Every year, my family sits down on New Year's Day to write our resolutions. It’s always interesting to see what we’ve accomplished over the last 12 months—plans change, life can get in the way, and yet we can still achieve our goals. This year I’ve decided to make a list composed of things I want to continue and things I want to change. I think it’s important to acknowledge what I’ve accomplished and want to maintain in 2017. That being said…

1. Keep striving for balance.

I overload. I over-commit. I push really hard. I’m not saying that any of these things are bad, but rather, I want to continue learning to balance. Now, this doesn’t mean neglecting things and re-prioritizing my entire life. Balance will help me stay more level-headed.

2. Work harder on relationships.

As I may have eluded to above, I sometimes (well, a lot of the time) put so much energy into certain things that I forget about others, like friends. In this new year, my friends from home will be a more significant part of my life because I will put more effort into being their friends. I will extend the olive branch. I will make sure they know I love them.

3. Go to church more.

I think I can speak for a lot of college kids who claim they don't have enough time to go to church. If I have time to watch an episode of Grey’s, I have enough time for mass.

4. Pack lighter.

I’m blessed to travel several times a year, even just back and forth from school. Let me tell you, I’ve got an issue. I pack way too much, wherever I’m going. I’m always the one at the airport that gets the “caution when lifting” tag added to their bag. This year, I need to be more intelligent when packing for travel!

5. Keep it up with the gym.

In the New Year, lots of people tend to set fitness goals. Over the past few months, I’ve increased my time at the gym by 500% and begun eating incredibly clean. Let me tell you, I have never felt better. My joints are less sore, I’m never bloated, and my skin is better than ever.

6. Save more.

One of my main goals for this year is to learn to spend (or not spend) wiser. Learning to invest money, keep money in savings, and only allow certain amounts for spending will make for a stronger financial year.

7. Keep it positive.

Whether it is positivity towards myself or towards one another, continuing to see the glass half full will forever be an ongoing goal in my life.

Happy New Year! Here’s to a prosperous 2017.