Every year I always reevaluate how the past year went. As the year starts to come to an end, I always hear how bad people's year has gone, but why does your year have to be bad? I was pleasantly surprised when I truly looked back on 2016. If I'm being honest, 2016 was amazing for me. I went to competitions for my dance team and we received many awards, I went to New York City to finally commit to the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, I graduated high school, I moved to New York City, and I have such an amazing family. The list could go on, but let's just say, 2016 was so good to me.

As much as I would like to remember what my New Year's Resolution was for 2016, I don't. It probably had something to do with choosing to be happy, or not caring what others thought of me. Again, I don't remember, and if it was that, it didn't happen, sadly. So here I am to document my New Year's Resolution, and to help give anyone else who needs ideas for the upcoming year.

1. Choose Happiness

You might be asking, how do I choose to be happy? Well as someone who has major depression, it can be hard. The way I will choose to be happy, is by finding the positive in every negative. Not everything in life has to be bad, and if I choose to be happy, I might finally be happy.

2. FINALLY be comfortable in my own skin

It's hard to feel confident if you've been bullied in the past, but I know that feeling comfortable in your own skin is possible. There's not much you can do about your body shape unless you get surgery done to it. The best you can do is go to a gym, or work out, and that's what I do. What I will be doing is getting a post note and I will be putting a few around my room that have "You are beautiful" written on them. I've learned from past experiences that just those three words can help you feel more confident.

3. Keep my expectations low

I have been disappointed numerous times in the past because my expectations were too high. I am here to tell you that if you continue doing that, you will only be disappointed in the end, no matter the outcome.

I really hope that these 3 ideas help you in the process of choosing a resolution. Try not to stick to the generic, "Lose weight", "Be healthier", resolutions, because you'll stick to it, and some might continue, but most don't follow through. Start today, not tomorrow. Take charge of your life.

Happy New Year! May the New Year bring you lots of joy and happiness.