The ball has dropped. A brand new year has begun. We're on the first chapter of a 365 page book. It's easy to resolve to change, but how often have you really stayed true to your New Year's resolution? It's my hope that this list will give you some ideas that you can actually stick to, some ideas to change your life in this new year. So here are 17 of my resolutions, and I hope you get some new ideas too!

1. Let go of what you don't need. Empty your closet and actually only keep what you wear. Get rid of the stuff you've kept in your junk drawer for 10 years. If necessary, let go of relationships that aren't making you a better person or are holding you back. Let go of the past, and live for the present.

2. Spend less time using technology. Turn off your phone for a day. Stay off Facebook for a week. See what happens when you don't focus all your time on stalking Facebook, scrolling through Instagram, or snapchatting constantly. If you're feeling adventurous, stop binge watching Netflix, and go do something outside!

3. Spend more time in silence. Spend silent time daily. You could spend the time praying, taking a hike, walking along the river, or listening to calming music.

4. Be an explorer! Journey to a new place. Try a new restaurant. Try a new hiking trail. Do something you've never done before or something no one would think you could do!

5. Learn a new hobby. Learn how to sew. Learn a new language. Learn how to cook more food. Find a stress reliever!

6. Procrastinate less. Plan things out. Plan out when you are going to get work done, and take into account how long it will take to get it done. Stay on top of homework, and try to get things done early. Actually write in your planner and be prepared for class!

7. Study harder. Turn off your phone when you're studying. Stay away from distractions. Use better note taking strategies. Focus on what you're studying, and study regularly.

8. Sleep More. Go to bed at a normal time (after getting homework done at a decent hour). Sleep for 6-8 hours... regularly. Don't be afraid to reward yourself with a short nap sometimes!

9. Eat healthy. Actually eat breakfast. Eat fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods. Cut back on junk food. Cut back on fast food. STOP eating when you're bored.

10. Work out regularly. Make a schedule before the semester begins of when you are going to workout and stick to it. It doesn't have to be every day, but shoot for at least 3 days a week.

11. Actually look decent for class/work. This may sound absurd, but actually wear nice clothes for class! Instead of throwing on those sweatpants, wear some jeans and a T-shirt at least. Shower before class EVERY day. Have that look good feel good mentality.

12. Do more leisure reading. Check out a library book and read it when you need a stress reliever. Finish that series you've been meaning to finish since freshman year. Read that book your professor recommended but you never had time for.

13. Save money. Instead of going out on the weekend, spend time with your friends by doing something that doesn't cost a lot of money like a Redbox movie night. Save money when grocery shopping by only buying what you need. Don't go shopping at the mall as much. Control your impulsive spending.

14. Make new friends. Talk to people you haven't talked to before. Make friends in that gen ed class you have to take. You could even sit by a random person at lunch!

15. Do random acts of kindness. Try to do nice things every day. It doesn't have to be big. Hold the door open. Smile at a stranger. Ask someone how his or her day is going. Invite someone to hang out with you and friends.

16. Appreciate life more. Don't take life for granted. Live every day like it's your last. Be thankful for what you do have instead of complaining about what you wish you had. Be thankful you're getting an education rather than complaining about the grade you just got.

17. Last but definitely not least - BE HAPPY. Smile more. Joke more. Laugh more. Don't take everything so seriously. Life is too short to be anything but happy. :)

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! Wishing you all a year full of blessings and abundant joy! Let's make 2017 the best year yet!