I often hate this time of year. A new year usually reminds of the failed resolutions from years past, and puts me in a funky mood. Do I continue to make the same New Years Resolution that I usually do? To lose weight? Be a better person? Kick ass in school? Im so over the generics resolutions that I always claim and never follow through with (except kicking ass in school, I'm doing quite well).

2017 is the year for self discovery. With so much hate and tragedy this past year, I've decided to focus on the positives in my life and how to improve them even more for my resolutions. I hope this year I discover even more self-love, I hope this year I stop apologizing for things I cannot control, I hope this year I focus on the things that make me happy, and less on the things that do not. Ultimately, I hope this year I find myself in ways I haven't yet, and discover what true confidence and happiness can do for my life.

I'm going to let old feuds go, and wish the best for every single person I've encountered. I'm going to stop holding onto old grudges of those who've done me wrong. I'm going to stop REGRETTING. 2017 will truly be the year of no regrets for me...I guarantee it.

So, if you're like me and tired of the typical resolutions most people abandon mid way through February, Ive got a few suggestions for you.

1: Stop Bringing Yourself Down

Women (and men!) get enough pressure form society and social media to perform or look a certain way. So you don't have flat abs like Kendall Jenner...who honestly cares? Your body is unique in its own way and since when does being unique equal being unworthy or unattractive. Stop hating. Start loving. Find aspect you admire in yourself (physical or not) and focus on those.

2: Phase Out Those Who Are Not Positive Influences

You don't have time for people who bring negativity into your life. Whether its friends, colleagues, or even family, people who bring you down will only cause you see otherwise positive things in a dark light. Surround yourself with those who will help you grow in your opinions, actions, and thoughts.

3: Give More To Yourself

I know I'm the type of person who would give anything and everything to those I love. But sometimes, that is not always a good thing. Save some Friday nights for yourself. Save that last $20 and get a pedicure. Don't feel bad for taking time for yourself and put yourself and your needs first.

4: It's Okay To Say "No"

This is tough one for me personally. I need to learn to say "no" to things I'm not into, or don't want to participant it. I need to discover my backbone more and stop letting people walk all over me. Take into account your feelings and weigh those heavily before considering others feelings.

5: Don't Be Afraid To Fail

Every single person in this universe makes mistakes. Thats how we learn and thats how we grow. Stop regretting something just because it failed. Never give up on something just because it's going south--failure is a part of life, and the sooner you accept it, the sooner you can be on your way to successfulness.

While I believe these could be applied to most people, take some time to reflect on your life and you'll discover resolutions that could really benefit your overall life. Everyone is different so everyone should have a slightly unique resolution.

Whatever you decide, lets all make a resolution to make 2017 the best year of our lives. Lets start living.

I'm back.

Love,

-A