As 2015 has come to a close and a new year is upon us, people have begun making countless resolutions that they will supposedly carry out in the new year. While it is perfectly ok to begin going to the gym and dieting, I decided not to make any resolutions this year, considering that I almost always forget about them once February hits anyways. Instead, I've decided to reflect on the past year and focus on my own perspective that I wish to have for the new year. While we have no control over what surprises life may bring, I've come to realize that there are aspects of my life that I can control and will impact my happiness and wellbeing immensely. As cliche as it may sound, I have a good feeling about 2016 and a positive attitude can go a long way.

A way that I plan to make 2016 an amazing year is by surrounding myself with people that help me to grow and become a better person. Being around people that make you laugh, make you think, and make you genuinely happy is a key aspect to happiness that so many people seem to forget about. Being around negativity only diminishes your own outlook and takes away from the optimism that we all need when going into a new year.

With this, comes letting go of some people, as well. Sadly enough, some people come in and out of your life as the years go on. After spending much of 2015 wishing some people were still in my life, I have learned that if someone is meant to be in it, they will find their own way back. In 2016, I want to let go of my own regrets and "what if" thoughts and focus on the people present in my life instead.

One of the biggest lessons I learned in 2015, which I plan to carry with me in the new year, is how important it is to have a positive outlook. It is so easy to give up on people, to give up on love, and to give up on yourself. If you have this type of negative attitude going into any situation, it is bound to be as awful as you are planning on it being. The flip side of this, however, is what I hope to bring into 2016. I want to be hopeful in the new year and to not only be ready, but excited for the changes that will come.

While there is no guarantee as to what 2016 will bring, I think that going into a new year truly believing that it will be an amazing year is a great start. Setting goals for the future, focusing on the positive relationships in your life, and having a good attitude are simple, yet powerful ways you can control the success of the following year. So while I may not have any real "resolutions" for this year, I do have some goals: to surround myself with some good people, to try and find something to smile about everyday, and to take risks in order to grow and improve. As I have learned, a lot can change in a year, but luckily I can control how these changes shape the person I become.