As 2016 comes to an end, I reflect back on the things that I could have done differently. Here's to making a list (and hopefully sticking to it) of things that I want to do in 2017. Bring on the new year!

1. Spend more time actually doing school work.

I don’t know why I procrastinate all day and then wait until 5 o’clock to head to the library. When my class ends at 12, I will try to get all of my work done so that I can actually go to bed at a reasonable hour.

2. Work out at least once a week.

Probably a long shot, but it’s worth a try. If it works, it’ll be once more a week than I did this year.

3. Stop worrying about how many likes I get on my pictures.

How many likes I get on an Instagram picture does not define who I am. I will stop checking my phone every 2 minutes after I post a picture. Who needs 500 likes anyway?

4. Appreciate my friends more.

I have been blessed with some of the best friends ever and I do not tell them enough how thankful I am that they are in my life. I will try to tell them how much they mean to me more often.

5. Appreciate my family more.

The same goes for my family. I don’t tell them nearly enough how thankful I am for them. I will call them more and keep up with their lives, even when I am at school.

6. Spend less time on social media.

If I spent as much time reading as I do on social media, I would be a genius. So here’s to limiting my time spent with my nose in my phone and spending more time on the more important things in life.

7. Only eat Chick Fil A for one meal per week.

Remember that one time I ate chicken minis for breakfast, nuggets for lunch, and a sandwich for dinner? Yeah, lets not do that again this year.

8. Live in the moment.

I will stop thinking ahead, thinking of all of the things I have to do. I will sit back and give each task 100%, whether this is being out with my friends or doing my homework. I will stop and enjoy these moments and stop worrying about the past or future.

9. Stop comparing myself to others.

I am my own self. I will never be able to become someone that I am not. So, I will stop spending time wishing I had a better figure, better personality, or better clothes. I will try to be myself and only be myself.

10. Pray more.

This is something that I struggle with. I will make time to pray, even on the days when I think it’s not worth it. The most important relationship is a relationship with God, which is only going to be strong with prayer.

11. Stop and count my blessings.

This is so easy to do around the holiday season, but I will try and carry this into the new year.

12. Call my grandparents more.

They have done so much for me and I do not thank them nearly enough. I will call them more often because a simple conversation can my day around.

13. Call my siblings more.

Same with my siblings. Sometimes, I have no idea what is even going on in their lives. This will change in the new year for sure.

14. Save my terrier bucks until the end of the semester.

Ugh, I must stop going to phase v every weekend.

15. Make this year the best year yet.

A new year means new opportunities. I will take advantage of each one and be thankful.

So, here’s to a new year. Let’s hope that 2017 brings great things!