We all read posts about how to improve our everyday lives, and how to find true happiness, but do we ever really try them out? Between Pinterest and Facebook, I think I've read over 1,000 posts about self-improvement and always thought "I'll have to try these sometime". Yet they are all stashed away under the millions of other posts I also save and never revisit.

Over the past month, I've been making small changes to the way I live, not because of those posts, but because I saw areas in my life that needed improving. So, below is a list of realizations and new practices that I've been implementing recently that have made me absolutely and utterly stoked on life.

1. The sun came up this morning...

... and I witnessed it. Waking up early enough to see the sunrise isn't just rewarding in itself, it's a great way to start the day and feel productive right out of the gate. More importantly, the sun woke up this morning and said: "Don't let yesterday affect today because today is a new day." Carpe Diem!

2. I'm capable of anything I put my mind to

I am a strong independent woman and I fully believe that! I'm not an old dog, I can learn new tricks. I learn new tricks all the time, and I'm confident in my ability to do so. I'm capable of learning a new language or losing those extra 10 pounds. Nothing is impossible.

3. I have loving family and friends

Consciously knowing that my friends and family love and support me, has helped improve my sense of well being. Even when I'm difficult, they are always there for me. It makes me feel blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful people and I don't take that feeling for granted. It isn't a once-a-day feeling, it's an all-day feeling. Never forget how much your family loves you.

4. I'm proud of who I am

I've stopped comparing myself to other people and became comfortable in my own skin. That doesn't mean I'm satisfied with where I'm at, but it doesn't put as much stress on myself to get where I want to be. It is still something that I (and basically every female on the earth) struggle with every day, but each day gets easier knowing I am beautiful inside and out no matter what.

5. My goals and aspirations

These two things have been keeping me motivated. I know that I can't get where I want to go unless I stay motivated in what I'm doing right now. I want to be the best at my job, and make the best grades that I can. I'm now willing to put in the extra effort I need to make that A and it has made me more confident in school, as well as my future.

6. I'm learning to love where I am

Stillwater in the summer is a whole new world that can be hard to get used to. All your friends move home, the rest of the people here are just strangers, and you're trying to find things to do. I'm starting to learn that Stillwater is just as beautiful without all the college kids in it (even though there's still quite a few). Plus I can still get Trailer Trash Treatz!

7. Letting go of the little things

This is still a work in progress but practice makes perfect! Instead of harboring feelings about small things, I'd rather be happy and let them go. I have begun looking at everything as a learning experience and it has drastically changed what I take out of arguments and disappointments.

8. Getting my routine down

This has single handedly changed my mood day in and day out. I've started going to sleep early and waking up early, working out daily, and eating at regular times. Being in control of my routine gives me so much extra time to get stuff done. I'm barely worried about beating the clock anymore.

9. Saying "thank you," not "I'm sorry"

Now, this doesn't work for every case, but for those times when you say sorry for no real reason, sometimes its better to say thank you. I've started doing this and it has made me much more appreciative of things. Where I used to say sorry for speaking my mind or for being late for something, I now say thank you for listening to me or thank you for waiting on me. It's a practice I very much encourage others to participate in!

Now lastly...

10. Learning to stay humble

As the great philosopher, Kendrick Lamar once said, "Sit Down, Be Humble". Just because things are going well right now doesn't mean I need to push my luck or let myself get cocky. Growing a big head throws off the equilibrium of life, and that's a fact.