In years past, the start of the new year has always compelled me to set a list of resolutions which I hope to follow throughout the year. However, these resolutions have often been forgotten about and left without any adherence to them. But 2018 seems different. The lessons I learned, people I met, and things I have experienced have led me to the person I began with in 2018. As some say, when one door closes, another opens. Well, 2017 is the door that has closed, revealing a bright, new 2018. With the start of a new year, here are the resolutions I made that hope to make 2018 the best year.

1. Keep a day journal.

Every day is new, special, and different. Having a journal that details your day-to-day activities, events, and emotions allows you the most personal method for self-reflection. This self-reflection is essential to recognizing yourself and who you aspire to be this new year. Plus, it is always nice to read through these entries at the end of the year and recollect old memories that could have possibly been forgotten if you did not write them down.

2. Be open to new people, places, and experiences.

Sometimes, it is so easy to be stuck in our daily routines that we forget to be open to change. With a new year comes new people, places, opportunities, and decisions. While we are so accustomed to our normal schedules, it is important to never be afraid of a different experience, especially at the beginning of a new year. Therefore, we must always be open and receptive to the endless varieties which 2018 can provide for us.

3. Be genuine; do not be afraid to distinguish yourself.

Being ourselves can be a challenge at times. We find ourselves amongst larger groups who share similar opinions, but the challenge lies when a larger group's opinion disagrees with our own. In that moment, it is difficult to stand up for ourselves, to distinguish who we are and what we value amidst a larger group. In the new year, a great resolution to set is to have the courage to stand up for yourself in these situations despite what other people may say or think.

4. Pray more, stress less.

As someone who frequently overthinks, stress is a common part of my daily life let alone my year. However, I find that most things I stress about are so insignificant that they barely affect me. With this in mind, I hope to direct my common stresses towards prayer, a power which truly soothes all.

5. Try to exercise more.

I can count the times I have gone to the gym on one hand the past year. So, exercising more is a resolution that will thank me later, especially during the summer months.

6. Never be afraid to show or tell the people in your life why you love them.

Out of the twelve months in a year, I am home for around four of them. That means that I am far away from the people who mean the most to me, the people that have known me my whole life. So, it is never too late to tell the people you love why you love them.

7. Try to establish a better sleep schedule.

Believe it or not, the average person needs a minimum of six to eight hours of sleep a day in order to properly function. A better sleep schedule will not only help me perform my best but also will help me get the most out of every single day.

8. When you are in the presence of someone else, put your phone down.

In the past year, I have realized the negatives to being obsessed with your phone. It truly is a distraction, especially when you are in the company of others. A good resolution for this new year is to enjoy being around others in the most genuine way by enjoying their company and giving them the undivided attention they deserve. Social media is guaranteed to exist tomorrow and the day after that, so don't worry, you aren't missing anything.

9. Learn or do something new.

A new language, hobby, sport, anything. The world is your oyster this new year, so anything is possible. 2018 can truly be the start of something new for you.