truth is, how many people are actually able to stick to that resolution and achieve it. In real life, you maybe work out for a month (at the most,) but then life and work and everything else distracts you and you're back at square one by the next New Year. It`s discouraging when you see you've made no process but most people are always focused on trying to lose an excessive amount of weight throughout the year.

Of course eating healthier and exercising more are great resolutions, but the goal is always to lose a large amount of weight by a certain time which ends up being unachievable. People jump in by completely cutting out large food groups and only trying to eat fruits and vegetables while trying to work out seven days a week which can be a lot to someone who is not used to that amount of activity. Instead, try cutting out soft drinks or alcohol to start out. You can also try cutting back on sugar or other unhealthy food. It`s easier to cut back on a particular food than cutting all of them out at one time.

As for working out, don't try to kill yourself by working out seven days a week for two hours a day. Start off by working out every other day for thirty minutes. Or you can make it a daily activity to walk for thirty minutes once day.

Some other ways to help you have a better new year is by keeping a small journal to write in daily to keep track of all of your growth and experiences you have had that have helped you. This way you will have a daily reflection to see what your past year was like. Smile more and be positive. 2016 was such a hateful year and 2017 needs a little love.

Travel, write, read, sing, and dance. Try new foods and go to new places to expand your mind. Go hiking and other small adventures to have fantastic experiences. Create a better relationship with God. Take pictures with your friends and remember all of the laughs. Spend time with your loved ones. Volunteer more, help others, and fight for what is right.

This past year was such a big year for acceptance and I think we need to carry that on in 2017 to grow from it and continue working towards peace. Love yourself deeply and love others. Stay healthy and be kind. Happy New Year!