2017. This year I am making a resolution and actually sticking to it. New year new me, am I right? LOL... right.

I have always loved the thought of a new year and the chance for a fresh start. Realistically, you can start something whenever you want. New Year’s Day is just an inspirational day to do it. Whether it’s learning a new instrument or changing your daily routine, people go out of their way to make lists for the start of the new year. Herds hit up the gym to work off those holiday dinners and start that goal of dropping 15 pounds. Getting more organized or spending less money are also two of the top resolutions people say they will commit to in the new year. But realistically, why? Why is it their number one priority in the new year to lose a couple pounds and color code their files? Both are great; but, will they actually make your year that much better?

This year, I challenge you to enjoy your life more just the way it is. I’m not saying don’t change anything ever; change is good. It helps us grow as people and find things that were missing in our lives. But, before you go through with all of these changes, why not try your hardest to love the life you currently have? There is always someone out there worse off than you are. Be happy with what you have and can do in your own life.

Go out and do more. Love more. Love yourself as much as you would love your own child. The more you love yourself, the more love you can give to others. The happier you are the happier the people around you are going to be. Be nice. It’s honestly one of the easiest resolutions you can make. Just be nice. Don’t judge people as soon as you meet them. Take two minutes out of your day to do the dishes for your roommates and don’t pick apart people just because you feel they might have something you don’t. Take more risks. Tell that cute guy you pass by every day “hi”. If he’s not interested, you didn’t lose anything. You didn’t talk in the first place.

Be excited for the new semester in school. Say, hey these classes might be super interesting or super easy. Whatever way you want to look at it. Actually, make plans with the friends you’ve been saying “let's hang out” with for weeks. Everyone likes it when they feel like someone actually wants to see them. Laugh more and chill out. Not everything is meant to be taken so seriously. Make this the year you are your happiest and calmest self. Big changes don’t need to be made for your life to be more enjoyable. You create your own happiness. I laugh at myself all of the time and I have no shame in it. I simply think I’m really funny. Let other people know that you're funny too. Talk more to the people in your classes. Make sure they know that you are there. One of the speakers at my high school graduation said, “make sure they know that you're there”. Those seven words have stuck with me for the last year and a half. So, do it; make them know you’re there. Laugh more, smile more, speak up, and give your opinion. Happy people find happy people. Make this the year that you find happiness in the simple things and have fun.

Resolutions should be things that actually make you happy and make you feel like a better person. At the end of the day, no one cares if you weigh 140 or 150 pounds. They only care about how much fun they had with you. Have a wonderful 2017 and don’t beat yourself up if your original resolutions don’t work out. Just be a little more positive. That will beat out any resolution any day.

Happy New Year!